Title
Approve and authorize the Director of the Information Technology Department to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission, expressing County support for Charter Communication's request for an exemption from the requirements of Public Utilities Code section 320.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve and authorize the Director of the Information Technology Department to send a letter to the California Public Utilities Commission, expressing County support for Charter Communication's request for an exemption from the requirements of Public Utilities Code section 320.
SUMMARY:
In a 2016 settlement with the County, Charter Communications (Charter) promised to upgrade its broadband internet and cable television services in underserved, rural areas of the County. To bring these upgraded services to Carmel Highlands and Laguna Seca, it must construct along Highway 68 and Highway 1. Charter has applied to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) for an exemption from the statute that requires that construction of communications facilities along scenic highways be underground, when feasible. To realize the benefits of the promised services upgrade, the Director of ITD recommends that the Board authorize a letter to the CPUC, supporting Charter's request for exemption.
DISCUSSION:
In May 2016, with the Board of Supervisors' approval, Charter and Monterey County agreed to a settlement concerning Charter's proposed merger with Time Warner Cable Inc. and other companies; at that time, approval of the merger was pending before the CPUC. In the settlement, Charter promised significant upgrades in broadband internet and cable television services to unserved and underserved areas of Monterey County, in return for the County's withdrawal of its opposition to the merger before the CPUC.
As part of the upgrade, Charter seeks to construct along 16 miles of Highways 1 and 68, on existing poles and aeria...
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