File #: 2024-0409    Version:
Type: Ordinance Status: Passed
File created: 2/4/2025 In control: Government Accountability and Oversight Committee
On agenda: Final action: 3/25/2025
Enactment date: 4/7/2025 Enactment #: 19906
Title: AN ORDINANCE authorizing the executive to enter into a renewal of cable television franchise 5602 with WAVEDIVISION I, LLC, for a period ending July 31, 2033.
Sponsors: Pete von Reichbauer
Indexes: Franchises
Attachments: 1. Ordinance 19906, 2. A. Cable System Franchise and Agreement Between WAVEDIVISION I LLC and King County - Updated 3-6-25, 3. A. Cable System Franchise and Agreement Between WAVEDIVISION I, LLC and King County, 4. 2024-0409_RevisedSR_WaveCableFranchiseRenew, 5. 2024-0409_AMD1_CorrectTerm bar, 6. ATT2_2024-0409_T1_TitleAMD_DateCorrection bar, 7. 2024-0409 transmittal letter, 8. 2024-0409 Fiscal Note, 9. 2024-0409 Legislative Review Form, 10. ATT5_2024-0409 Hearing Notice - Seattle Times - Publish 3-13-25 3-20-25, 11. 2024-0409_SR_WaveCableFranchiseRenew
Title
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the executive to enter into a renewal of cable television franchise 5602 with WAVEDIVISION I, LLC, for a period ending July 31, 2033.
Body
STATEMENT OF FACTS:
1. In accordance with K.C.C. chapter 6.27A and the federal Cable Act, 47 U.S.C. Sec. 521, et seq., as well as regulations and orders issued by the Federal Communications Commission, King County is authorized to negotiate, award, and renew nonexclusive franchise agreements with cable television companies.
2. It is in the interests of the residents of unincorporated King County that the county negotiates franchise agreements with cable television companies that are willing to serve these residents.
3. County staff and the management of WAVEDIVISION I, LLC, a Washington limited liability company doing business as Astound Broadband ("Astound"), have negotiated a renewal of cable television franchise 5602.
4. Astound acquired this franchise from the former franchisee, Broadstripe Communications. Ordinance 17251, enacted January 21, 2012, approved the transfer to Astound.
5. Ordinance 17430, enacted October 12, 2012, approved a change in control within Astound, and extended the franchise term to September 11, 2013.
6. Ordinance 17670, enacted September 26, 2013, approved a renewal of the franchise to July 31, 2023.
7. King County and Astound began negotiations for a renewed franchise in June 2023.
8. Under the federal Cable Act, 47 U.S.C. Sec. 521, et seq., the franchise continues during franchise renewal negotiations unless and until the franchisee voluntarily terminates the franchise or the franchising authority denies renewal.
9. The county has identified future cable-related needs and interests of the county and its residents, has considered the financial, technical, and legal qualifications of Astound, and finds that renewal of the nonexclusive franchise agreement, which is Attachment A to this ordinance, is consistent with the public interest.
10. The council has ...

Click here for full text