New York State Commission on Cable Television Cable Television Case Files

Arranged by subseries, and therein by docket number.

The files in this series were compiled and maintained by the Commission on Cable Television prior to its abolishment and the assumption of its duties by the Department of Public Service (Laws of 1995, Chapter 83). During a brief transitional period, the Public Service Commission maintained these files as a discrete series separate from the case files for other regulated utilities. Commencing in 1997, the Department of Public Service integrated cable television regulation with the agency's existing responsibilities for the oversight of telephone and other telecommunications utilities. At that time, the Public Service Commission began including cable television case files within its series of case files pertaining to other public utilities.

These case files document the regulation of cable television system operations in New York. The files are divided into seven subcategories, each with a corresponding docket number series.

Certificate of confirmation files (docket number 10000 series): These files document the process by which the Commission on Cable Television approved the construction and operation of cable television systems in New York. After negotiating franchise agreements with municipalities, cable companies were required to gain approval for these agreements from the Commission. If the Commission determined that the proposed service met certain technical and programming standards and was "safe, adequate and reliable," the Commission granted the company a certificate of confirmation permitting construction and operation. Initially, certificates of confirmation were valid for five-year periods but duration varied over time.

Certificate of confirmation files contain copies of franchise agreements, information on ownership of cable systems, technical specifications and design documents, performance test logs, environmental assessment reports and maps, correspondence, notices of municipality meetings on proposed cable systems, and municipality resolutions approving franchise agreements.

Renewal files (docket number 30000 series): These records document the Commission's review of applications for renewal of cable company franchise agreements with municipalities. Initially, the Commission renewed certificates of confirmation on application for five-year periods, but regulations varied over time. Renewal files include notices of intent to renew, copies of renewal agreements, proof of publication of renewals, documentation of changes in technical design, operating specifications, performance test data, correspondence, and Commission orders approving renewals.

Amendment files (docket number 50000 series): These files contain documentation of amendments to franchise agreements negotiated and agreed upon by municipalities and cable companies. Commission approval of such amendments was required. Amendment files contain texts of amendments, supporting documentation, correspondence between companies and municipalities, and copies of Commission orders approving or rejecting amendments.

Abandonment of service files (docket number 60000 series): Cable television companies were prohibited from abandoning service without giving six months prior written notice to the Commission, the franchisor, and the municipalities served. When abandonment of service was prohibited by a franchise agreement, cable companies were prohibited from abandoning service without written consent of the franchisor and the Commission. These files contain correspondence and legal papers documenting cases in which abandonment of service was contemplated.

Transfer files (docket number 70000 series): These files document transfers of control or ownership of cable companies. Commission approval of ownership or control transfers was required. Transfer files contain copies of ownership or control transfer agreements between companies, financial records, municipality resolutions approving ownership transfers, company requests for Commission approval, correspondence, and Commission orders approving transfers.

Orders of entry files (docket number 80000 series): Apartment building (or other multi-family dwelling) owners occasionally refused to grant cable companies entry to buildings to install cable systems. This took place, in certain cases, despite the wishes of building residents to have cable access provided under the local cable company's agreement with the municipality. In these situations, companies could petition the Commission to issue orders of entry compelling building owners to grant cable company personnel access for the purpose of installations or repairs. These files include correspondence and other documentation of access denials; requests for orders of entry; Commission investigations of access problems; and copies of orders of entry.

Miscellaneous files (docket number 90000 series): These files document various aspects of the Commission's oversight of cable systems and companies. Records include: Commission orders adopting rules and regulations, including public and cable company comments on proposed rules; rate regulation cases; outages (files documenting Commission monitoring and actions in cases of significant service interruptions); requests for and copies of declaratory rulings clarifying Commission regulations and standards; requests for waivers of Commission requirements including uniform accounting standards; and Commission cease and desist orders against companies supplying cable services without required franchise agreements or certificates of confirmation.

19730-06: This accretion consists of certificate of confirmation files, renewal files, transfer files, orders of entry files, and miscellaneous files dating between 1985 and 1990 that were filed with and maintained by the Commission on Cable Television which was abolished in 1995 and its functions transferred to the Department of Public Service.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.