Montgomery County officials today announced that they have negotiated a franchise agreement with Verizon Communications for cable television services that will result in greater choice and increased competition among cable providers, while providing customers with important consumer protections. In an agreement that is similar to those with the current cable providers in the County, Comcast and RCN, Verizon could begin signing on new customers in its initial service areas early next year. The agreement, if approved by the County Council, will resolve litigation filed earlier this year by Verizon.

“We are extremely pleased that we have been able to resolve our differences with Verizon and work out an agreement that will result in increased cable competition, while ensuring consumer protections for our residents,” said Bruce Romer, Chief Administrative Officer.

In exchange for the right to provide cable television services to County residents and businesses under the negotiated 15-year franchise agreement, Verizon is committed to supporting the County’s Public Education and Government (PEG) channels, and providing cable television services to 100 public-use buildings such as schools, libraries, and fire stations. In addition, Verizon has agreed to pay the County five percent of gross revenues as a franchise fee and three percent of gross revenues for public access programming and other cable television needs. Verizon will also pay $1 million under the agreement, over the course of five years, for other cable-related investments.

Montgomery County began negotiations with Verizon over cable television services more than a year ago, but the process was halted in June when Verizon filed a lawsuit against Montgomery County. During a hearing before a federal judge in August, Verizon agreed to file a cable franchise application and, at the direction of the court, the parties restarted negotiations in an effort to resolve their differences. The franchise agreement announced today is the result of those efforts.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached agreement with Verizon, and we are looking forward to working with them to provide Montgomery County residents with the cable services they expect and deserve,” said Alisoun Moore, director of Montgomery County’s Department of Technology Services.

A public hearing will be held on September 28 at 7 p.m. in the Third Floor Hearing Room of the Stella B. Werner Council Office Building, 100 Maryland Avenue in Rockville. Individuals may either testify in person at the public hearing or provide written comments for the record. To pre-register to testify at the hearing, contact the County’s Cable Office at 240-777-3684. Written comments may be submitted through 5:00 p.m. on Monday, October 2, 2006 or as otherwise directed by the Hearing Officer. Comments should be mailed or delivered to DTS-Cable Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 250, Rockville, MD 20850. Comments may also be submitted via email to amy.wilson@montgomerycountymd.gov.

Interpreter services are available for deaf or hearing impaired citizens with five working days advanced notice. Call 240-777-3684 or email amy.wilson@montgomerycountymd.gov, giving the name and telephone number of the requesting citizen and the type of interpreter services needed.

Copies of the franchise application and related public documents are available for inspection in the Department of Technology Services, Cable Office, 100 Maryland Avenue, Suite 250, Rockville or on the Internet at http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/content/cableOffice/verizon.asp

The franchise agreement is subject to County Council approval.