The Montgomery County Council today unanimously approved a cable franchise agreement with Starpower Communications, bringing the benefits of competition to County cable TV consumers for the first time.
Thanks to improvements negotiated by the County Council, Starpower will be required to serve nearly 90 percent of County residents, compared with only 59 percent in the original proposed agreement with Starpower negotiated by the County Executive. Council improvements mean extending service to Montgomery Village, Germantown, Olney, North Potomac, and west Bethesda.
"This County Council has taken a good contract and made it a whole lot better," said Councilmember Marilyn Praisner, who chairs the Management and Fiscal Policy Committee. "Competition in cable TV opens up more choices for Montgomery County families."
Under the 15-year franchise agreement, Starpower agrees to serve the initial area, comprising 62 percent of County households, within four years and the extended area, an additional 28 percent, within six years. Starpower services include not only cable television, but also telephone and high-speed Internet services.
"This day is a long time coming," said Councilmember Michael Subin, whose legislation to cut through red tape and level the playing field was key to fostering competition. "Choice makes possible better services at better prices. The Council�s action today holds the promise of being as significant locally as telephone deregulation was nationally."