N.J. Admin. Code § 14:18-14.18

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 14:18-14.18 - Application for renewal of a system-wide franchise

(a) Within 90 days of receipt of the ascertainment report specified in 14:18-14.1 7(c), the cable television operator operating under a system-wide franchise shall file an application for renewal of its system-wide franchise in accordance with the specifications of 14:18-14.2.

(b) The complete application must be filed with the Board, with a copy to the Director of the Office and the Division of Rate Counsel. The application must contain copies of all appendices, exhibits, etc. without cross-references to documents previously filed in order to be deemed complete. Notice of the filing for renewal of the system-wide franchise shall be filed with each municipality for which the applicant has authorization to provide service, which notice shall include information as to how a municipality can receive a copy of or review the entire application and any supporting or supplemental documents filed with the Office. Proof of the notice to the affected municipalities shall be provided to the Office and the Division of Rate Counsel.

(c) An application for renewal of a system-wide franchise shall be filed on the standard form supplied by the Office, and shall have attached a filing fee, made payable to "Treasurer, State of New Jersey," in the amount of $ 1,000.

(d) Upon receipt of the application for renewal of a system-wide franchise, the Board shall schedule public hearings on the application in accordance with N.J.A.C. 14:18-14.3.

1. Notice of the public hearings and written comment periods shall be provided by the system-wide franchise applicant to the affected municipalities in accordance with N.J.A.C. 14:18-14.4, which provides that public hearings shall be scheduled no later than 45 days of the filing of the application for renewal of a system-wide franchise. Written comments shall be provided no later than five business days after completion of the last public hearing held. The applicant shall provide proof of notice of the hearings and comment period to the Office and the Division of Rate Counsel;

2. A record of any public hearing shall be made in accordance with 14:18-14.8; and

3. The applicant for renewal of a system-wide franchise shall pay to the Office of Cable Television a fee of $ 500.00 per day of hearing or fraction thereof.

(e) If Board staff does not determine to treat the matter as a contested case pursuant to N.J.A.C. 14:18-14.19, the Board shall render a decision to renew the system-wide franchise prior to the expiration date of the franchise by order pursuant to the specifications at N.J.A.C. 14:18-14.11. A cable television company operating under a system-wide franchise that has applied for renewal of its system-wide franchise and whose franchise has expired prior to Board action on the systemwide franchise renewal application shall have the authority to continue to provide cable television service under its current system-wide franchise until such time as the Board makes a decision.

(f) Any amendments to the application for renewal of a system-wide franchise shall be provided to the Office of Cable Television, with a copy to the Division of Rate Counsel, in writing.

(g) Any additional information other than amendatory shall be provided in accordance with 14:18-14.7.

N.J. Admin. Code § 14:18-14.18

New Rule, R.2011 d.058, effective 2/22/2011.
See: 42 N.J.R. 2230(a), 43 N.J.R. 445(a).

Amended by 54 N.J.R. 630(a), effective 4/4/2022