Grafton Takes Next Step in Cable Television Licensing Process With Verizon


GRAFTON: At their meeting on Tuesday, March 4th, the Grafton Board of Selectmen took the next step in the cable television licensing process with Verizon New England, Inc. by approving a document known as an Issuing Authority Report. (IAR) The twenty-three page report details the town’s needs for cable television services including public access television. The report, prepared by the Cable Advisory Committee, is the town’s formal response to the cable television license application filed by Verizon on November 29th, 2007. The IAR includes input from the community that was part of a public outreach meeting held by the Cable Advisory Committee on February 13th.

Under the cable licensing laws, Verizon now has thirty days to submit an amended license application which will respond to Grafton’s Issuing Authority Report and provide further details on Verizon’s cable television licensing proposal. Formal negotiations will then take place between the Cable Advisory Committee and Verizon to develop a proposed license. The Board of Selectmen, which is the formal cable licensing issuing authority must approve the final cable television license.

"The selectmen’s approval of the Issuing Authority Report and sending that report to Verizon is an important milestone in the cable television licensing process. It brings us a step closer to having a second cable television franchise available in Grafton” according to Cable Advisory Committee Chairman Robert Hassinger.


The Issuing Authority Report document is available in a PDF format on the Town of Grafton’s official web site: http://www.town.Grafton.ma.us The IAR, the Verizon cable television license application, and a list of Frequently Asked Questions about the cable television licensing process in Grafton can be found by pressing the link for the Grafton Cable Advisory Committee at the Town of Grafton website under Boards and Commissions.

The Board of Selectmen, as the Cable License Issuing Authority for Grafton established a Cable Advisory Committee (CAC) to advise it and act on its behalf to the extent permitted under Massachusetts General Laws chapter 166A for cable licensing and license renewal. The CAC negotiates initial cable license agreements and cable license renewals and conducts community outreach and information activities with information and guidance from the Cable TV Oversight Committee. Current members of the Cable Advisory Committee are Bob Hassinger, Chairman, Peter Carlson and Mark Weinberg, Clerk. The Cable Advisory Committee meets at the Grafton Memorial Municipal Center at 30 Providence Road. Additional information on the Grafton Cable Advisory Committee can be found at the Town of Grafton website under Boards and Commissions http://www.town.Grafton.ma.us