§ 30-44. Areawide interconnection of cable systems.

(a)

Interconnection required. A franchisee shall interconnect access channels of the cable system with any or all other cable systems in contiguous adjacent areas, upon the directive of the county. Interconnection of cable systems may be done by direct cable connection, microwave link, satellite, or other appropriate method.

(b)

Interconnection procedure. Upon receiving the directive of the county to interconnect, a franchisee shall immediately initiate negotiations with the other affected cable system or systems in order that all costs may be shared equally among cable systems for both construction and operation of the interconnection link.

(c)

Relief. A franchisee may be granted reasonable extensions of time to interconnect or the county may rescind its order to interconnect upon petition by the franchisee to the county. The county shall grant said request if it finds that a franchisee has negotiated in good faith and has failed to obtain an approval from the cable system or systems of the proposed interconnection or that the cost of the interconnection would cause an unreasonable or unacceptable increase in subscriber rates.

(d)

Cooperation required. A franchisee shall cooperate with any interconnection corporation, regional interconnection authority or other county, state and federal regulatory agency which may be hereafter established for the purpose of regulating, financing, otherwise providing for the interconnection of cable systems beyond the boundaries of the county.

(Ord. No. 88-90, § 19)