Negotiations on Comcast cable agreement for Reston underway

Fairfax County is still working through negotiations with Comcast for cable service in Reston.

Although discussions are still underway, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an interim agreement that would extend the terms of Comcast’s cable franchise through June 30, 2023.

So far, a long-term renewal agreement has not yet been reached. Federal law — namely the Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984 — lays out the process by which local communities can renew a cable franchise.

Rebecca Makely, director of the county’s Department of Cable and Consumer Services, said that active negotiations are underway to achieve a “mutually satisfactory resolution.”

“Changes in the video service market in recent years, along with potential changes in the law, have impacted cable franchise renewal negotiations around the country. In Fairfax County, as in many other jurisdictions, this has led to a protracted negotiation process,” Makely wrote in a statement.

In the county’s case, the county is negotiating with the cable operate for a new franchise agreement.

Until a final agreement is reached, the limited extension will remain in place.

Comcast announced last month that it plans to expand its network in Reston to include businesses by the end of the year.

Photo via Mike Conway on Unsplash

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