The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) recently opened a new proceeding to consider changes to the CPUC’s licensing and oversight of video franchisees (i.e. cable providers) under the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act (DIVCA). Prior to 2006, cable television franchises were issued by cities and counties, but was later transferred to the CPUC under DIVCA in an effort to grow cable service and increase competition. This proceeding will consider modernizing DIVCA, as well as how the CPUC should collect granular data on locations served by franchise holders, and how to handle customer service requirements and resolve complaints. Collecting more granular data that identifies where networks exist would give the CPUC a better understanding of how DIVCA franchisees have built their networks over the past 17 years, and would give important customer service oversight of these providers.  

For more information, please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine.