Competitive Cable Television and Open Video System (OVS) Review

In 2006 CSG consulted the Cities of Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach in awarding a competitive cable television franchise agreement to Verizon Communications. This work included extensive evaluation of level playing field issues associated with the incumbent cable operator; Public, Education and Governmental, and I-NET obligations. CSG also provided draft language for the franchise agreements in the areas of definition of gross revenue, customer service, and franchise fee reporting requirements

In 2003, on behalf of Arcadia, Monrovia, and Pasadena, CSG researched and audited the calculations of Altrio Communications in the proper payments of PEG grants and fees in compliance with the agreements between Altrio and those cities respectively.

From 1999 to the present, CSG has assisted the following California cities with professional support related to granting of franchises to competitive cable television and OVS providers:

Arcadia	Monrovia
Hermosa Beach	Pasadena
Los Angeles	Redondo Beach
Manhattan Beach	Sierra Madre

The competitive OVS companies involved were RCN, Western Integrated Networks, Champion and Altrio Communications.  CSG performed detailed financial analysis, an evaluation of the incumbent cable companies’ PEG obligations, a review of other contractual franchise provisions, and assisted the respective City Attorneys in crafting language for the competing cable television or OVS franchise agreements.  Incumbent cable companies involved in these proceedings included Adelphia and Charter Communications.