QAC approves Comcast cable franchise agreement

CENTREVILLE — In an effort to bring healthy competitive cable services to the area, Queen Anne’s County Commissioners conditionally approved a cable television franchise agreement with Comcast of Delmarva, LLC. April 23.

The agreement is designed to maintain competitive equity with the incumbent cable provider, Breezeline, while at the same time enabling the new operator to enter the county marketplace to establish viable cable competition, according to County Administrator Todd Mohn.

Franchise agreements prevent company monopolies and give service options for customers.

Comcast services will be offered to all homes within the proposed service area map, with the primary build area in Kent Island and the Grasonville area and with the ability to expand to other areas of the county, Mohn said.

A number of service permits have already been issued as well, he said.

As part of the agreement, Comcast will pay five percent of its gross revenues from cable services as a franchise fee to Queen Anne’s County on a quarterly basis.

Conditions of the approval included the submissions of all necessary insurance certificates, performance bond and final countersignature by Comcast.

The franchise agreement is good for 10 years.

The agreement came about after a many month process and the commissioner recognized the leadership of Megan Delgado, county IT support manager and her team.