(A) Service. Concurrently with the activation of the cable communications system in the city, the grantee shall provide all services to subscribers as described herein and in the franchise at rates detailed in the rate schedule.
(1) The system shall carry the broad categories of programming and services listed in the franchise. Should the grantee desire to change the selection of programs or services offered on any of its tiers, it shall maintain the mix, quality and level of services provided over the system. Any such change in programs or services offered shall comply with the conditions and procedures contained in the franchise, and shall be reported to the city at least 30 days prior to the proposed implementation. The grantee shall use its best efforts to ensure diversity of programming.
(2) A basic service tier shall be offered to subscribers throughout the term of this chapter and the franchise.
(3) The grantee shall provide and maintain, as designated in the franchise, the following access channels whose purposes are outlined below:
(a) Government Access Channel which shall be a specifically designated channel for local governmental use and shall be managed, scheduled and programmed exclusively by the city.
(b) Educational Channel which shall be a specifically designated channel for use by local school authorities, and shall be managed, scheduled and programmed exclusively by them.
(c) A Public Access Channel, which will be a specifically designated channel available on a non- discriminatory basis. At the option of the city as may be provided in the Franchise Agreement these functions may be combined on one channel. The grantee may also, as may be provided in the Franchise Agreement, fulfill the obligations of this provision by providing the channels to the city to be used jointly with other localities located within Stanly County. The grantee shall provide, at a minimum the services, facilities and equipment for public, educational and government access that are indicated in the franchise.
(4) The grantee shall make available Leased Access channels, as required by federal law.
(B) Emergency Override. The grantee shall, without charge, provide, service and maintain public emergency transmission facilities to the city or its designees, as described in the franchise.
(C) Service to City Buildings. The grantee will provide basic service to city buildings at the request of the city and as indicated in the franchise agreement.
(Ord. 99-38, passed 7-6-99)