For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
BOARD. The Commissioners of Ashe County.
CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE. The provision of improved television reception and communications for compensation, or as otherwise provided by this chapter, and distributing the same over the cable television system.
CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM. A facility consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and associated signal generation, reception, and control equipment that is designated to provide cable service to multiple subscribers within a community, not including a facility or combination of facilities that serves only to retransmit the television signals of one or more television broadcast stations; or a facility or combination of facilities that serves only subscribers in one or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership, control or management, unless such facility or facilities use any public right-of-way.
CHANNEL. A portion of the electromagnetic frequency spectrum (or any other means of transmission, including but not limited to optical fibers, which is capable of carrying the equivalent signal or signals), and includes uses of all or any portion of such band of frequencies.
COMMERCIAL SUBSCRIBER. All subscribers not defined as residential.
COMMUNITY CHANNEL. Channel capacity designated for public, educational, or governmental use.
COUNTY. The County of Ashe and all unincorporated areas, not including the boundaries of Jefferson, West Jefferson, and Lansing.
FCC. Federal Communications Commission.
FEDERAL CABLE ACT. The Cable Communications Policy Act of 1984, 47 USC 521 et seq.
FRANCHISE. The nonexclusive rights granted pursuant to this chapter to construct, operate, and maintain a cable communications system along the public ways within the unincorporated areas of Ashe County.
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT. A contract entered into between the county and the grantee pursuant to this chapter, containing the specific provisions of the franchise granted.
GRANTEE. The person, firm, or corporation to whom a franchise is granted by the Board under this chapter, and the lawful successor, transferee or assignee of said person, firm, or corporation.
NON-EXCLUSIVE. To make provisions for others, to be shared or divided.
OFFICE. A base of operations, located within the county borders, that has the sole function of serving cable customers, sufficiently staffed to accommodate daily traffic that may frequent it during normal working hours, and only relying on automated answering equipment for a backup and during off hours.
SERVICE AREA. The geographical area to be served and documented by the grantee.
SUBSCRIBER. Any person or entity lawfully receiving any portion of the cable television service of a grantee pursuant to this chapter.
(Ord. passed 2-5-90; Am. Ord. passed 2-2-98)