(A) Rates and service schedules. The grantee shall, at all times, maintain on file with the city a complete and current schedule showing all services being provided under the grantee’s franchise, the fees and charges for each of such services, the charges for connections or disconnections and any other charges which may be made by the grantee in connection with the BTN. The schedule shall also show the component of the basic service and the pay service, each on a channel-by-channel basis, the monthly charges for each service package and reasonably complete descriptions of each service package.
(B) Initial rates. The rates and charges initially charged by a grantee for each of its service packages, as shown in the first schedule filed under division (A) of this section, shall be the same as those proposed in the grantee’s application for a franchise. The rates and charges shall not be increased until the later of the following dates:
(1) The date which is 30 months subsequent to the effective date of the grantee’s franchise; and
(2) The date which is two years after the grantee has at least one subscriber for full network services.
(C) Modification of rates. After the later of the date which is 30 months subsequent to the effective date of the grantee’s franchise, and the date which is two years after the grantee has at least one subscriber for full network services, the grantee may modify its rates from time to time by filing a revised schedule in accordance with division (A) of this section. Each rate adjustment and the establishment of a charge for a new or different service shall become effective on the date designated by the grantee in the schedule, provided that the date may not be less than 60 days from the date on which the schedule was filed, and provided, further, that this division is subject to the provisions of division (D) of this section.
(D) Regulation of rates. It is the policy of the city not to regulate rates charged by a grantee for any of its services. However, the city expressly reserves the right to regulate the grantee’s rates to the extent permitted by law. At the time of each hearing conducted pursuant to § 116.055(A), the city shall consider whether or not to regulate rates. If the city determines at any such time to regulate rates, this chapter shall be amended to provide for appropriate standards and hearings in order that the rates may be fairly and equitably determined. Each franchise granted under this chapter shall be subject to the city’s right to amend this chapter for the purpose stated in this division. The right shall be exercised at the sole discretion of the city.
(E) Disconnections. No charge may be made for disconnection from the network. However, if a subscriber has failed to pay properly due monthly fees, or if a subscriber disconnects for seasonal periods, the grantee may require, in addition to full payment of any delinquent amounts, a reasonable fee for reconnection to the system.
(F) Consideration beyond schedule. A grantee shall not receive any consideration whatsoever for or in connection with its provision of service to its subscribers other than as set forth in this section or in the schedule then on file with the city.
(G) Abatement of charges. Upon a subscriber’s request, charges shall abate pro rata if service to a subscriber is interrupted for more than 48 continuous hours for any reason whatsoever, except interruption caused by the subscriber.
(2000 Code, § 5.12.280)