Unless a review of future cable-related needs and interests shows that different standards should apply, every cable system must at least satisfy the following requirements:
(a) Minimum Capacity. Any cable system constructed, upgraded, or reconstructed after the effective date of this chapter at a minimum shall be a fiber-based system. The system shall be designed in accordance with all applicable FCC guidelines pertaining to consumer interfaces.
(b) Description of System. The franchisee shall provide the Borough a full description of the system proposed for construction and shall, upon completion of any system modification or upgrade, submit to the Borough "as-built" maps for the entire system, as modified or upgraded, to the extent such maps have not previously been provided to the Borough.
(c) Interconnection.
(1) A franchisee shall, at the request of the Borough as specified in its franchise agreement, design the system so that it may be interconnected with other cable systems.
(2) The franchisee shall, at the request of the Borough, interconnect with other cable systems.
(d) Provision of Service. Unless otherwise specified in a franchise agreement, after cable service has been established by activating trunk distribution cable for an area specified in a franchise agreement, the franchisee shall provide cable service to any household requesting cable service within that area, including each multiple dwelling unit in that area. In addition, the franchise shall provide each public, nonprofit private, and parochial school, as well as the police station, fire station, public library, and municipal building, and such public auditoriums and institutions as are requested by the Borough, with a single cable television connection and basic service without charge. Additional connections and service will be charged to the facility by the franchisee at cost to the franchisee of time and materials only.
(e) Technical Standards.
(1) Any cable system within the Borough shall meet or exceed the technical standards set forth in 47 CFR Subpart K and any other applicable technical standards as specified in a franchise agreement.
(2) A franchisee shall not design, install, or operate its facilities in a manner that will interfere with the signals of any broadcast station, the facilities of any public utility, the cable system of another franchisee, or individual or master antennas used for receiving television or other broadcast signals.
(3) At the times specified in the franchise agreement or as required by FCC rules, the franchisee shall perform at its expense proof of performance tests, and such other tests as may be specified in the franchise agreement, designed to demonstrate compliance with this section, the franchise agreement, and FCC requirements. The franchisee shall provide the proof of performance test results promptly to the Borough. The Borough may require in each franchise agreement that the franchisee shall provide the Borough ten days advance written notice when a proof of performance or other required test is scheduled so that the Borough may have an observer present. The Borough shall have the right to inspect the cable system facilities during and after their construction to ensure compliance with this section, the franchise agreement, and applicable provisions of local, state and federal law, and may require in a franchise agreement that the franchisee perform additional tests based upon its prior investigation of system performance or upon subscriber complaints.
(Ord. 920. Passed 7-14-97; Ord. 938. Passed 7-12-99.)