About the Office of Cable Communications
Established in 1976, the Office of Cable Communications (OCC) has overall responsibility for issues related to cable television and cable Internet service for Seattle residents. The Office oversees the City's non-exclusive cable television franchises with Comcast and Broadstripe through enforcement of the franchise agreements, with an emphasis on citizen concerns.
Sale Finalized: Wave Takes Ownership of Broadstripe
The purchase of Broadstripe's Seattle cable operations by Wave Broadband is complete. Wave and Broadstripe will be working on their transition process over the next 60-90 days. During that time current Broadstripe customers should know:
- Your services will continue without interruption.
- Current service packages and pricing will remain the same.
- Payments should be submitted using the same method you have in the
past.
- 1-800-781-0947 is still the number to call for service & support.
For more information on Wave's plans see Welcome to Wave Broadband.
If you are interested in more background on the transfer of Broadstripe's cable franchise to Wave, visit the Franchise Transfer page.
Public Service Announcement Videos:
Building Owners: Know Your Rights When Negotiating Long-Term Cable Service Contracts
Ken Fellman, nationally recognized expert in cable television franchising, transfers, renewals, and enforcement actions, was guest speaker at our June 9th seminar "Know Your Rights When Negotiating Long-Term Cable Service Contracts." The event was designed to help owners of apartments and condominiums learn answers to questions like: Who really owns the wiring in your building? What happens when your current cable contract expires? Do you have to sign a long-term cable service agreement? Can you negotiate with the cable operator? What are your rights?
Click here to watch the seminar or to view the presentation materials. Click here to listen to a podcast.
Cable Consumer Protection
The OCC investigates and mediates consumer/cable company issues and enforces the Cable Customer Bill of Rights (CCBOR). Adopted in 1999, the CCBOR established minimum standards for cable companies operating in Seattle, and procedures and penalties if those standards are not met. In 2002, amendments to the CCBOR strengthened these protections and added the strongest cable privacy protections in the country.
Specific Functions of the Office of Cable Communications Include:
- Monitoring and enforcing compliance with Seattle's cable franchises
- Regulating basic rates as permissible under federal law
- Negotiating and administering franchise agreements, franchise renewals and transfers as necessary with incumbent providers and new entrants
- Auditing franchise fee payments
- Ensuring provision of public access television and overseeing the contract with Seattle Community Access Network
- Resolving all concerns and complaints between citizens and the cable companies
- Administering the Cable Customer Bill of Rights
- Preparing reports, recommendations and analyses to inform elected officials, the public, and the media about cable and telecommunications issues
- Representing the City in long term telecommunications planning efforts with local and federal regulatory agencies, and Seattle's Citizens Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board
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