Cable
Unlike cities, the only franchising authority that county governments have is over cable television providers. The authority for franchising authority over cable providers is found in both state law and federal law.
Cable providers have the option to enter into individual cable franchise agreements with each county in their service area pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 36-18-1 et seq. or to enter into a statewide video franchise agreement through the State pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 36-76-1 et seq. The Secretary of State’s Office has a webpage explaining the State Video Franchise Authority. The Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs maintains a site for complaints about cable providers.
At the Federal level, the authority for local governments to “regulate” rates and customer service standards of cable service providers on behalf of the Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commissions is found in Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992. The FCC’s webpage provides an overview of the history and basis for cable regulation.
Legal Authority
O.C.G.A. § 36-18-1 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 36-76-1 et seq.
O.C.G.A. § 36-90-1 et seq.
Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992
Publications
History and Basis for Cable Regulation
Regulation of Cable Rates
Regulation of Customer Service Standards
Resources
Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs
Secretary of State
Media Bureau of the Federal Communications Commissions
Telecommunication Towers
While county governments have land use authority over the siting of wireless telecommunication towers and the collocation of wireless facilities, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission has authority over the health effects of RF emissions.
Legal Authority
Resources
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau of the Federal Communications Commission
