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IC�'ii 8 . <br /> Federal law requires that any franchise or OVS agreement be granted on a basis <br /> C,�mpetitively neutral to any existing franchised cable television operators. Very simply, �� � <br /> �ti�s means that the City cannot place any requirements upon RCN that the City has not <br /> � placed upon AT&T through the City's cable television franchise agreement with AT&T. <br /> Staff believes that from both a regulatory and equity perspective RCN should be <br /> required to provide the same level of services to all Redwood City residents within a <br /> reasonable time period. Although this obviously narrows the scope of our negotiations <br /> with RCN, it does not preclude the City from gaining meaningful concessions from RCN. <br /> Staff will not present a recommended franchise agreement to Council until the Council <br /> makes a final decision concerning the issuance of encroachment permits in the <br /> Redwood Shores area. <br /> Mr. Pilnick and staff have identified the following as the key points for the City's <br /> negotiations with RCN: <br /> . Issue City Position <br /> • Service Area All dwelling units in the entire City, at standard <br /> installation and monthly rates. A firm commitment to <br /> a construction schedule should be obtained so that <br /> portions of the City do not remain without service for <br /> extended periods of time. <br /> Commercial areas cabled in accordance with an <br /> agreed-upon schedule. <br /> Free drop connections, basic cable service, and <br /> basic Internet access service to all governmental <br /> and educational institutions. � <br /> • System Design Hybrid Fiber/Coax (HFC) upgrade completed <br /> throughout the entire City by a firm date. At least <br /> 550 MHz (80 analog channels) activated initially with <br /> capability up to at least 750 MHz (110 analog <br /> channels). Two-way fiber connection to priority <br /> public buildings. <br /> � <br /> � Customer Service and Standards can be upgraded and incorporated in a <br /> Consumer Protection regulatory ordinance. Standards should address <br /> Standards telephone availability, response to inquiries and <br /> outages, emergency response time, and reporting <br /> requirements evidencing compliance with standards. <br /> • PEG Access Equipment and Funding equivalent of up to 3% of gross revenues for <br /> Facilities PEG access equipment and facilities to be provided <br /> by operator, appropriate to meet near-term and <br /> future PEG access objectives. <br /> • PEG Access Channels Provision of dedicated downstream and interactive <br /> closed-circuit capacity based on anticipated level of <br /> use. � <br /> 3 <br />