§ 66-351. State franchising authority.
§ 66‑351. Statefranchising authority.
(a) Authority. TheSecretary of State is designated the exclusive franchising authority in thisState for cable service provided over a cable system. This designation replacesthe authorization to counties and cities in former G.S. 153A‑137 and G.S.160A‑319 to award a franchise for cable service. This designation iseffective January 1, 2007. After this date, a county or city may not award orrenew a franchise for cable service.
(b) Award and Scope. The Secretary is considered to have awarded a franchise to a person who files anotice of franchise under G.S. 66‑352. A franchise for cable serviceauthorizes the holder of the franchise to construct and operate a cable systemover public rights‑of‑way within the area to be served. Chapter160A of the General Statutes governs the regulation of public rights‑of‑wayby a city. (2006‑151,s. 1.)