Frequently Asked Questions
What is Public Utility Easement (PUE)?
Public Utility Easement (PUE) is a portion of land on private property that is dedicated to give utility companies the access to install and maintain infrastructure.
"What is a Franchise Agreement?"
A franchise agreement is a contract that grants a franchise to operate on public and private property within a City under certain fees, rights, and rulings. As a provider of cable television service, Comcast is heavily regulated by federal, state, and local law. Primarily, under federal law, Comcast was required to obtain a franchise agreement with the City for use and operation of infrastructure within the City’s rights-of-way.
"Why did the City sign a franchise agreement with Comcast?"
While the City has some authority to regulate Comcast through this franchise agreement, the federal Cable Act and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations limit the City’s ability to regulate all aspects of Comcast’s service. For example, the City is prohibited from unreasonably refusing to award a franchise to a franchise applicant. Given this strict federal regulatory context, this past year, the City negotiated a new franchise agreement with Comcast, establishing various terms and obligations regarding Comcast’s use and operation of its cable system within the City’s rights-of-way.
"I have a question about construction or contractors in my area, who should I contact?"
If you have questions or concerns about Comcast’s construction in Stayton, please reach out to Fisk Communication at (360) 314-4454 or info@fiskcomm.com.
For any additional questions, please contact the City's Public Works Department at (503) 769-2919.
To learn more Comcast FAQs, please visit here.