On September 29, 2006, the Legislature passed, and Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law Assembly Bill 2987, the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006 (DIVCA). Prior to DIVCA, cable television franchises were issued by cities and counties. DIVCA replaces that system with one in which video franchises are now issued by the CPUC, rather than these local entities. DIVCA's goals, which the CPUC and its Communications Division staff implement, deal not only with video franchises, but with increasing the deployment of broadband infrastructure within California, particularly to unserved and underserved areas. These goals are the following:
- Create a fair and level playing field for all market competitors that does not disadvantage or advantage one service provider or technology over another
- Promote the widespread access to the most technologically advanced cable and video services to all California communities in a nondiscriminatory manner regardless of socioeconomic status
- Protect local government revenues and their control of public rights-of-way
- Require market participants to comply with all applicable consumer protection laws
- Complement efforts to increase investment in broadband infrastructure and close the digital divide
GENERAL ORDER 169: Implementing the Digital Infrastructure and Video Competition Act of 2006
On July 14, 2008, the Commission issued a Phase III Decision (order and appendices) in the proceeding adopting rules to implement DIVCA.
On May 15, 2008, the Commission issued a Resolution T17141 providing for changes to the Commission's VIDEO FRANCHISE FORM to conform to D. 07-03-014 and DIVCA.
On March 13, 2008, the Commission issued a Resolution T17137 adopting the user fee to implement DIVCA for fiscal year 2007-08.
On October 4, 2007, the Commission issued a Phase II decision (order and appendices) adopting non-discriminatory build-out requirements for smaller companies.
Press Release for Phase II decision
On September 6, 2007, the Commission issued a Resolution T17107 providing for changes to the Commission's VIDEO FRANCHISE FORM to conform to D. 07-03-014 and DIVCA.
On March 1, 2007, the Commission issued a Phase I decision (order and appendices) implementing the DIVCA.
Press Release for Phase I decision
Applications Received by the PUC: 2008 | 2007
Franchises Issued by the PUC: 2008 | 2007
Application Instructions: Applicants must file one paper original and one paper copy of the application with the individual listed below. Pursuant to CAL. PUB. UTIL. CODE § 5840(e)(1)(D), the applicant must concurrently deliver a copy of its application to the appropriate contact person for each local entity where the applicant will provide service. For questions and application submission, please contact:
Michael Morris
Video Franchising and Broadband Deployment Group
Communications Division
California Public Utilities Commission
505 Van Ness Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 703-2112 office
(415) 703-4405 fax
mmo@cpuc.ca.gov