TITLE
Recommendation to request City Attorney to draft a resolution in support of the June 25, 2015 joint applications by Charter Communications, Time Warner Cable, and Advance/Newhouse Partnership to the Federal Communications Commission.
DISCUSSION
On June 25, 2015, Charter Communications, Inc., Time Warner Cable Inc., and Advance/Newhouse Partnership, the parent of Bright House Networks, filed a public interest statement seeking the Federal Communications Commission's consent to transfer control of various Commission licenses and other authorizations in order to merge as New Charter pursuant to Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934.
This proposed merger would result in the creation of New Charter, an advanced, growth-oriented broadband cable company with the capacity to serve over 19 million customers around the country, including more than 3.5 million customers in California. As Long Beach continually strives to identify new opportunities for economic development, job growth and regional investment, broadband access and affordability is critical to this effort.
New Charter would have the potential to expand on existing and build new service areas with faster Internet speeds and cloud-based technology at lower costs supporting local communities, customers and workers. This aligns with the Long Beach Innovation Team's recently announced five key initiatives, one of which includes a High Tech Infrastructure Plan to support the development of high tech business and resident workforce.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
STACY MUNGO
COUNCILWOMAN, FIFTH DISTRICT
AL AUSTIN
COUNCILMAN, EIGHTH DISTRICT
REX RICHARDSON
COUNCILMEMBER, NINTH DISTRICT