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The SWCTC’s track record of protecting area residents, spanning four decades, <br />is proof of the effectiveness of local franchising. The SWCTC’s long-time <br />attorney, Mike Bradley of Bradley Werner, LLC, detailed the Commission’s <br />history of success: <br />“For over 40 years this commission has franchised cable <br />communication systems on behalf of its member cities and their <br />residents.” <br />The first franchise granted by the SWCTC was in 1983. Bradley then <br />summarized the overwhelming success of this approach: <br />“Through franchising, the Commission oversaw a company with initially <br />no presence in the public right of way and no customers, and we saw <br />that company start up and ultimately become the most robust cable <br />communication system in the area.” <br />Franchising by the SWCTC has also resulted in many tangible benefits <br />benefiting residents. The success of local franchising should come as no <br />surprise. It was a predicted outcome when the legislature decided cable <br />communications systems should be regulated at the local level, moving away <br />from state regulation of legacy phone systems. Bradley explained, that through <br />local franchising: <br />“This Commission has made certain of many things that benefit <br />residents, including having all residents having service, having buildout <br />obligations, making sure all residents were covered, making sure the <br />communication system was upgraded to meet community needs, <br />enforcing customer service standards… and, we shouldn’t forget, also <br />developing a robust community media center in what is now TrueLens <br />Community Media.” <br />In short, franchising ensures that local governments retain the authority to <br />hold providers accountable for key community objectives. This power is lost <br />under mere permitting. <br />II. Summary of the SWCTC Broadband Franchise <br />The franchise granted to Intrepid Fiber Networks is a modern model for local <br />governments authorizing open-access fiber optic cable communications <br />systems in their jurisdictions. Key provisions secured by the SWCTC on behalf <br />of its member city include: <br />Not Exclusive. The SWCTC is allowed to franchise other broadband providers <br />serving its member cities.