Palmdale Renews Franchise for Cable TV Despite Protest

Palmdale city officials have renewed the franchise of the city’s current cable television provider for 15 years, despite protests from two major developers that the decision bars them from the potentially lucrative business.

The decision by the Palmdale City Council, by a 5-0 vote Tuesday night with no discussion, was a victory for Colorado-based Jones Intercable Inc., the city’s current provider. Jones bought the city’s cable system from Tribune Cablevision Co. in 1986.

However, the vote appeared to be a setback for two Palmdale developers. Ritter Park Associates, which plans to build the 7,200-unit Ritter Ranch, and Kaufman & Broad, which plans the 5,200-unit City Ranch, had wanted to provide their own cable service.

But they have argued the city’s decision will prevent that. The developers have said they would only be able to provide cable to their planned neighborhoods under the city’s action if they also agreed to serve the rest of the city, a costly and unlikely proposition.

Palmdale officials have a different interpretation, arguing that the two developers will be able to compete for a cable franchise to serve their areas without having to serve the rest of the city. Arguments over the issue delayed the renewal of Jones’ cable franchise for months.

Under the council action, Jones will be required to proceed with a package of upgrades to its cable system, including more channels and better customer service. Jones officials say they now serve 18,600 of the city’s 27,300 households.

Executives of the two developers could not be reached for comment Wednesday on how they plan to respond to the council’s action.