Sec. 5A-101. General provisions and findings
Codified through Bill No. CB-018-2026, adopted May 12, 2026, effective July 24, 2026. Source: Municode, Supplement 2026 Update 2. Editorial notes and legislative history omitted.
Prince George's County, Md., Code § 5A-101 (2026)
Sec. 5A-101. General provisions and findingsLinkCopy Citation
(a)
This Subtitle shall be known and may be cited as the "Prince George's County Cable Communications Regulatory Code."
(b)
Prince George's County, Maryland, finds that the further development of cable communications may result in great benefits for the people of the County. Cable technology is rapidly changing, and cable plays an essential role as part of the County's basic infrastructure. Cable television systems occupy and extensively make use of scarce and valuable public rights-of-way in a manner different from the way in which the general public uses them and in a manner reserved primarily for those who provide essential services to the public subject to special public interest obligations, such as utility companies. The County finds that public convenience, safety, and general welfare can best be served by establishing regulatory powers vested in the County or such persons as the County so designates to protect the public and to ensure that any franchise granted is operated in the public interest.
(c)
The County further finds that cable systems have the capacity to provide not only entertainment and information services to County residents, but can provide a variety of broadband, interactive communications services to institutions and individuals.
(d)
In light of the foregoing, the following goals, among others, underlie the provisions set forth in this Subtitle:
(1)
Cable service should be available to as many County residents as possible.
(2)
A cable system should be capable of accommodating both present and reasonably foreseeable future cable-related needs of the County.
(3)
A cable system should be constructed and maintained during a franchise term so that changes in technology may be integrated to the maximum extent possible into existing system facilities.
(4)
A cable system should be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community and should provide a diversity of information sources and services to the public.
(5)
A cable operator should pay fair compensation to the County for the use of public rights-of-way.
(e)
The County intends that all provisions set forth in this Subtitle shall be construed to serve the public interest and the public purposes set forth herein, and that any franchise issued pursuant to this Subtitle shall be construed to include the findings and public purposes set forth herein as integral parts thereof.
(f)
The County may delegate the performance of any act, duty, or obligation, or the exercise of any power under this Subtitle or any franchise agreement to any employee, officer, department, or agency except where prohibited by applicable law.