Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is denying an application from Comcast to renew a ten-year license to operate in the city.
The existing license is set to expire on Sunday.
It's anticipated that TV service will continue. Sarno said the city and cable giant reached an impasse after months of negotiations.
Mayor Sarno states, “My administration will continue to stand up and fight for what is in the best interest for our City of Springfield and our residents and business community, especially for our seniors and students. I want to thank Deputy City Solicitor Kathleen Breck, our outside legal counsel Attorney Peter Epstein and my Communications Director Bill Baker for their continued efforts throughout this process to reach a fair and reasonable deal with Comcast. From the public hearing we held earlier this year and throughout the negotiating process, we shared what our residents and businesses want and need and other items the City of Springfield expected with Comcast. Unfortunately, we were unable to reach an agreement. I am hopeful that we can continue to negotiate with Comcast to reach a fair and reasonable agreement for our residents and business community.”
The franchise license renewal is strictly for cable television and would renew Comcast cable TV license in the City of Springfield for ten years upon approval.