Maryland Statutes
Subtitle 7 - Limits on Competition; Franchises
Section 1-708 - Cable Television System

(a)    (1)    Unless otherwise defined by local law, in this section, “cable television system” means a nonbroadcast facility that consists of a set of transmission paths and associated signal generation, reception, and central equipment, under common ownership and control, that distributes or is designed to distribute to subscribers the signals of one or more television broadcast stations.
        (2)    “Cable television system” does not include a facility that:
            (i)    serves 49 or fewer subscribers; or
            (ii)    serves only subscribers in one or more multiple dwelling units under common ownership, control, or management.
    (b)    This section does not authorize the governing body of a county to enact laws or regulations for a municipality.
    (c)    The governing body of a county or municipality may:
        (1)    grant a franchise for a cable television system that uses a public right–of–way;
        (2)    impose franchise fees;
        (3)    establish rates applicable to a franchise; and
        (4)    adopt rules and regulations for the operation of a franchise.

Structure Maryland Statutes