§ 1-5-101. Purpose.

The County of Brunswick finds that the development of cable television and communications systems has the potential of having great benefit and impact upon the people of Brunswick County. Because of the complex and rapidly changing technology associated with cable television, the county further finds that the public convenience, safety and general welfare can best be served by establishing regulatory powers which should be vested in the county or such persons as the county shall designate. It is the intent of this article and subsequent amendments to provide for and specify the means to attain the best possible public interest and public purpose in these matters.

Further it is recognized that cable communications systems have the capacity to provide not only entertainment and information services to the county's residents, but can provide a variety of broadband, interactive communications services to institutions and individuals. Many of these services involve county agencies and other public institutions, by providing governmental, educational or health care communications.

For these purposes, the following goals underline the regulations contained herein:

(1)

Communications services should be provided to the maximum number of county residents.

(2)

The system should be capable of accommodating both the present and reasonably foreseeable future communications needs of the county.

(3)

The system should be improved and upgraded during the franchise term in accordance with the franchise agreement.

(4)

The communications system authorized by this article should be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community, and should provide diversity of information sources and services to the public.

(Ord. of 6-5-96, § I)