Sec.16-331a-4. Operating rules

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of these regulations or upon commencing operations, whichever is later, each franchise holder shall file proposed operating rules for access use with the DPUC approval. Such rules must include the following:

(1) All proposed rates and charges applicable to the use of access channels including technical assistance and production expenses.

(2) All forms to be used, e.g., applications or agreements.

(3) Equipment available for access use.

(4) A prohibition of the presentation of any advertising material designed to promote the sale of commercial products or services (including advertising by or on behalf of candidates for public office).

(5) Any other operating rules which may apply to the provision and programming of access channels.

(b) In evaluating the equipment, rates, and administrative procedures which must be specified in the franchise holder's operating rules for access use, the department shall consider the franchise holder's financial resources; the system's subscriber base and channel capacity; the demographic characteristics of the franchise area and the public need, as determined by the department, consistent with the goals of affording the public a low cost means of television access and encouraging access channel usage by as many different persons or entities as practical.

(Effective September 26, 1996)