If local cable carrier Jones Spacelink wants to raise its rates for basic service, it will have to seek the cities’ permission, according to ordinances adopted this week.
In approving local cable-regulation ordinances, each city took advantage of powers granted to municipalities when Congress voted two years ago to re-regulate the industry.
“These ordinances were necessary to protect the municipalities’ authority over unreasonable rate changes,” said Charles Radovich, Geneva city attorney, who suggested each city adopt a measure.
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Jones also services Wheaton, Naperville and Aurora.
Radovich said the ordinances require a cable company operating in Geneva or St. Charles to hold municipally conducted hearings before being allowed to raise basic rates.
Federal law defines basic cable as the regular broadcast channels, public-access and information channels, and a handful of smaller networks. Premium channels, such as Home Box Office, and higher-tier cable networks, such as the Cable News Network or ESPN, are governed under different rules, Radovich said.
Radovich said the two cities may work with neighboring communities serviced by Jones to form a regulatory agency.