Verizon Communications Inc and Frontier Communications Corporation have announced a plan to sell Verizon's wireline operations (local and long distance telephone, internet, and cable) in 14 states, including Washington, to Frontier.  Verizon would retain its wireless services.  This transaction is subject to federal, state and local approvals. The City of Kenmore approved a non-exclusive cable television franchise with Verizon Northwest Inc. in 2008. 

Verizon and Frontier, in accordance with federal regulations, submitted a request to the City in June 2009 to transfer control of the franchisee (Verizon Northwest Inc) from Verizon to Frontier. The City has the responsibility to evaluate this request on the legal, financial and technical capability of the transferee (Frontier) to own and operate a cable television system.

The Kenmore City Council is considering the transfer, which would not change any of the obligations in the current cable franchise agreement, which include: schedule for system build out in Kenmore (to be completed by Sept 2011); customer service standards; and free cable service for schools and municipal buildings. The City Council will hold a public hearing on the transfer request at its November 16, 2009 meeting, which begins at 7 PM. No Council action on the issue is scheduled for November 16.

Please see the updated Council agenda for additional information.