A cable operator electing to renew its cable franchise shall do so (i) pursuant to the renewal procedures in 47 U.S.C. § 546 or (ii) by providing notice to the locality that it will opt into an ordinance cable franchise pursuant to this article. A cable operator may file such notification that its cable franchise will be renewed by an ordinance cable franchise not more than one year in advance of the expiration date of the existing franchise or by a renewal certification filed within 90 days after the effective date of this act in the case of a current cable franchise whose original, renewal, or extension term has expired. Except as provided by federal law, the restrictions in §§ 15.2-2015 through 15.2-2018, 15.2-2100 through 15.2-2105, 15.2-2106 and 15.2-2107, including, but not limited to, the advertisement and receipt of bids for cable franchises, shall not apply to renewal certifications except where a renewal would result in a city or town having granted a cable franchise and a renewal with combined terms in excess of 40 years.

History

2006, cc. 73, 76.