EMMAUS, Pa. — The Borough of Emmaus has entered a franchise agreement with Comcast to provide its XFinity internet and cable services. Borough Council signed off on the agreement Monday.
- Cable and internet provider Comcast is set to bring XFinity and other services to the Borough of Emmaus
- A franchise agreement was signed by borough council at its Monday meeting
- Borough officials say it is set to compete with other current franchisees, such as RCN and Service Electric
The deal between Comcast of Southeast Pennsylvania LLC and the borough is set to bring its services to the municipality following infrastructure installation, likely beginning this fall.
Borough Manager Shane Pepe said it won't push out any current internet or cable franchisees, but rather he hopes it will introduce competition.
"We're not replacing anything. It's going to be a competition thing, right? Like, who has the better deal.Emmaus Borough Manager Shane Pepe
"We're not replacing anything," Pepe said, noting current agreements with both RCN and Service Electric. "It's going to be a competition thing, right? Like, who has the better deal.
"The reality of this is their internet can be top notch. It's going to compete with the fiber internet that's already in town."
'Get shovels in the ground'
Pepe noted that the municipality currently is a "hole" in current service coverage for Comcast.
The deal also will provide free internet services to municipality offices at borough hall, the public works office and borough fire and police stations for three years. Pepe said that can eliminate a bit of taxpayer burden.
Borough Council also discussed that Comcast would make a donation to the Emmaus Community Foundation, but didn't disclose the amount.
"We would like to get shovels in the ground, I would say likely within 60 days."Comcast representative Brian Jeter
As part of the agreement, 5% of annual gross revenues received from the cable system will be paid to the borough. Pepe said, however, that the borough has noticed cable revenue going down as more residents "cut the cord" in favor of online entertainment options.
Comcast, the owner of NBC Universal and XFinity, its cable and internet provider branch, is among the world's biggest media companies.
Council members say some street and underground construction will be involved with the installation of the infrastructure needed.
Comcast representative Brian Jeter said the final construction schedule will be discussed with public works officials at the borough and with utility pole owners.
"We would like to get shovels in the ground, I would say likely within 60 days," Jeter said. He said he expects work to begin this fall.
At the meeting the borough also introduced an ordinance establishing new fee schedules and restating regulations related to floodplains in the borough.
Council member Chad Balliet said the purpose is to create independent legislation for the regulations as the borough works to update its zoning ordinance.
Council said it anticipates no significant changes for residents or developers.
