Concord Finalizes Franchise Agreement with Breezeline

The City of Concord has finalized the cable television Franchise Agreement with Breezeline (TM) (formerly Atlantic Broadband) following approval from the City Council in December. This agreement brings an additional cable television system to the City and gives the community another option in the market.

Breezeline, a subsidiary of Cogeco Communications Inc. (TSX: CCA), is the 8th largest cable operator in the United States. The company’s network reaches more than 1.6 million businesses and households located in 12 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New York, South Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

After the company expressed interest in constructing and operating a cable television system in the City of Concord, in accordance with New Hampshire law, a public hearing was held before the City Council and public testimony was collected in the fall of 2021. In October, the City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into contract negotiations. The parties successfully negotiated a cable television Franchise Agreement, and, on December 10, 2021, the City Council authorized the City Manager to sign the finalized agreement. Both parties executed the agreement, and it became effective on December 20, 2021.

“The citizens of Concord have been requesting additional options for cable television for some time. This agreement gives the community another choice for their cable television services and creates competition within the market,” said City Manager Tom Aspell.

“We are grateful that our franchise application was approved by City Council, bringing more choice for residents and businesses in Concord,” said Fran Bradley, Director of Government Affairs for Breezeline. “We look forward to bringing this community Breezeline Fiber Internet with symmetrical speeds for the very first time, as well as Breezeline Stream TV and best-in-class voice products.”

A substation is currently under construction off of Sheep Davis Road. Services are expected to be ready in the spring of 2022.