Administration & Regulatory Affairs

State Franchises - Telecommunications & Cable / Video

As of 09.01.1999, all telecommunications franchises are issued by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas (PUC), rather than the City of Houston. As of 09.01.2005, all cable/video service franchises are granted by the PUC as well, rather than the City of Houston.

Companies seeking either a telecommunications franchise or a cable/video franchise should visit the PUC website at https://www.puc.texas.gov/industry/default.aspx for additional information.

State franchisees are still required to obtain all relevant permits from the City of Houston’s Public Works & Engineering Department prior to performing construction/maintenance in the public rights-of-way. Permit fees for state franchisees with regards to work in the public rights-of-way are waived.

In consideration for their private use of the public rights-of-way, certificated cable companies operating under a state franchise are required to remit a fee equal to 5% of their gross revenues earned from customers within the City limits and 1% of their gross revenues earned from customers within the City limits in support of Public, Education and Governmental (PEG) Access Channel programming on a quarterly basis.

In consideration for their private use of the public rights-of-way, certificated telecommunications companies operating under a state franchise are required to remit access line fees to the City of Houston on a quarterly basis based on rates established by the PUC.

For City fee schedules, go to www.houstoncityfees.org.