Optimum representative outlines 10‑year franchise renewal, says company will continue service and municipal support

At the town’s June 18 meeting, Frank Khalifa, senior director of government affairs for Optimum Communications, described a proposed 10‑year renewal of Cablevision Systems of East Hampton Corp.’s franchise with the town.

"My name is Frank Khalifa. I am the senior director of government affairs for Optimum Communications," Khalifa said. He explained that the previous franchise, approved in 2011 and certified by the New York State Public Service Commission in April 2012, expired in April 2022 and that Optimum has since operated under temporary authority while negotiating new terms.

Khalifa said the franchise grants the company authority to construct, operate and maintain a cable system in the public right‑of‑way in return for a franchise fee equal to 5% of gross cable revenue, the maximum allowable under federal law. He also said Optimum provides free basic cable services to municipal and school buildings and supports the town’s public‑access channel and capital grant structures for local television.

Board members thanked the company representative; no board vote or formal action to approve the renewal was taken at the meeting. The clerk had advised that copies of the proposed franchise renewal agreements are available at the town clerk’s office and on the town website for public review.