Ariz. City Renews Cox Franchise

Cox Communications Inc.’s franchise in Mesa, Ariz., was approved by the City
Council there Monday.

Under terms of the agreement, the operator’s cable-license fee dropped to
4.5% from 5%. Cox is also freed from providing a capital grant, and the 5%
cable-license-fee tax paid by subscribers has been scrubbed.

Also as part of the deal, Cox will provide two secure digital-television
channels for city police and fire use and continue to provide government and
education channels on its basic cable service.

In addition, the MSO will provide Mesa with the ability to directly access
its countywide emergency-alert system.

Finally, Cox reaffirmed its corporate commitment to provide free cable
service to all Mesa schools.