SICFA - State-Issued Certificate of Franchise Authority
Overview
On September 1, 2005, SB5 established a State-Issued Certificate of Franchise Authority (SICFA) to replace individual Cable and Video Municipal Franchises as they expired. PURA Chapter 66 established the PUC as the franchising authority for the provision of cable or video service. The PUC established Substantive Rule 28.6 to enact PURA Chapter 66.
Who Should File: As of September 1, 2005, any entity that proposes to provide cable or video service anywhere in the State of Texas is required to obtain a SICFA, unless they are currently providing cable or video service in a municipality that has an unexpired municipal franchise. Once the municipal franchise expires, the entity is required to obtain a SICFA. Municipal franchises cannot be renewed. As of September 1, 2005, any entity that proposes to provide cable or video service outside a municipality is required to obtain a SICFA.
When to File: If an entity currently holds a municipal franchise to provide cable or video services that is expiring; then the entity can file for a SICFA no earlier than 16 business days before the expiration of the municipal franchise. An entity cannot hold a municipal franchise and a SICFA at the same time. An entity that does not hold a municipal franchise to provide cable or video service for a requested municipality shall obtain a SICFA before providing cable or video service to the requested municipality. Before providing cable or video service to unincorporated areas in Texas an entity must obtain a SICFA. See Substantive Rule 28.6.
Amendments to SICFAs: To revise (change of ownership, name change, service area addition or deletion, change in type of provider, other, etc.) an established SICFA, file an amendment using the Cable and Video Application Form. To make changes to contact information, file a letter to Project No. 32500. See filing requirements below:
How to File: Send 1 original and 6 copies to:
Central Records
Public Utility Commission of Texas
1701 N. Congress Avenue
PO Box 13326
Austin, TX 78711-3326
Forms - Applications
Cable and Video Application Form
Reporting Requirements
Corrections to these lists: Please update your company contact information using the PUC Portal and "Company Contacts" available in PUC Applications.
Rules - Statutes - Orders
PURA Chapter 66 - State-Issued Cable and Video Franchise
Substantive Rule §28.6 - State-Issued Certificate of Franchise Authority Certification Criteria
Questions and Answers
Technical - Kenneth Ford at 512-936-7151 - kenneth.ford@puc.texas.gov
Filings - Filing Clerk in Central Records at 512-936-7180