This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "East Whiteland Township Cable Communications Regulatory Ordinance."
The Township of East Whiteland finds that the development of cable television and communication systems has the potential of having great benefit and impact upon the people of East Whiteland. Because of the complex and rapidly changing technologies associated with cable television, the Township further finds that public convenience, safety, and general welfare can best be served by establishing regulatory powers which should be vested in the Township or such persons as the Township so designates. It is the intent of this chapter and subsequent amendments to provide for and specify the means to attain the best possible public interest and public purpose in these matters, and any franchise issued pursuant to this chapter shall be deemed to include this finding as an integral part thereof. Further, it is recognized that cable television systems have the capacity to provide not only entertainment and information services to Township residents but can also provide a variety of cable television, interactive communication services to institutions and individuals. Many of these services include Township agencies and other institutions by providing governmental, education, and health care communications. For these purposes, the following goals underlie the regulations contained herein:
A. 
Communication services should be provided to the maximum number of Township residents.
B. 
The system should be capable of accommodating both the present and reasonably foreseeable future communications needs of the Township.
C. 
The system shall be constructed and maintained during the franchise term so that new components may be integrated to the maximum extent possible with existing facilities.
D. 
The communications systems authorized by this chapter shall be responsive to the needs and interests of the local community.
E. 
The cable system operator shall be dictated to a strong philosophy of providing quality public, education, and governmental access to the residents of the Township.