City committee OKs 15-year deal with Comcast, full Council to vote next week
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Comcast's Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Relations Mark Reilly testifies in City Council about the cable giant's franchise renewal contract. (Emma Lee/WHYY)
A deal for a new 15-year franchise agreement between the city of Philadelphia and Comcast has won the approval of a City Council committee.
The agreement between Comcast and the city increases the number of affordable Internet options for low-income residents and seniors.
“When you combine the breadth of things that we are doing for the city of Philadelphia, it’s the strongest commitment we have every made to any city,” said Mark Reilly, a senior vice president of the cable and Internet giant.
Councilman Bobby Henon said the deal was difficult to work out.
“This franchise agreement process has certainly tested every aspect of every level relationship between Comcast and the city of Philadelphia, and I understand it was a difficult process for both sides,” Henon said.
The deal is expected to be approved by the full Council next week
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