NY PSC Confirms Latest Charter Extension as Talks Progress

Charter Communications and New York could be nearing a settlement that would avoid kicking the cable company out of the state. The Public Service Commission Thursday voted 3-1 to confirm Chairman John Rhodes’ latest 30-day extension in case 15-M-0388 (see 1902040053). Commissioner Diane Burman voted no, as she did for process reasons on previous extensions. The parties are “considering proposed settlement frameworks,” and “should reach a term sheet agreement within two weeks and a full written agreement within four weeks,” the Rhodes order said. “The Staff advises that any final settlement will include: (1) an agreement on eligible passings that will count toward the 145,000-passing buildout condition pursuant to the 2016 merger order; (2) a penalty and/or funding provided by Charter to expand broadband access to further customers in addition to those passed pursuant to the buildout condition; and (3) an enforceable schedule to complete the remaining buildout work.” Also at the meeting, the agency cleared T-Mobile buying Sprint (see 1902070009).