219 - Franchise requirement.

§ 219. Franchise  requirement.  1.  Notwithstanding  any other law, no  cable television system, whether or not it is deemed to occupy or use  a  public  thoroughfare,  may  commence  operations  or  expand the area it  serves unless it has been franchised by each municipality  in  which  it  proposes to provide or extend service.    2.  A  municipality shall have the power to require a franchise of any  cable television  system  providing  service  within  the  municipality,  notwithstanding  that  said cable television system does not occupy, use  or in any way traverse a public street. The provision of  any  municipal  charter  or  other  law  authorizing a municipality to require and grant  franchises is hereby enlarged and expanded, to the extent necessary,  to  authorize such franchises.    3.  Nothing  in  this  article shall be construed to prevent franchise  requirements in excess of those prescribed  by  the  commission,  unless  such  requirement  is  inconsistent  with  this article, any regulation,  policy or procedure of the commission, or federal law.