I understand that the franchise fee is "A fee paid to a municipality to allow use of the public streets and rights-of-way and operate a cable television system within that municipality. This is a contractual agreement with the town/city ans is normally assessed on all cable revenue." Additionally I understand this fee is imposed on RCN but passed through to customers. http://www.rcn.com/lehigh-valley/policies-and-disclaimers/pa-tax-definitions
After I recieved my first bill after signing up for TV service, I noticed I was billed a franchise fee. I live in Lower Nazareth Municipality, which does not charge a Franchise fee to my knowledge. I have asked other RCN subscribers who live in Lower Nazareth and such a fee does not appear on their bill.
I believe I was incorrectly charged this fee as my address is a Bethlehem (18020) address despite belonging to Lower Nazareth Municipality. I called RCN multiple times about this issue. Each time RCN tells me I must speak to the municipality to get this fix as "they just get the list/file of what they can bill from them."
However, I feel this is not appropriate. Although RCN chooses to pass this fee through to consumers, the fee is still imposed on RCN. Therefore I believe RCN should be responsible and assist me in this matter. To me, this is a billing issue and a BIG one!
Has anyone else had a similar issue or have a way to reach the appropriate people at RCN for help? Customer Care is adamant that I must go to the municipality.
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