Cable Franchise

The City cannot regulate what Spectrum charges for their services.

Franchise agreements are non-exclusive, the City is open to new companies coming to Apple Valley to provide any type of telecommunications services. For example, Frontier had a cable franchise, but a few years ago, they chose not to continue offering television services and let the agreement expire.

This is a business decision by Spectrum, the City has no control over this policy. We advise subscribers to educate themselves about this policy before canceling services with Spectrum.

In most circumstances, the answer is yes. 

Most residential properties in Apple Valley have what’s known as a right-of-way which is often an area located from the curb or edge of the street into the property. Distances can vary but in general front yard right-of-way is usually about 14 feet. The right-of-way is city-owned property and is the area utility companies have their main lines. The right to work in this area is usually from a permit being issued by the city. 

Utility boxes are often not located in the right-of-way but in an easement on your property. Common size for an easement is 5 feet along the right-of-way and along side and rear property lines. While the easement is owned by the property owner, utility companies are allowed to work in this area without a permit or permission from the property owner. Any work performed outside of the right-of-way, or an easement area would need permission from the property owner.

Spectrum and Frontier owns their own cables. If another company wanted to provide services to Apple Valley, they would have to install their own cables, mostly by burying them, throughout the entire City.

Only if you have contacted Spectrum first and can’t resolve your issues with the company.