The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Cable Television Division has approved Hawaiian Telcom’s cable franchise applications for the counties of Maui, Kauai and Hawaii.
In a July 30 announcement, DCCA’s Cable Television Division noted that the decisions “authorize the expansion of Hawaiian Telcom cable services and the development and improvement of HTSC’s video and communication infrastructure networks throughout the Neighbor Islands.”
“After a thorough evaluation of public testimonies, the submitted applications and all related filings, DCCA has concluded that granting Hawaiian Telecom’s request to extend its cable franchise to the neighbor islands is in the public’s best interest,” said Nadine Ando, director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, in a statement. “This expansion will not only improve the video and communication infrastructure throughout Hawaii but will also address the needs of underserved communities across the state by increasing access to communications services.”
Following the approvals, Hawaiian Telcom said in a separate announcement that its Fioptics+ TV service would be available in the three counties beginning Aug. 5. The company called the approvals a “milestone” and said that the move would “benefit thousands of local consumers.”
“The DCCA’s approval opens new doors for more Hawaii residents, giving them a choice of TV providers for the first time,” said Hawaiian Telcom President Su Shin. “Our fiber expansion helps to improve digital equity in Hawaii and level the playing field for neighbor island residents. Fioptics+ TV is the fruition of a lot of hard work by the Hawaiian Telcom team and we’re proud to be able to offer a choice to our neighbor island families.”
As DCCA noted in its release, according to the terms of the agreement, Hawaiian Telcom is committed to “extend[ing] cable service to all feasible areas of the franchise areas within the next five years, while keeping abreast of the latest technological advances.” The company also “has committed to providing dedicated public, educational and governmental channels for such things as academic lectures, cultural events, emergency broadcasts and informational content.”
According to DCCA, the franchise term is for a 15-year period, during which Hawaiian Telcom is required to submit its plans for technology upgrades every five years.
