Boston Opens Public Hearing on Comcast Cable License Renewal Amid Equity Concerns

BOSTON -- March 24, 2021, Boston holds Comcast cable license renewal hearing, with broadband equity and HD access taking center stage. The city's Department of Innovation and Technology convened the hearing on behalf of Mayor Kim Janey, reviewing Comcast's performance under its current 10-year license, which contributes $10 million annually to city and public-access operations. Comcast Vice President Tim Kelly and presenter Angela Holmes reported more than $400 million invested in Boston's fiber network, reaching 99.5 percent of households, and said the company's Lift Zones program has activated 18 free Wi-Fi sites at Boston Centers for Youth and Families locations. Boston Neighborhood Network Media General Manager Glenn Williams formally requested two high-definition channels from Comcast, noting that Verizon and RCN have already made that commitment: "It is at times difficult to promote ourselves as a quality 21st century media production facility" without HD distribution. Boston Human Rights Commission Chairwoman Margaret McKenna delivered the sharpest testimony, presenting data showing broadband speeds in Back Bay running roughly twice those in Mattapan and Dorchester and calling high-quality internet "a basic right today of life." The public comment period remains open through the close of business on March 26 at boston.gov.