Verizon Cable License Renewal Approved in Norwell

The Norwell Select Board approved the renewal of Verizon’s cable license during its January 8, 2025, meeting, securing upgraded terms that benefit the town. The new agreement ensures continuity of service while boosting financial contributions to public access media.

“This license, it wasn’t much of a negotiation, it’s a take-it-or-leave-it kind of thing, but we did get some good outcomes,” said Gregg McBride of the Norwell Cable Committee. “We have increased the Verizon contribution to the PEG [Public, Educational, and Government Access] funds to 5%. They’ve currently been at three-and-a-half percent.”

The renewal matches the terms previously negotiated with Comcast, guaranteeing 5% of Verizon’s gross revenue will support public access programming. Additionally, the license includes $45,000 in capital funding for cable operations over the next five years, surpassing the $40,000 Comcast provided under its 10-year agreement.

“They’ve increased that,” McBride explained. “They added a 15% premium to make up for what really is a concession for the acceptance of the non-negotiable terms.”

Among the terms Verizon insisted upon are a five-year license term, the right to terminate the agreement after three years, and no liquidated damages or senior discount provisions.

“Verizon does want to get out of the cable business and they want to just sell you internet connections,” McBride noted. “But I guess it’s an unstated…it’s not so much of a secret.”

During the meeting, Select Board members inquired about the impacts of these terms. Board member Andrew Reardon emphasized the role of the Norwell Cable Committee in securing favorable conditions. “At our meeting earlier this week, we voted to recommend that the Select Board sign this license,” McBride reported.

The renewal also prepares for changes related to Norwell’s new town hall, with provisions for moving or replacing equipment to align with the new facilities. The Cable Committee is already coordinating with Verizon and Comcast to ensure a seamless transition.

“We’re already in discussions with Verizon and Comcast to move equipment or replace the equipment in the new town hall,” McBride confirmed.