Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Citizens' Guide to State Services

Published by
William Francis Galvin
Secretary of the Commonwealth
Citizen Information Service

Consumer: Cable Television and Telecommunications

D10 Department of Telecommunications and Cable
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulations
1000 Washington Street, Suite 820
Boston, MA 02118
Tel: 617-305-3580
Toll Free: 1-800-392-6066 (within Mass. only)
Fax: 617-478-2591
www.mass.gov/dtc/

This department oversees the cable television industry in the Commonwealth. Cable companies in Massachusetts must obtain a license from the local city or town where they operate. A copy of the license must be registered with the department . It has the authority to enforce cable operator compliance with the provisions of the license and to set standards for cable television operators by promulgating rules and regulations relating to cable television. It governs cable franchising, franchise renewal, and transfers of cable licenses within the Commonwealth.  It also sets basic cable rates.  The department provides consumer assistance and enforces consumer protection standards for subscribers who call with a cable television complaint and offers technical assistance to municipalities on all cable-related matters, such as rights concerning billing practices, rate increases, late charges, disconnection of service, interruption of service, security deposits and dispute resolution procedures.

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William Francis Galvin, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

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