Broadband and Comcast Cable Renewal Needs Assessment Plan

Comcast is seeking renewal of its cable franchise agreement with the City of Bremerton.

Thank you to all the citizens and businesses that supported this process by filling out our surveys. The survey closed September 30, 2022.

On December 5th, 2022, the City hosted a virtual public webinar and the closed out the City of Bremerton Community Needs Ascertainment. A recording of that webinar is available below. 

To download the Cable, TV, Internet, and Broadband Related Needs Ascertainment Report, please click here.

Broadband and Comcast Cable Renewal Needs Assessment Plan Overview

BREMERTON, WA —Effective February 2022, the City of Bremerton (“City”) started the cable franchise renewal process which includes collecting community information. In June of 2023, the cable television franchise agreement with Comcast will expire. A cable television franchise authorizes the franchise holder to use the City’s “Rights-of-Way” for an agreed term of years to operate its system and deliver cable services.

As a part of the franchise renewal process, the City sought to gather information about residents’ experiences with Comcast cable television services, from both cable subscribers and non-subscribers, to help inform the City during this renewal negotiation period. Through this process, the City gathered feedback about residents’ and business’ needs, interests and opinions regarding Internet and Broadband services in the City.

Cable communications, Internet and Broadband services for the Bremerton community are continually evolving and are changing and expanding even more rapidly because of changes in technology and the service provider climate. This evolution has sparked many questions for our City. Through the Needs Ascertainment process, the City’s information gathering efforts presented broad-based questions to residents and businesses concerning cable, Internet and broadband service availability, cost and the overall user experience, as well as current and anticipated needs of the community. Some of the questions the City sought answers to are: Will changes in the telecommunications marketplace provide new and improved services for City residents, businesses and organizations, and at what cost? What are the future broadband, internet and cable-related needs of the Bremerton community? How can Comcast and other providers help meet these needs?

The Community Needs Ascertainment was led by the City and its Telecommunications Consultants: River Oaks Communications Corporation and CBG Communications, Inc. 

Public Outreach Process

The management team, in coordination with the City, established a Public Process and numerous opportunities for Residents’ and other Stakeholders’ public involvement.

Community Outreach Summary

Input was gathered from the public regarding Broadband and Comcast Cable-related needs and interests.  

On February 24th, 2022 the City hosted a Virtual Open House. To watch a recording of that open house, please see the video below or click here. 

On March 24th, 2022 the City opened the public surveys these remained open through September 30th, 2022.

Through June 2022 the City held open public house Focus Group forums gathering feedback from different user groups. 

Finally, a summary virtual open house was held in early December to present the Community Needs Ascertainment results. This is recorded and placed above for your reference. 

Please feel free to reach out to with any additional comments or questions as the City begins the renewal process. 

Stay Engaged!

Sign up for alerts and news to get updates on this project sent directly to you. You may also contact the Project Manager, Melinda Monroe, with questions and comments at 360-473-5306 or by email.