North Carolina § 66-351 - State franchising authority.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 66-351 — State franchising authority., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 66-351. State franchising authority.
Authority. - The Secretary of State is designated the exclusive franchising authority in this State for cable service provided over a cable system. This designation replaces the authorization to counties and cities in former G.S. 153A-137 and G.S. 160A-319 to award a franchise for cable service. This designation is effective January 1, 2007. After this date, a county or city may not award or renew a franchise for cable service. Award and Scope. - The Secretary is considered to have awarded a franchise to a person who files a notice of franchise under G.S. 66-352. A franchise for cable service authorizes the holder of the franchise to construct and operate a cable system over public rights-of-way within the area to be served. Chapter 160A of the General Statutes governs the regulation of public rights-of-way by a city. History (2006-151, s. 1.) Editor's Note. - G.S. 153A-137, referred to in subsection (a), was repealed by Session Laws 2006-151, s. 10, effective January 1, 2007. Session Laws 2006-151, s. 19, provides that: "The Secretary of State has no authority to determine whether a person who is providing video programming is providing cable service over a cable system. An award of a State-issued franchise under Article 42 of Chapter 66 of the General Statutes, as enacted by this act, does not affect a determination of whether video programming provided by the holder of the franchise is considered cable service provided over a cable system under federal law or under a state law that applies substantially the same definitions of 'cable service' and 'cable system' as federal law. A person who provides video programming may obtain a State-issued franchise under Article 42 of Chapter 66 of the General Statutes, as enacted by this act, and thereby become subject to that Article, regardless of whether the video programming the person provides is considered cable service provided under a cable system under that Article or under federal law."
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 66-351
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 66-351 cover?
Section 66-351 ("State franchising authority.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 66-351?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 66-351" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 66-351 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.