Residential Services - Construction Legal Disclaimer

SureWest is legally entitled to place cable infrastructures in easements based upon federal, state and local laws.

1. Federal Law – The Cable Communications Policy Act adopted in October 1984 by the US Congress states that when a city or country grants a cable television franchise, the cable television company is authorized to construct its system over public right-of-ways (streets, alleys, sidewalks, etc.) and in easements which have been dedicated for similar use.
   
2. California Law – The California Court of Appeals has ruled that a cable company does not need to obtain a private property owner’s consent before installing cable television lines and equipment in previously dedicated easements.
   
3. Local Law – The franchise agreement between SureWest and all of Sacramento County specifically says that SureWest is authorized to use the public easements and “any other easement which now or hereafter exists for the provision of public or quasi-public services.” Thus under federal, state and local laws, SureWest has the legal right to use the utility and public easements which cross public property. These rights include the right to cross the parcel of land subject to the easement in order to obtain access to the easement.

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