Supervisors Deny Open Band Franchise

The Loudoun Board of Supervisors on Wednesday voted 8-1 to deny renewal of Open Band's lapsed cable television franchise.

The dissenting vote was cast by Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling).

"Some of us vote no sometimes, and we're all alone. I feel like that today," he said. "I fundamentally disagree with the direction the board is going in. I respect very much the people who have a legal battle on both sides."

Delgaudio wanted to continue negotiating with the telecommunications provider, which serves homes in Southern Walk, Lansdowne on the Potomac, Lansdowne Town Center (also known as Lansdowne Village Greens) and Leisure World.  

OpenBand's franchise expired in 2009 and the company has since tried to work out a retroactive renewal.

"It is important to remember that OpenBand was the one who allowed their franchise to lapse," the Southern Walk HOA said in a statement following the vote. "OpenBand refused to negotiate with their customers or the county and their actions resulted in the county using their sound judgement to deny their OVS application. The HOA's main focus has and will continue to be our residents, who want to receive quality video service at a competitive rate."

Southern Walk had formally requested the denial and has filed a lawsuit against OpenBand. The Lansdowne HOA has also filed a lawsuit against Open Band, and the Lansdowne Town Center HOA has taken steps toward filing suit. Supervisors earlier this year request that the Virginia Attorney General investigate the company.