Minnesota Statutes 238.38 – Permit to Attach to Pole or Conduit System
Every pole, duct, and conduit agreement must contain a provision that before attaching to the public utility company’s poles or occupying any part of the public utility’s conduit system, the cable communications system shall apply and receive a permit for that purpose on a form provided by the public utility company. If the cable communications system accepts the permit, it may attach its equipment to the poles covered by the permit or occupy the conduit system of the public utility to the extent authorized by the permit, subject to sections 238.02, subdivisions 3a, 20a, and 31b, and 238.37 to 238.42 and the terms of the agreement between the contracting parties. In granting or denying a permit, the public utility has the right to determine whether a grant of a permit would adversely affect its public services, duties, and obligations or have an adverse effect on the economy, safety, and future needs of the public utility.
Terms Used In Minnesota Statutes 238.38
- Cable communications system: means a system that (1) provides the service of receiving and amplifying (i) programs broadcast by one or more television or radio stations and (ii) other programs originated by a person operating a cable communications system or by another person, and (2) distributes those programs by wire, cable, microwave, or other means, regardless of whether the means are owned or leased, to persons who subscribe to the service. See Minnesota Statutes 238.02
- Conduit system: means a reinforced passage or opening in, on, under, or through the ground capable of containing communications facilities and includes the following: main conduit; underground dips and short sections of conduit under roadways, driveways, parking lots, and similar conduit installations; laterals to poles and into buildings; ducts; and manholes. See Minnesota Statutes 238.02
- Utility: means a person, corporation, or other entity that operates, maintains, or controls equipment or facilities in this state for furnishing at retail electric service to the public. See Minnesota Statutes 238.02