Philadelphia Signs 15-Year Deal With Comcast

Mayor Michael Nutter signed a deal yesterday that will extend Philadelphia’s contract with Comcast for another 15 years. The franchise agreement is being looked at as a model for all Comcast agreements throughout the country.

The deal was brokered largely through the work of Adel Ebeid, the city’s chief innovation officer. It includes millions of dollars in franchise fees for the city, as well as access to broadband internet for city residents who might have trouble affording it.

Mayor Michael Nutter signs the Comcast franchise agreement into law.

Speaking about the deal, Ebeid said: “This is a very large, complex business transaction, but at its core is a social agenda centered around the fact that connectivity leads to opportunity. And that’s what we kept in front of us.”

Comcast is equally pleased with the deal. Jim Samaha, a Comcast senior vice president, said that the deal “will connect many more Philadelphians to the power of the Internet and provide good-paying jobs for city residents and so much more.” The jobs he spoke about are with Comcast’s virtual customer service center, which will be staffed by Philadelphia residents working from their homes.

The deal went through by the skin of its metaphorical teeth, clearing the City Council on the last day it was able to do so this year. There was a unanimous vote, but only after some behind-the-scenes drama over the particulars of the agreement. Committee Chairman Bobby Henon boasted that Philadelphia now has the best franchise agreement in the nation, thanks to the council holding out for exactly what they wanted.

Samaha pretty much confirmed that, saying: “This franchise agreement and other unique collaborations are indicative of our love for Philadelphia.”