Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does membership in the NCTC mean my company can automatically participate in all broadband, programming and hardware agreements with NCTC?
A: No. Each agreement is unique and may have unique eligibility requirements. Accordingly, a member may not qualify to participate in every agreement NCTC has negotiated. Further, in certain circumstances, NCTC may prohibit a member from participating in an agreement at its sole discretion.
Q: My company is buying an existing NCTC member company (or cable system); will I have to go through the application process?
A: Pursuant to NCTC’s bylaws, NCTC membership is not assignable or transferable. Members are encouraged when selling their systems to contact NCTC as soon as possible so we can work with the acquiring entity. In any situation where there is a change of control or ownership of an NCTC member company or its cable systems, NCTC reserves the right to evaluate the membership eligibility of the acquiring or controlling entity.
Q: I was an NCTC member years ago and sold my systems. Can I reactivate my membership?
A: No. NCTC membership belongs to the legal operating entity engaged in providing services and is not transferable. If your company sold, shut down or otherwise quit participating under NCTC master agreements for any reason, your company’s membership was terminated. NCTC does not reactivate memberships, and a new membership application will have to be completed along with payment of the necessary fees.
Q: Can I use my membership to acquire programming for my subsidiary or affiliated cable systems?
A: Typically, a member may only provision programming and hardware for the member entity and those cable systems it directly owns and controls. A member may not provision programming and hardware for a parent, sister company or other entity outside the member’s control. In the event a member wants to provision NCTC services for other entities, please contact the membership department as there may be other solutions to consider
Q: Can another entity (i.e., a parent company, affiliate or other subsidiary company) pay for programming or hardware on behalf of the member?
A: Not in all cases. In many programming agreements, all payments to NCTC for programming must come directly from the member and not a third party. In the case of other agreements, however, NCTC has created a process to allow a member’s parent, subsidiary and/or affiliate company to purchase broadband, equipment and/or technology without making the related entity an NCTC member.
Q: What will NCTC do with any additional information collected from my company?
A: From time to time, NCTC may request information from members that can aid in negotiations with programmers or technology companies. This information is not shared with any outside company except in the aggregate (i.e., 625 members expressed interest in launching a new network or members plan to purchase 1,500 CMTS units in the next 12 months, etc.). Member cooperation in providing this information is an important part of NCTC’s efforts to secure better pricing, terms and conditions for member companies.
Q: Will NCTC keep my materials confidential?
A: NCTC will share your information only with NCTC employees authorized to review the material consistent with NCTC’s confidentiality policy.
