# Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-201: Part definitions > Tennessee · Statutes · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-201 ## Section - **Citation:** Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-201 - **Heading:** Part definitions - **Jurisdiction:** Tennessee - **Kind:** Statutes - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** TN Code / Title 7 / Chapter 59 / Section 7-59-201 ## Text As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Cable service" means: (A) The one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming or other programming service; and (B) Subscriber interaction, if any, that is required for the selection of such video programming or other programming service; (2) "Cable system" means a facility consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and associated signal generation, reception, and control equipment that is designed to provide cable service that includes video programming and that is provided to multiple subscribers within a community; but "cable system" does not include: (A) A facility that serves only to retransmit the television signals of one (1) or more television broadcast stations; (B) A facility that serves only subscribers in one (1) or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership, control, or management, unless such facility or facilities use any public right-of-way; (C) A facility of a common carrier, except that such facility shall be considered a cable system to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly to subscribers; or (D) Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its electric utility system; (3) "Franchise" means an initial authorization or renewal of an authorization issued by a franchising authority, whether such authorization is designated as a franchise, permit, license, resolution, contract, certificate, agreement, or otherwise, that authorizes the construction or operation of a cable system; (4) "Franchising authority" means any governmental entity empowered by federal, state, or local law to grant a franchise; (5) "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, corporation, or governmental entity; and (6) "Video programming" means programming provided by, or generally considered comparable to programming provided by, a television broadcast station or cable system. Acts 1988, ch. 675, § 1. As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Cable service" means: (A) The one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming or other programming service; and (B) Subscriber interaction, if any, that is required for the selection of such video programming or other programming service; (A) The one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming or other programming service; and (B) Subscriber interaction, if any, that is required for the selection of such video programming or other programming service; (2) "Cable system" means a facility consisting of a set of closed transmission paths and associated signal generation, reception, and control equipment that is designed to provide cable service that includes video programming and that is provided to multiple subscribers within a community; but "cable system" does not include: (A) A facility that serves only to retransmit the television signals of one (1) or more television broadcast stations; (B) A facility that serves only subscribers in one (1) or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership, control, or management, unless such facility or facilities use any public right-of-way; (C) A facility of a common carrier, except that such facility shall be considered a cable system to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly to subscribers; or (D) Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its electric utility system; (A) A facility that serves only to retransmit the television signals of one (1) or more television broadcast stations; (B) A facility that serves only subscribers in one (1) or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership, control, or management, unless such facility or facilities use any public right-of-way; (C) A facility of a common carrier, except that such facility shall be considered a cable system to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly roadcast stations; (B) A facility that serves only subscribers in one (1) or more multiple unit dwellings under common ownership, control, or management, unless such facility or facilities use any public right-of-way; (C) A facility of a common carrier, except that such facility shall be considered a cable system to the extent such facility is used in the transmission of video programming directly to subscribers; or (D) Any facilities of any electric utility used solely for operating its electric utility system; (3) "Franchise" means an initial authorization or renewal of an authorization issued by a franchising authority, whether such authorization is designated as a franchise, permit, license, resolution, contract, certificate, agreement, or otherwise, that authorizes the construction or operation of a cable system; (4) "Franchising authority" means any governmental entity empowered by federal, state, or local law to grant a franchise; (5) "Person" means an individual, partnership, association, joint stock company, trust, corporation, or governmental entity; and (6) "Video programming" means programming provided by, or generally considered comparable to programming provided by, a television broadcast station or cable system. Acts 1988, ch. 675, § 1. ## Nearby sections - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-101 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-101.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-102 Part definitions - Franchise licenses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-102.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-103 Above and below ground cables - Permits](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-103.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-104 Relocation of cables and apparatus - Damage to public property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-104.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-105 Damage to private property - Underground installation on private property](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-105.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-106 Fees payable by companies operating under grandfather clauses](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-106.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-107 Customer complaints - Records](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-107.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-108 Prohibited activities - Penalties](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-108.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-201 Part definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-201.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-203 More favorable terms prohibited](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-203.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-206 Existing franchises](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-206.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-207 Renewal of franchises](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-207.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-208 Franchise requests](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-208.md) - [Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-59-301 Short title](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-301.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_TN_T7_C59_S7-59-201. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.