Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming entertainment providers could be on the hook for millions of dollars in unpaid local utility franchise fees, offering cities and counties a revenue lifeline as consumers cut the cord on cable services and the fees they generate.
Over the last two weeks, municipalities across Texas and Indiana filed suits against Netflix Inc. and Hulu LLC asserting the companies should be paying franchise fees for their use of existing public infrastructure for the delivery of entertainment services. The Indiana lawsuit, filed in state court by Indianapolis and three smaller cities, also included Disney Direct To ...