The 1992 Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act passed by Congress established a regulatory review process for basic cable television rates.  Pursuant to Federal law, local municipalities can become certified by the FCC to review the rates for basic cable television services.  Ten TCI affiliated SHACOG communities have combined to jointly perform this function through the SHACOG Cable Television Rate Review Program: Baldwin Borough, Baldwin Township, Brentwood Borough, Castle Shannon Borough, Dormont Borough, Green Tree Borough, Heidelberg Borough, Jefferson Hills Borough, Scott Township, and Whitehall Borough.  The municipalities of Elizabeth Township, Rostraver Township, West Newton Borough and White Oak Borough, members of the Twin Rivers Council of Governments joined the program later.

 Basic cable television service is defined by Federal law.  The FCC has established regulations which govern the maximum amount that a cable television operator can charge for services and equipment related to basic service.  The Joint Rate Review Board examines the cable operator's rates with regard to this service level.  (Rates charged for cable programming on tiers beyond the basic tier are within the province of the FCC.  Rates charged for premium services like HBO and Pay Per View are not regulated at all.)  The purpose of the Joint Rate Review Program is to create the Joint Rate Review Board to conduct public hearings at which time the cable operator, local governments and interested citizens may present information for consideration in determining the proper rate for basic cable programming service and equipment.  This issue must be decided in light of the FCC regulations promulgated on this topic.

By combining the proceedings under one program, expensive, duplicated proceedings are precluded, rates are standardized for all participants, and the communities save time and money by sharing the cost of the rate review process.