(a) The rates charged by a cable television company shall be those specified in the franchise which may establish or provide for the establishment of reasonable classifications of service and categories of subscribers, or charge different rates for different services or for subscribers in different categories. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (c) and (d) of this section, such rates, classifications or categories may be changed by amendment to the franchise with Commission approval, upon request by the franchisee to the Commission.
(b) The rates to be specified in any franchise issued to an operating cable system pursuant to section 306 of this chapter shall be those rates charged by that cable system and in effect on December 28, 1984.
(c) Any rate regulated pursuant to this section maybe increased annually at the discretion of the franchisee upon 30 days prior notice by an amount not to exceed 5 percent per year. Such notice shall be given the Commission and all subscribers.
(d) The franchisee may add to the monthly service charge any increase in copyright fees required of the franchisee imposed after January 1, 1985, by the copyright Royalty Tribunal prorated over all subscribers on the cable television system.
(e) Any request for an increase in any rate regulated pursuant to subsection (a) of this section for which final action is not taken within 180 days after receipt of such request by the Commission shall be deemed to be granted, unless the 180-day period is extended by mutual agreement of the franchisee and the Commission.