### Question
How is the term franchise defined?


### Answer
The term **franchise** is defined in *47 U.S.C. § 522* as the following:

> an initial authorization, or renewal thereof (including a renewal of an authorization which has been granted subject to section 546 of this title), issued by a franchising authority, whether such authorization is designated as a franchise, permit, license, resolution, contract, certificate, agreement, or otherwise, which authorizes the construction or operation of a cable system

#### Citation:
  - *47 U.S.C. § 522*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 4-RADIO ACT OF 1927 > SUBCHAPTER V&ndash;A-CABLE COMMUNICATIONS > Part I-General Provisions**

