DoITT's Mobile Telecommunications Franchise (MTF) unit is responsible for:

• Managing the selection and use of street poles by the mobile telecom franchises
• Developing relationships with key constituencies to support the mobile telecom franchises
• Encouraging the solicitation and development of new telecommunications franchises
• Participating in the determination of citywide telecommunication policy

Mobile telecommunications franchises are authorized pursuant to Chapter 14 of the City Charter and Authorizing Resolution No. 519 adopted by the City Council on March 23rd, 2005.

There are a number of local high-capacity telecommunications service (otherwise known as broadband) franchises in New York City. As broadband franchisees, these companies have the non-exclusive right to provide telecommunications service, other than cable, mobile telecommunications, and public pay telephone services, that originate in, terminate in, or traverse New York City. For a period of 15 years, they may install, operate, and maintain cable, wire, or optical fiber or other transmission media and related equipment on, over, and under the inalienable property of the City of New York to provide local, high-capacity telecommunications services.