R.I. Gen. Laws § 39-19-3: Certificate required.

No person or company shall operate a CATV service unless there shall be in force for the same a valid certificate issued by the administrator authorizing the operation. Every application for a certificate shall be filed with the administrator on a form provided by him or her and shall contain verified answers to such questions and such information as the administrator may propound or require and shall be accompanied by a fee of fifty dollars ($50.00). All certificates shall be nonexclusive. Any additional certificate issued shall not contain terms or conditions more favorable or less burdensome than those imposed on the incumbent company. The administrator, within a reasonable time, shall fix the time and place of hearing on the application.