Fairhope, Alabama
POOR SERVICE AND OTHER ISSUES
Mayor Kant told a city council work session that Mediacom cable has apparently not been adhering to its franchise agreement with the city: they no longer maintain an office in the city as required.
He also says he gets many complaints from citizens about the poor service -- and there are extra costs for the city associated with broadcasting public meetings (council, planning commission) since their Middle St. office here was closed last year (now in Loxley).
CONTRACT NEED NOT BE RENEWED
The franchise agreement must be renewed by August 31st for Mediacom to continue service in the city; the city council could decide to award their franchise to another provider, if any are interested. The contract's duration is five years.
Current competing alternatives are Dish and Direct TV(satellite) and AT+T U-verse (cable-DSL). Satellite providers do not offer local public access channels for city events; AT+T does not yet service the entire city.
The mayor was to contact the company to try and work out the issues before the deadline (ie. electronically transferring video of meetings vs. physically delivering a DVD to Loxley); a special council work session may be needed soon.
PUBLIC'S OPINION SOUGHT
By law, a period of time must be given for the public to comment about Mediacom's service as well, before renewal at the end of next month.
The Federal Cable Act of 1934 is the overall governing authority.
POOR SERVICE AND OTHER ISSUES
Mayor Kant told a city council work session that Mediacom cable has apparently not been adhering to its franchise agreement with the city: they no longer maintain an office in the city as required.
He also says he gets many complaints from citizens about the poor service -- and there are extra costs for the city associated with broadcasting public meetings (council, planning commission) since their Middle St. office here was closed last year (now in Loxley).
CONTRACT NEED NOT BE RENEWED
The franchise agreement must be renewed by August 31st for Mediacom to continue service in the city; the city council could decide to award their franchise to another provider, if any are interested. The contract's duration is five years.
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| Former Mediacom office on Middle St. |
Current competing alternatives are Dish and Direct TV(satellite) and AT+T U-verse (cable-DSL). Satellite providers do not offer local public access channels for city events; AT+T does not yet service the entire city.
The mayor was to contact the company to try and work out the issues before the deadline (ie. electronically transferring video of meetings vs. physically delivering a DVD to Loxley); a special council work session may be needed soon.
PUBLIC'S OPINION SOUGHT
By law, a period of time must be given for the public to comment about Mediacom's service as well, before renewal at the end of next month.
The Federal Cable Act of 1934 is the overall governing authority.
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| Fairhope council discusses Mediacom with Mayor Kant. |
Comments
Please, provide a link so we may look it up. Thanks.