Quote:
Originally Posted by IslandRadio
Absolutely! They are all the same (the cable providers). I'm on the cable committee in my town, and we run into the same thing all the time - we have to force them legally to do what the contract states.
I spoke with the Alton town admin, and he is getting me the relevant sections of the franchise agreement the Town has with Metrocast. An examination of the language in the contract will quickly yield the answer - and I'm hoping the answer is the one we want !!!!!! 
Any suggestions or advise in this area are GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks and Regards,
Steve |
One requirement in our contract was ten subscribers per cable mile. Don't figure the entire island, that is to complicated, just give them 10 homes that can be serviced by one mile of cable (not including down leads). Probably ten homes on the mainland side should do it. When they service the island they will be happy to service the entire island. It's getting to the island underwater that they don't want to do.
Another requirement was a deposit for one years service. I found the minimum service amount per month. That times 12 months times 10 homes came to about $2,000. I sent them a check for the full amount. They never cashed it and eventually sent it back. Sending the check just took away an excuse for Metrocast to say no.
I also sent them a map showing the distances and the pertinent part of the cable contract.
In New Hampshire a cable company does not have to be licensed by the state. However Metrocast also offers telephone service over their cable so they do have to be licensed.
Metrocast originaly said no to my line-extension application. I then contacted the state Dept. of Public Utilities requesting that they revoke Metrocasts license for violating their contract with Meredith. I also told Metrocast I was going to schedule a press conference to inform the press of their refusal. They changed their minds and wired the island.
Once they agreed to come it took about 18 months. Much of the times was waiting on the Army Corps of Engineers.