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Bear Islander · 12-26-2007, 05:20 PM

I missed some of this because I have been away. Getting Metrocast to come to Bear Island took time and persistence.

I doubt they will be interested in bringing cable to other islands because it is expensive to install and maintain. It will take them a long long time to get a return on their investment. However the cable contract between Meredith and Metrocast spelled it out in black and white. If you have ten subscribers per cable mile they must wire the island or be in violation of their contract. Violating the contact endangers the license they need in order to be a telephone utility.

What you are asking for is called a "Line Extension". Send them a request in writing to the Metrocast corporate offices, copy your town manager. Don't take no for an answer.

I included a map showing the distances involved and a list of homeowners wanting cable. I also included a check for almost two thousand dollars made out to Metrocast. It was a years payment in advance for ten subscribers at the monthly minimum. Back then the monthly minimum was $16 and change, now it is $18 and change.

They never cashed the check, I didn't think they would. I did it to shut down their "payment in advance" requirement from the contract.

After they agree it will still take time. There are all kinds of permits including the Army Corps of Engineers so they can lay an underwater fiber optic cable. Plus the telephone and electric companies need time to replace older poles or poles that are to short so they can move their wiring to make room for cable.

Good Luck!

12-26-2007, 05:20 PM	#29
Bear Islander Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bear Island Posts: 1,764 Thanks: 32 Thanked 441 Times in 207 Posts	I missed some of this because I have been away. Getting Metrocast to come to Bear Island took time and persistence. I doubt they will be interested in bringing cable to other islands because it is expensive to install and maintain. It will take them a long long time to get a return on their investment. However the cable contract between Meredith and Metrocast spelled it out in black and white. If you have ten subscribers per cable mile they must wire the island or be in violation of their contract. Violating the contact endangers the license they need in order to be a telephone utility. What you are asking for is called a "Line Extension". Send them a request in writing to the Metrocast corporate offices, copy your town manager. Don't take no for an answer. I included a map showing the distances involved and a list of homeowners wanting cable. I also included a check for almost two thousand dollars made out to Metrocast. It was a years payment in advance for ten subscribers at the monthly minimum. Back then the monthly minimum was $16 and change, now it is $18 and change. They never cashed the check, I didn't think they would. I did it to shut down their "payment in advance" requirement from the contract. After they agree it will still take time. There are all kinds of permits including the Army Corps of Engineers so they can lay an underwater fiber optic cable. Plus the telephone and electric companies need time to replace older poles or poles that are to short so they can move their wiring to make room for cable. Good Luck!