raj2001
02-14-03, 03:36 PM
http://www.delmarvanow.com/deweybeach/stories/20030212/969082.html
Lewes tunes in Comcast for 10 more years
By Bruce Pringle
Coast Press Reporter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 10-year extension of Comcast Cablevision's franchise in Lewes was approved Monday, Feb. 10, by City Council.
The deal is contingent on Comcast's providing access to high-speed Internet service, movies on demand and high-definition television within three years.
The council's decision followed a warning in October by Comcast that Lewes might be denied those services unless it agreed to a long-term contract in which it has no direct control over fees or programming. Comcast requested a 15-year contract, but accepted a 10-year term after negotiating with City Manager Elaine Bisbee and council members Stephanie Tsantes and Jim Ippolito.
Tsantes noted that federal law enables cable companies to decide how much to charge and what channels to offer.
Deregulation of cable television gave cable providers more freedom while theoretically opening the field to competition. However, efforts by residents of the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach area to attract rival cable companies have been unsuccessful.
The council's approval of the contract extension elicited no enthusiasm from the audience at the monthly city meeting.
"We have no recourse when the monthly rates increase," said resident Tom Fiore, "and no control over programming."
Lewes tunes in Comcast for 10 more years
By Bruce Pringle
Coast Press Reporter
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 10-year extension of Comcast Cablevision's franchise in Lewes was approved Monday, Feb. 10, by City Council.
The deal is contingent on Comcast's providing access to high-speed Internet service, movies on demand and high-definition television within three years.
The council's decision followed a warning in October by Comcast that Lewes might be denied those services unless it agreed to a long-term contract in which it has no direct control over fees or programming. Comcast requested a 15-year contract, but accepted a 10-year term after negotiating with City Manager Elaine Bisbee and council members Stephanie Tsantes and Jim Ippolito.
Tsantes noted that federal law enables cable companies to decide how much to charge and what channels to offer.
Deregulation of cable television gave cable providers more freedom while theoretically opening the field to competition. However, efforts by residents of the Lewes-Rehoboth Beach area to attract rival cable companies have been unsuccessful.
The council's approval of the contract extension elicited no enthusiasm from the audience at the monthly city meeting.
"We have no recourse when the monthly rates increase," said resident Tom Fiore, "and no control over programming."