Wednesday, July 11, 2001
|
Wednesday, July 11, 2001 |
|
Cable upgrade set July 29 for first 8,000 here
By DAVE
HAMRICK
Approximately 8,000 Fayette cable TV customers will have enhanced service available to them starting July 29. More channels, a more clear picture and improved reliability will be among the benefits, according to a spokesman for AT&T Broadband. The company holds the franchise to offer cable service in Fayette. Its franchise agreement with the Fayette County government called for completion of a complete upgrade in service by last fall, but a dispute with the state Department of Transportation over use of rights of way slowed the project. County officials earlier this year activated a clause in the franchise agreement allowing the county to charge extra daily fees for the late installation, and construction resumed this past spring. Company spokesman Reg Griffin said construction crews are now on track to complete the upgrade for all 22,000 Fayette customers by October. Most of those receiving the upgrade this month are in the eastern portion of the county, Griffin said, with some in the city of Fayetteville. Notices have been sent to all of those customers announcing the upgrade and an increase in rates to accompany it. For instance, the monthly charge for the expanded basic package of channels will go from $35.06 to $37.27, effective Aug. 6. The upgraded service will deliver 260 channels, and plans are to eventually offer phone service and high-speed Internet access.
|
||