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From: brown@nicmad.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Cable Television
Message-ID: <495@nicmad.UUCP>
Date: Sun, 5-Jan-86 21:47:44 EST
Article-I.D.: nicmad.495
Posted: Sun Jan  5 21:47:44 1986
Date-Received: Tue, 7-Jan-86 04:08:18 EST
References: <249@decwrl.DEC.COM>
Reply-To: brown@nicmad.UUCP (Mr. Video)
Organization: Nicolet Instrument Corp. Madison WI
Lines: 35

Reference article <249@decwrl.DEC.COM> rosen@exit26.DEC (Barry Rosen) 

You are not going to like what I have to say.  But you are just SOL!!!

The FCC did indeed de-regulate the cable industry.  Around here, our
cable company had signed a contract with the city and are keeping it
in good faith, at least they are so far.  They could, take it to court
and probably get it thrown out, sighting the FCC rules.

They have raised rates according to the formula stipulated in the contract.

Our rates are $10.95 a month for a 36 channel cable system.  All channels
are filled.  Except for a couple of typewriter displays, all have something
useful.  We get these channels without needing a decoder box.  Only the pay
channels (about 7) need decoders.  So, the price you have been getting is
well below what it should be.  The plant was very expensive to put in,
especially since they decided upon tiering the system, ie, extra non-pay
channels for extra dollars.  The extra dollars doesn't really cover the
costs of the equipment, nor the people to run it.

You say you have a good system, ie, they haven't let it go to pot and still
want more money.  BTW, I don't remember you quoting any new rates.

But, the worse of all evils is that they are not keeping any good faith
with your city.  You are going to have a hard time trying to get anything
changed.

I wish you luck.
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Mr. Video      seismo!uwvax!nicmad!brown
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