posted April 23, 2008
I can't believe people in Chattanooga are so ignorant to the fact that
if the EPB goes ahead with their cable TV venture, that not only will
the people who get TV service from them, but every ratepayer whether you want the service or not will also pay for the service.
Wake up people, the city and EPB are leading us down a road that when we get there, we are not going to like it. But we still have people who just dont't get it.
For example, "I would like to know what Comcast would do if EPB pulled the plug on Comcast's power. You know what, I'd love to see it."
Yes sir, and what about if they pulled the plug on you. You see they pay EPB for their service,because you can't get power from everybody else.
Another example is "It is obvious that Comcast is trying to pull a Microsoft move and become a monopoly in the cable television area here in Chattanooga." You do not, I repeat, have to get TV service from Comcast. You can get Dish, Direct TV and, hopefully soon, AT&T. You see, you have choices, but not with the monopoly of EPB.
I hope that Comcast is victorious in the lawsuit. If not, we the ratepayer will be holding the bag for $219 million dollars that will go on your power bills. When I got a few of my power bills this winter that were very high - over $300 - then I thought about what they will be like when we get to pay for their failed venture, when I don't even want TV from them.
But, oh well, we might as well get ready to take it again from good old Chattown politics. I want a choice when I go to get my power turned on. Maybe that would lower my bills. Talk about monopoly.
So please don't whine about Comcast. If you hate it so much, you can disconnect your service and get it from somebody else,can't you?
We should all join the lawsuit against EPB.
Byron Dodd
Hixson
byrondodd@bellsouth.net
* * *
Access to television programming is not a basic need, so comparing it to water or electricity service makes no sense. Unlike water or power, most homeowners can choose from at least two ways to get television programming is delivered into their homes. Cable is by far the most convenient way, especially for people who need television service in an apartment or office building. That doesn't mean that a company should be allowed to have a monopoly on cable service.
The best comparison is telephone service. Homeowners may choose a landline, a mobile phone network, or internet-based phone service. For what it's worth, EPB is already in the telephone business. Comcast is too, and I can tell you from personal experience that their rates are low and their service is reliable.
At the same time, I resent the way Comcast manages its cable offering in Chattanooga. They've consistently and aggressively raised rates across the board. They've consistently and systematically moved popular channels into higher tiers of service. Their "basic service," which used to be adequate for many subscribers, has been gutted to the point that the only meaningful programming on channels 2-13 comes from local stations. They outsource so many of their service and installation technicians that you never know whether the guy who shows up at the door will know how to fix your problem or not. My guess is that real competition would result in better cable service from Comcast.
The SmartGrid system planned by EPB seems capable of providing all sorts of other technology solutions to the home. It's an important step into the 21st century. EPB may or may not be the ideal organization to build this grid, but I'm sure glad they are stepping up to give it a shot.
Mike Crowder
Chattanooga
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