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Note: The Hearing mentioned in this article is still being confirmed.

from: MLive.com

Comcast too quick
Saturday, January 12, 2008

Comcast Cable poorly handled the decision to change the channels for its public access, education and government (PEG) programming. That includes the rushed effective date -- it begins Tuesday after only 60 days' notice -- to the company's failure to consult with local government and school officials about the switch to the digital format.

Officials should delay the move, especially knowing that the change will mean an additional cost on those who currently don't have the equipment to view the new channels. The PEG channels serve significant civic participation purposes, allowing people to view city and school board meetings. Comcast has shown a lack of common courtesy to those it serves. The public deserves much better.

In November, Comcast -- Grand Rapids' largest cable provider -- announced the shift of community access channels from analog cable channels 24-28 to a digital format available on the 900-range channels. The commercial-free channels provide repeat telecasts of school and government meetings, including the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Board of Education, as well as other programming and events of interest to the public. Comcast says the move will enhance the quality of video and audio, and by grouping them together in a uniform fashion, viewers can find them no matter where they are in the state.

The change will also earn Comcast more money. Those who need to upgrade to a digital converter box for their TV will have to pay $4.20 per month. Comcast has offered one free converter box per household for the first 12 months to help with the transition. But the company, which has 1.3 million customers statewide, won't say what percentage of its West Michigan customers is already using digital service. The switch also frees up channel space for Comcast.

Local officials in Grand Rapids and across the state have raised legitimate concerns about access and costs. Grand Rapids Mayor George Heartwell wrote Comcast that the realignment "placed local programming beyond the reach of seniors and low-income families who are most in need of the information." Comcast did not respond to his request to reconsider the change. So Tuesday's primary and meetings will now be on Channel 915, instead of 26.

U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Dearborn, who chairs the House Energy and Commerce Committee, wrote Comcast of his concerns. A congressional hearing is now planned for Jan. 29 to look at the evolving ways cable operators are offering PEG services and whether they're consistent with the Communications Act and Congress's intent. That will be helpful to the process.

Grand Rapids Schools officials have also been critical of Comcast and concerned about the impact on public participation and the district's bottom line. In some schools, the district has at least 20 televisions.

Had Comcast asked for feedback from GRPS and other community partners before sending out its notification letter, the company would have had the opportunity to understand some of their issues. More planning time, particularly for the GRPS, would have been helpful. The public could have also been better informed and educated.

That type of dialogue and consideration is essential to being a good corporate citizen. But the manner in which Comcast handled this -- sending out a notice right before the Thanksgiving to Christmas holiday surge -- show's its concerned more about being a profitable community citizen than a good one.