Department of
Administration
Cable Services Information
The Township receives a variety of questions with regard to cable services. The following is a brief history of cable regulations and relevant customer service.
There is a long history of regulation and deregulation of the cable industry as for years most cable companies operated as a "defacto" monopoly. The cable industry is however, now more than ever becoming a competitive business.
In 1984, the emerging cable industry was being hampered by local cable rate regulations in many cities and towns. Cable providers were restricted from receiving additional fees that would allow them to upgrade their cable services to compete with the newly developing satellite industry. In 1986 lobby efforts helped deregulate cable rates through an act of federal legislators. This deregulation although allowing for significant growth of cable services, also caused many consumers to experience astronomical hikes in their cable bills. The Federal Cable Act was therefore enacted in 1992. The Cable act enabled local governments to regulate cable rates where there was no effective competition among cable companies or other similar entities. The only cable channels exempt from the regulation were premium channels such as HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, etc. Furthermore, the act allowed consumers upset over cable rates and service to formally file complaints with the FCC.
A new act, the Telecommunications Act of 1996, discontinued the complaint service as of March 31, 1999. Basic service rates-basic service being "broadcast signals, local public, educational, and government access channels" - stayed subject to local government regulation but only under formulas set by the FCC. All other cable tier rates, however, are not under the purview of any government unit.
Customers some times inquire about the possibility of replacing the cable operators. Operators have a non-exclusive franchise agreement to provide cable services in the Township. At the conclusion of a franchise agreement term, there is "an expectation of renewal" under federal law. Under current federal and state law, all operators having an interest in providing cable services to Upper St. Clair need to enter into a franchise agreement with the Township. Comcast formerly Adelphia, has been offering cable service in the Township for well over 20 years. Verizon recently installed fiber optics throughout much of the Township and currently offer internet and cable services in various portions of the Township. Full service build out for the Township is expected by the end of 2009.
There are different resolution methods and consumer protections. The FCC lists several options for consumers. These include filing complaints with their cable company, contacting their local U.S. congressman, and acquiring satellite service. For a list of these options and additional information on cable regulation, visit the FCC website at www.fcc.gov.
Many Upper St. Clair residents subscribe to Comcast and Verizon services such as long distance telephone service and high speed internet access. These services are not covered under the Township's cable franchise agreements. It should also be noted that Comcast and Verizon will from time to time change the cable packages offered to customers. In response to price increases or package changes, customers typically have the right to downsize their service selection within thirty (30) days of receipt of notice of such change with no charge for the downgrade.
The franchise agreements prescribe the technical and service standards under which cable providers are expected to operate, as well as compensation to the municipalities (currently 5% on locally subscribed cable services).
Township Cable Providers
The entire Township of Upper St. Clair is served by Comcast whose system utilizes fiber optic lines throughout the Township.
Verizon is currently providing cable services to many areas of the Township; however total build out of the entire Township is not expected until the end of 2009.
Questions regarding cable products or services should be directed to Comcast at 1.800.COMCAST (266.2278) or Verizon at 1.888.438.3467.
Township of Upper St. Clair · 1820 McLaughlin Run Road · Upper St.Clair, Pennsylvania 15241
Department of Administration · Phone: 412.831.9000 Ext. 219 · Fax: 412.831.9882
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