AUBURN – Between 75 and 100 Maine communities, currently served by Adelphia, want to be part of a consortium looking into service issues and monthly rates if Time Warner and Comcast take over their cable TV franchise.
“We’re limited in what we can do, because this would be a transfer and not a new franchise agreement,” said Pat Finnigan, Auburn city manager. “But it really works in our favor to work together.”
As many as 50 Maine communities met in Auburn last week to talk about combining efforts. Many others contacted Finnigan after the meeting, she said.
Adelphia, the fifth-largest cable television provider in the country, serves about 200 communities in Maine. Those cities and towns have until October to review a proposed $17.6 billion takeover bid by Comcast and Time Warner corporations.
Most communities have clauses in their franchise agreements giving them a say in any sale.
“Even some that don’t have that clause want to be part of the consortium, hoping they can get what we get,” Finnigan said.
On Monday, Auburn councilors gave Finnigan the go-ahead to join the group.
Twin Cities residents have complained about Adelphia’s channel lineup, poor service and slow repairs. Finnigan said she wanted to hear all of those complaints.
“A new company, coming in a community, usually wants to work with their new customers,” Finnigan said. “We’re hoping that’s the case with Time Warner.”
She expects the group will schedule a public hearing later this summer.
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