Newport ignites fire under cable provider

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- Almost under the radar of the many residents who have

complained to the city about Adelphia Cable’s Internet service, the City

Council on Tuesday quietly approved a first step toward trying to fix the

problem.

The council unanimously agreed to pay $34,870 to the Buske Group to

gather and compile information about what the community wants from a

cable provider. Though the purpose of the information gathering is to

prepare the city to renew its agreements with both Adelphia and Cox

cable, it’s likely that surveyors will learn that a lot of people in the

city are more than a little dissatisfied with Adelphia’s Internet

service.

The city is renewing its agreements with its two cable providers for

the first time in 15 years. Under the 1996 Telecommunications Act, cities

have almost no power to discipline or kick out any provider -- even those

that allegedly fail to provide promised service.

“Our hands are pretty much tied,” City Atty. Bob Burnham told the

council.

But, through the assessment Buske will conduct, the city hopes to

leverage public pressure against Adelphia, which, according to dozens of

angry people who have complained to the city, has unacceptable

connections, slow downloads and poor customer service. Cox customers have

not lodged similar complaints.

“The two things coincided at the same time: The franchise agreements

are up, and we have a strong need in the community for better high-speed

data services. Right now, we have the opportunity to talk about both

things,” Assistant City Manager Dave Kiff said. “We’re trying to use this

as a bully pulpit to get better service.”

The city’s Telecommunications Subcommittee will meet with a Buske

Group representative today to decide on the details of the

information-gathering process.

* June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 june.casagrande@latimes.comf7 .

FYI

* WHAT: Telecommunications Subcommittee meeting to discuss an

assessment of cable service needs in the city. The meeting is open to the

public, which will have an opportunity to comment.

* WHEN: 2 p.m. today

* WHERE: Newport Beach City Council Chambers, 3300 Newport Blvd.