THAT’S DEBATABLE:

A Time Warner representative recently came to a City Council meeting to address complaints from customers about the cable company’s service. Were you satisfied with the company’s explanations? If not, what more can you do about it?

Since Time Warner took over as the city’s cable provider, residents have endured a difficult transition.

I personally have experienced and received numerous complaints by residents frustrated with long hold times, fuzzy pictures, black outs, sound problems and inability to connect to the Internet.

Many residents have given up and switched to private providers.

Enough is enough. While I appreciated the Time Warner representative’s willingness to admit the transition has caused technology problems, she offered no real solutions.

Unfortunately, the city is limited as to our remedies. The best we can do right now is to continue to hold Time Warner to the terms of the Franchise Ordinance and fine them if the problems persist. In preparation, we have requested a breakdown of all complaints received prior to the takeover to the present, as well as a breakdown of the number of subscribers previously with Comcast as compared to now with Time Warner.

While this information will not solve the problem, it will at least hold Time Warner to the fire and keep the pressure on them to move more expeditiously in solving the technology and customer service complaints.

The goal of deregulation was intended to allow the marketplace to create competitive opportunities for a variety of cable providers.

So far, it has not worked. If Time Warner cannot solve the problem, maybe another provider will step up.

If you are a Costa Mesa resident having trouble with your cable, please e-mail me at council@katrinafoley.com.

I will do my best to get your complaint promptly resolved.

Katrina Foley

Costa Mesa Councilwoman

It is my understanding that the Time Warner community affairs representative will meet with staff to address the problem.

We expect our residents to be serviced with their requests in a timely manner.

I have assurance from the Time Warner representative today that they are working hard to resolve the problems.

Wendy Leece

Costa Mesa Councilwoman

Did not respond.

Eric Bever

Costa Mesa Mayor

Did not respond.

Allan Mansoor

Costa Mesa Councilman

Did not respond.

Linda Dixon

Costa Mesa Councilwoman