September 2008 Agency Report
Telecom & Video Services Agency Report
September 15 - October 20, 2008
Thank you for this opportunity to highlight some of the things that the Telecom & Video Services Agency has been involved with during the past month.
RULES & PUBLIC POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Telecom & Video Services Agency attended the Rules & Public Policy meeting of last Tuesday where we gave a Power Point presentation as to our role respective the State Video Franchising Law. AT&T was there to give a presentation with their perspective as to the State Law. We also attended the City-County Council meeting that approved the 2009 budget. We wanted to be on-hand in case there were any questions from the City-County Council.
BRIGHT HOUSE FRANCHISE FEE REVIEW
Our office and the City’s contractual auditor continue to be in discussion with Bright House’s financial staff with respect to the 2004-2006 franchise fee audit.
DISTRICT COURT MAKES SIGNIFICANT PEG RULING
The Federal District Court in Detroit issued a decision on October 3 stating that the Federal Cable Act requirements for PEG TV channels supersede state laws and referred a number of questions regarding Comcast’s proposed transition of PEG channels to digital only to the FCC for a ruling. This is significant because the leveling down of PEG TV provisions is common in state franchises granted under such legislation to phone companies.
FOLLOW UP WITH COMCAST PUBLIC SERVICE DROPS
The Agency has been working with Comcast officials regarding two public service drops requested by the Parks Department for Comcast to provide. The Parks Department cancelled their request for Sahm Park but renewed their request for Perry Park. It is our understanding that the Windsor Village Family Center has been connected by Comcast.
NATOA CONFERENCE
The Telecom & Video Services Agency attended the conference for the National Association of Telecommunication Officers & Advisors (NATOA) last month. We learned a lot of valuable information with respect to investigative hearings taking place on Capitol Hill regarding PEG TV, participated in operator meetings with Comcast, took part in the Policy & Legal Committee meeting, just to name a few of the activities.
MEDIATING CABLE COMPLAINTS
The Telecom & Video Services Agency has been serving as a consumer advocate to Indianapolis and Marion County video subscribers in assisting them in mediating complaints on their behalf with respect to Bright House Networks
Customer Complaint Log
August 1st through August 31st, 2008
|
Cable Companies: |
Bright House Networks |
|
Customer Complaints: |
Month |
Year/Date |
|
Billing Procedures |
0 |
12 |
|
Customer Service |
0 |
15 |
|
Digital Cable |
0 |
6 |
|
Digital Voice |
0 |
4 |
|
Installation |
0 |
5 |
|
Late Fees |
0 |
0 |
|
Miscellaneous |
1 |
2 |
|
Modem/ Internet |
0 |
11 |
|
Programming |
0 |
1 |
|
Rates |
0 |
7 |
|
Service Interruptions |
1 |
28 |
|
Technical Service |
0 |
2 |
|
Telephone Service |
0 |
7 |
|
Unburied Cable |
1 |
3 |
|
Total # of Complaints |
3 |
103 |
|
Total # of Callers |
2 |
73 |