Cox Cable Contract Ends

Public asked to comment on service and channels offered on local cable options

Parish officials are asking Cable TV viewers to voice their opinions about the service and programming that Cox Cable is providing to residents. The cable television franchise review committee along with the parish council will meet on Monday, August 6, at 5:00 p.m. to review the current agreement with Cox Cable and receive public input regarding the proposed franchise renewal.

The contract is up in December and Cox is requesting that their franchise be extended.

Chief administrative officer Tim Vial says that he received many complaints about Cox when they dropped the religious broadcast channels and the television guide channel off of their basic line-up.

“Unfortunately, since the time the federal government de-regulated cable, we haven’t had authority over cable. When Cox raises their rates or decides to drop channels, we have no power.” says Vial.

No other cable companies have expressed an interest in coming into the parish.

“We’ve contacted several companies, but haven’t found any cable providers that are interested,” said Tim Vial, who added that they are still looking.

“We would welcome any cable company who is interested,” he says.

“The problem is that any new cable provider would have to build their own system or negotiate with Cox to use theirs,” he explains.

A new provider would have to invest millions in the parish because the entire system, including the wiring, is privately-owned by Cox. They would also have to contend with high-tech competition on the horizon.

Public input may be provided in person at the Committee Meeting on Monday, in writing addressed to the Council Secretary, P.O. Box 302, Hahnville, LA, 70057, by fax to (985) 783-2067 or by e-mail to scpcouncil@stcharles.la.us.