HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-25 Board of Selectmen HandoutHechenblelkner, Peter
From:
peter.t.bowman@verizon.com
Sent:
Wednesday, January 25, 2006 12:33 PM
To:
Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; Anthony, Camille; James Bonazoli forwarding account;
jduffy@a ci.reading.ma.us; Ben Tofoya
Cc:
Town Manager
Subject:
Verizon's Video Application
Dear Ms. Anthony,
I am writing to request your support of Verizon's application for a video
license in Reading. As you know, Verizon has spent many months in
negotiations and discussions with town officials, and both parties have worked diligently
to present an agreement that will benefit the community.
The cable franchise agreement reached between Verizon and Reading was negotiated in good
faith, and we believe that it protects the interests of both parties.
We strongly believe this agreement is good for the community. It will generate additional
franchise revenue as customers migrate from satellite to FiOS TV; and the investment in
the network will make Reading more attractive to prospective home buyers and businesses as
they learn about the community's access to high tech services. Customers are facing a
4-6% increase in their cable bills this winter and have stated that they would like a
choice for video services, just as they have choice for every other product and service
available on the market today.
Verizon has enjoyed good relations with the leadership in Reading, and has made a
tremendous commitment of service and capital to the town. The company has deployed the
largest ever voice, data and video pipeline into the home. As a result, we have the
network of the future in Reading one that can accommodate all kinds of applications
ranging from education and telemedicine to home entertainment. Reading citizens already
have some of the fastest data speeds in the telecom industry thanks to the FiOS network.
As you evaluate Verizon's application, please consider it in its entirety.
I know you want to ensure that Reading is getting the best agreement possible, and I
assure you this is an excellent agreement that gives local consumers what they want while
protecting the community's interest.
I hope you will vote in favor of this application. Let's make Reading next in
Massachusetts to take full advantage of the FiOS network, and give cable choice and
competition to local citizens as soon as possible. If you have any questions or would
like to discuss this further, please give me a call at 617-743-8874. Thank you for your
thoughtful consideration.
Sincerely,
Peter Bowman
1
Hechenblefter, Peter
From: peter.t.bowman@verizon.com
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 4:18 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Verizon Launches ROS TV in Woburn
Dear Mr. Hechenbleiker,
I wanted to share some exciting news with you about Verizon's continued commitment
to Massachusetts as we've been in discussions with you about bringing FiOS services to
your community. This week, Verizon announced that we launched the first commercial
offering of FiOS TV in Massachusetts over our new state-of-the-art fiber optic network.
Consumers in Woburn are among the first in the country to have access to our FiOS TV
service giving them another high quality,' cost effective choice for video services.
Verizon obtained a local video franchise to offer FiOS TV in Woburn in October 2005.
FiOS TV is designed to offer consumers an alternative to their current cable or
satellite provider. Verizon has invested nearly $300 million to transform our
telecommunications network into a new fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) fiber network that will
bring video, data and voice services to consumers in more than 40 communities in
Massachusetts.
Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide
array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from
the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 30 Mbps (megabits per
second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps as well as high-quality voice services.
As we've discussed, Verizon is building a network capable of bringing FiOS TV to
many more communities in Massachusetts, and is in negotiations with more than 30
municipalities to obtain additional
franchises. We anticipate 2006 to be a busy year as we continue to
expand our FiOS network to provide more consumers in more communities another alternative
for video services.
For more information on FiOS TV and the Woburn launch, please see the
news release below. Also, if you have any questions or would like to
discuss further, please give me a call at 617-743-8874.
Regards,
Peter Bowman
Verizon Vice President - MA/RI
Verizon Launches FiOS TV in Woburn; First Rollout in Massachusetts
New Service Offers Consumers Better Television Technology, True
Competitive Choice and Greater Value
WOBURN, Mass. - Verizon unveiled Verizon FiOS TV in
Massachusetts today to residents of this city of 37,000 north of
Boston, making it the first community in the state to feature the new
service. Verizon will begin taking customer orders immediately.
"This is not cable TV. This is not satellite. This is FiOS
TV," said Bob Ingalls, president of Verizon's Retail Markets Group.
"Customers who liked what FiOS did for their Internet connection will
love what it does for their TV.. We've harnessed the speed and
capacity of broadband with the power of broadcast to create a
revolutionary, new entertainment experience."
Information on packages and prices is available at
www.verizon.net/fiostv. Woburn-area customers also can call
1-877-4-FIOS-TV (1-877- 434-6788) to see if they're able to order FiOS
TV.
FiOS TV is designed to be a formidable competitor to cable and
satellite. It is delivered over Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises
(FTTP) network, which has industry-leading quality and reliability.
Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the
capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that
is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. It also
delivers Internet download speeds of up to 30 Mbps (megabits per
second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps as well as high-quality
voice services.
Verizon's network design includes backup facilities not common
to traditional cable systems, such as duplicate "super head ends"
where the TV service receives national programming. (More information
about FiOS TV and fiber optics is available in Verizon's online News
Center at www.verizon.com/news.)
Service highlights include:
A broad collection of all-digital programming and
compelling consumer choice - with more than 330 total
channels and more on the way.
A lead offer with more than 180 digital video and music
channels, for $39.95 a month.
More than 20 high-definition channels, with extraordinary
clarity and theater-quality sound.
More than 1,800 video-on-demand titles available to
customers now increasing to 2,000 titles in the next
several months.
Channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports,
news, shopping, movies and family, making it easy for
audiences to find their favorite programming.
An easy-to-use interactive programming guide that
integrates HD programming, video-on-demand and the
digital video recorder along with broadcast television
into a seamless user experience.
A dual-tuner DVR that gives customers the freedom to
pause and rewind live TV, record one show while watching
another, and fast forward to their favorite part of the
program - all without a VCR, tapes or DVDs.
Verizon provides FiOS TV over the largest fiber-to-the-premises
network in the country, delivering the power and capacity of fiber
optics directly into people's homes. Verizon currently is
constructing fiber-to-the premises networks in more than half the
states where it offers landline communications services, including
more than 40 communities in Massachusetts. Verizon obtained a local
video franchise in Woburn in September 2005. Verizon is in
negotiations in more than 30 other communities in Massachusetts to
obtain additional franchises. Under current state law, potential
competitors to the incumbent cable-TV operators must obtain video
franchises in each community they seek to serve.
Verizon has also obtained video franchises in California,
Florida, New York and Virginia, as well as in Texas, where Verizon has
accelerated the availability of FiOS TV as the result of a
state-issued franchise. FiOS TV is already available in 14 North
Texas communities; Temple Terrace, Fla.; and Herndon, Va., and
surrounding parts of Fairfax, County, Va. It also launches today in
Massapequa Park, N.Y.
FiOS TV subscribers can choose from three simple-to-understand
service offerings, each with built-in choice and value. They can then
choose from packages and premium channels with programming that meets
their special interests. Verizon offers three set-top boxes: standard
definition for $3.95 per month; high definition, which includes HD
channels, for $9.95 per month; and a dual-tuner digital video recorder
and HD set-top box for $12.95 per month.
The services include:
2
Basic, with access to 15-35 local broadcast weather and
community channels for $12.95 per month. The service is
digital with a set-top box, which also provides access to
on-demand programming. Basic is also available as an
analog service that does not require a set-top box for
viewing.
Expanded Basic, Verizon's lead offer, delivers more than
180 video and music channels for $39.95 a month. This
tier includes access to more than 1,800 titles and
requires a set-top box. High-definition channels are
included in this tier at no extra charge, and customers
must have an HD set-top box and an HD-ready TV to view
them.
La Conexion, an alternative to Expanded Basic service
designed for bilingual consumers who enjoy TV programs in
English and Spanish, for $32.95 per month. The package
includes nearly 140 channels with English and
Spanish-language programming and access to video on
demand. This service requires a set-top box. . HD
channels are included in this tier at no extra charge,
and customers must have an HD set-top box and an HD-ready
TV to view them.
Consumers with a passion for sports or movies can add a
15-channel sports package for $5.95 a month, and a movie package, with
44 channels of Starz, Encore, Showtime and The Movie Channel, for
$11.95 a month. The movie package includes access to each channel's
video-on-demand titles. Or, they can buy both for $14.95 a month. In
addition, for wrestling fans, Verizon offers World Wrestling
Entertainment's WWE 24/7, a subscription video-on-demand service, for
$7.95 a month. Karaoke fans can sing along at home with a
subscription to the Karaoke package for $7.95 a month.
Verizon also offers 14 HBO channels and 12 Cinemax channels as
premium services, with each set of channels available for $14.95. The
price includes access to each channel's subscription video-on-demand
library. Subscribers who want both HBO and Cinemax will pay $24.95
per month. .
Programming choices for African-American, Asian, Russian and
other multicultural and ethnic audiences will be available in every
market. Because FiOS TV has so much capacity, it will also be an
outlet for emerging and independent networks to showcase their diverse
programming.
FiOS TV will also offer thousands of hours of on-demand programming,
including hundreds of titles of free video-on-demand programs across
topics such as sports, news, information and education, home and
leisure, family, children's shows and movies. Customers can order new
movie releases for $3.95 each and selections from a movie library for
$2.95 each.
The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer
support. Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the
service and acquaint subscribers with FiOS TV features and services.
Verizon is waiving the installation fee for up to three existing TV
outlets, and there is no charge to install a needed optical network
terminal at the subscriber's home. Charges for other installation
services, such as additional outlets, may apply. Verizon provides
24x7 technical assistance by phone from its Fiber Solutions Centers in
Providence, Rhode Island and other cities.
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a
leader in delivering broadband and other comm unication innovations to
wireline and wireless customers. Verizon operates America's most
reliable wireless network, serving 49.3 million customers nationwide;
one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks; and one of
the nation's premier wireline networks, serving home, business and
wholesale customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse
workforce of approximately 250,000 and generates annual consolidated
3
operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more
information, visit www.verizon.com.
VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive
speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and
images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center
on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.com/news. To receive news
releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized
automatic delivery of Verizon news releases.
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Sent: Wednesday, January 25, 2006 8:40 AM
To: 'Tom Clark'
Subject: RE: Please support Verizon FIOS TV coming to Reading!
Thanks for your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The Town supports
competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard to reach an agreement with
Verizon. However, it is in the best interest of the community to have the right agreement
- one that protects the interest of the community and its residents. We hope that we will
be able to achieve that goal, and have set January 25 as the date by which we expect to
accomplish this. You might want to consider writing to Verizon also and ask them to do
their best to reach an agreement that is appropriate for this community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: Tom Clark [mailto:thomas.clark@sun.com]
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 9:33 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Please support Verizon FIOS TV coming to Reading!
Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner:
I know that you are receiving a deluge of email concerning Verizon FIGS TV, but that's
because it's the only alternative to Cable TV for many of us in Reading and we've been
,patiently waiting for this opportunity.' Other Cable outfits could be considered, but
they're very similar to Comcast in offerings and regular cost increases and Satellite TV
isn't an option when clear southern exposure isn't available for many Reading properties.
Currently, Comcast hasn't offered more than 2-3 new channels over the last several years,
yet our bills have continued to increase.
FIGS TV is the clear alternative to cable TV, and Comcast needs to be forced into fair
competition.
Thanks for listening!
Sincerely,
Tom Clark
113 Wakefield St
Reading , MA 01867
1
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From Hechenbleikner, Peter
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 11:23 AM
To: 'John DiLiegro'
Subject: RE: Please support Verizon's video license
Thanks for your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The Town supports
competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard to reach an agreement with
Verizon. However, it is in the best interest of the community to have the right agreement
- one that protects the interest of the community and its residents. We hope that.we will
be able to achieve that goal, and have set January 25 as the date by which we expect to
accomplish this. You might want to consider writing to Verizon also and ask them to do
their best to reach an agreement that is appropriate for this community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: John DiLiegro [mailto:jdiliegro@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 12:32 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Please support Verizon's video license
Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner:
We are in the midst of an exciting and revolutionary change in the way we work, live, and
communicate. That's why it is critical that Reading citizens have access to all the
services provided by Verizon's new fiber optic network. This network contains enough
bandwidth to offer not just voice and data but also a genuine choice for video service.
Verizon's alternative to cable is extraordinary. In Texas, Florida, and Virginia, their
customers can choose hundreds of channels of diverse programming, thousands of shows and
movies on demand, and the prices are competitive with cable's. With cable bills
continuing to increase, it would be a welcome change to see competition impact cable
prices as it has for other technology offerings.
That's why I urge the Board of Selectmen to issue Verizon a video license as soon as
possible. Thanks to your leadership, Reading residents and businesses are getting closer
to having a new choice for their video services. Please vote to provide citizens with
more choice, lower prices and better service offerings so we can take full advantage of
this new state-of-the-art fiber network right away.
Sincerely,
John DiLiegro
183 W Main St
Georgetown, MA 01833
1
Thanks for your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The
Town supports competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard to
reach an agreement with Verizon. However, it is in the best interest of the
community to have the right agreement - one that protects the interest of
the community and its residents. We hope that we will be able to achieve
that goal, and have set January 25 as the date by which we expect to
accomplish this. You might want to.consider writing to Verizon also and ask
them to do their best to reach an agreement that is.appropriate for this
community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: Lori Davis [mailto:loulou76@verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 6:14 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Please support Verizon's video license
Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner:
Please allow Reading to have competition in our town so that comcast cannot
set the price margin. With another alternative to comcast this will bring
the prices down and allow more people to experience all that digital cable
television has to offer.
Sincerely,
Lori Davis
16 Hemlock Rd
Reading , MA 01867
Thanks for your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The
Town supports competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard to
reach an agreement with Verizon. However, it is in the best interest of the
community to have the right agreement - one that protects the interest of
the community and its residents. We hope that we will be able to achieve
that goal, and have set January 25 as the date by which we expect to
accomplish this. You might want'to consider writing to Verizon also and ask
them to do their best to reach an agreement that is appropriate for this
community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: peter davenport [mailto:Sparky61562@verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 6:51 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Support Verizon's video license application
Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner:
will you please do 1 thing right for a change and get us competition against
that monopoly pig comcast.
On the contrary, I have seen the price of other new technologies such as my
cell phone and Internet service decrease. I believe these rate hikes are
related to the fact most cable companies run as monopolies in local markets.
Without competition, they have no motivation to control prices, or improve
service.
Meanwhile, Verizon has invested in Reading by installing its advanced fiber
optic network, which offers video, Internet and voice services. Verizon
not only offers us an alternative to cable, but will provide residents and
local businesses with hundreds of channels and thousands of shows and movies
on demand, all at lower prices.
I hear our neighbors in Woburn will have access to Verizons FiOS TV very
soon. Please don't let the Town of Reading fall too far behind them. Our
citizens also deserve the best technology available along with a choice for
video services. Please vote in favor of Verizon's petition for a video
license so Reading residents and businesses can take advantage of lower
prices, more enhanced offerings and better customer service.
Sincerely,
peter davenport
179 Pearl St
Reading , MA 01867
Thanks for your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The
Town supports competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard to
reach an agreement with Verizon. However, it is in the best interest of the
community to have the right agreement - one that protects the interest of
the community and its residents. We hope that we will be able to achieve
that goal, and have set January 25 as the date by which we expect to
accomplish this. You might want to consider writing to Verizon also and ask
them to do their best to reach an agreement that is appropriate for this
community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: John Breen [mailto:jbreenre@comcast.net]
Sent: Monday, January 23, 2006 7:53 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Please support Verizon's video license
Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner:
Woburn now has a choice of three cable TV providers and this competition
will bring down the costs and improve the service for consumers.
Verizon's alternative to Comcast is extraordinary. In Texas, Florida, and
Virginia, their customers can With cable bills continuing to increase, it
would be a welcome change to see competition impact cable prices as it has
for other technology offerings.
That's why I urge the Board of Selectmen to issue Verizon a video license as
soon as possible. Thanks to your leadership, Reading residents and
businesses are getting closer to having a new choice for their video
services. Please vote to provide citizens with more choice, lower prices
and better service offerings so we can take full advantage of this new
state-of-the-art fiber network right away.
Sincerely,
John Breen, Jr.
16 Keith Rd
Reading , MA 01867
Thanks for your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The
Town supports competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard to
reach an agreement with Verizon. However, it is in the best interest of the
community to have the right agreement - one that protects the interest of
the community and its residents. We hope that we will be able to achieve
that goal, and have set January 25 as the date by which we expect to
accomplish this. You might want to consider writing to Verizon also and ask
them to do their best to reach an agreement that is appropriate for this
community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph Fucarile [mailto:JRF3@Comcast.Net]
Sent: Tuesday, January 24, 2006 12:19 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Please support Verizon's video license
Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner:
We are in the midst of an exciting and revolutionary change in the way we
work, live, and communicate. That's why it is critical that Reading citizens
have access to all the services provided by Verizon's new fiber optic
network. This network contains enough bandwidth to offer not just voice and
data but also a genuine choice for video service.
Verizon's alternative to cable is extraordinary. In Texas, Florida, and
Virginia, their customers can choose hundreds of channels of diverse
programming, thousands of shows and movies on demand, and the prices are
competitive with cable's. With cable bills continuing to increase, it would
be a welcome change to see competition impact cable prices as it has for
other technology offerings.
That's why I urge the Board of Selectmen to issue Verizon a video license as
soon as possible. Thanks to your leadership, Reading residents and
businesses are getting closer to having a new choice for their video
services. Please vote to provide citizens with more choice, lower prices
and better service offerings so we can take full advantage of this new
state-of-the-art fiber network right away.
Sincerely,
Joseph Fucarile
15 Munroe Ave
Reading , MA 01867
Page 1 of 2
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: John and Diane Maffa Odmaffa@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 21, 2006 9:22 AM
To: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Subject: RE: Video competition makes sense for Reading
Mr Hechenbleikner,
Thank you for supporting Cable TV competition. Based on your recommendation I will write to
Verizon and ask them to accommodate the towns requirements. My belief is that this is good for the
town, its people and for Verizon. If competitions drives our costs down and quality up. All will be well
served.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter
John Maffa
"Hechenbleikner, Peter" <phechenbleikner@ci.reading.ma.its> wrote:
Thanks fro your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The
Town supports competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard
to reach an agreement with Verizon. However, it is in the best interest
of the community to have the right agre ement - one that protects the
interest of the community and its residents. We hope that we will be
able to achieve that goal, and have set January 25 as the date by which
we expect to accomplish this. You might want to consider writing to
Verizon also and ask them to do their best to reach an agreement that is
appropriate for this community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
-----Original Message-----
From: John Maffa [mailto.jdmaffa@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, December 19, 2005 10:48 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Video competition makes sense for Reading
Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner:
As a resident of Reading, I'm interested in Verizon having the
opportunity to offer residents another choice when it comes to video
service. I am writing today to ask that the Board of Selectmen please .
approve Verizon's video franchise application.
Having another video services provider in town will mean more
competition and more choice for residents. This license will further
benefit residents by resulting in more technology offerings, improved
1/21/2006
Page 2 of 2
customer service and hopefully lead to better prices.
Verizon has invested millions of dollars into a state-of-the-art voice,
video and data network that will provide residents with more enhanced
offerings and improved customer service. Not to mention, Reading will
be among the first in the nation - and the second in Massachusetts to
take advantage of the full benefits of this next generation fiber optic
network. This investment will not only benefit customers, but make
Reading a more attractive city to live in and conduct business in.
So please give the citizens of Reading another choice in video
programming by approving Verizon's franchise application. It just makes
sense.
Sincerely,
Mr. & Mrs. John F Maffa III
28 Lindsay Ln
Reading, MA 01867
Yahoo! Photos
[Zing in the New Year with Photo Calendars. Add photos, events, holidays, whatever
1/21/2006
Page 1 of 2
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: Fred Van Magness [vanmagness@comcast.net]
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 5:33 PM.
To: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Subject: RE: Verizon License Opinion
Hi, Pete,
Thanks for the note..... things have sure been hectic in Reading with the disastrous fires. Saw you on TV from NH
but would have preferred it to be on something more positive than a fire
I totally agree with you on what you are doing for the license, and no deal is a good deal unless it is what is best
for the community. You have never wavered on that principle and I applaud you for that. I just wish the BOS
would be more forceful with Verizon when they have been in front of them. A little more heat from the BOS as a
whole would be helpful to maybe get Verizon to move. I'm not sure if there is a mediated position that could work
for both parties but which both are not willing to put on the table for fear it would erode their negotiating position.
Seems the government definitions are in need of rework as well, since this isn't going to be the last that business
will hear on the topic.
I would love to write to Verizon.... can you give me an email address of who is the best person to write to
Fred
-----Original Message-----
From: Hechenbleikner, Peter [mailto: phechen bleikner@ci. reading. ma. us]
Sent: Friday, January 20, 2006 4:38 PM
To: Fred Van Magness
Subject: RE: Verizon License Opinion
Thanks fro your email supporting a Cable TV franchise with Verizon. The Town
supports competition in Cable TV service and has been working hard to reach an
agreement with Verizon. However, it is, in the best interest of the community
to have the right agreement - one that protects the interest of the community
and its residents. We hope that we will be able to achieve that goal, and
have set January 25 as the date by which we expect to accomplish this. You
might want to consider writing to Verizon also and ask them to do their best
to reach an agreement that is appropriate for this community.
Pete Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
From: Fred Van Magness [mailto:vanmagness@comcast.net]
Sent: Saturday, January 07, 2006 9:59 AM
To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Reading - Selectmen
Cc: Schena, Paula
Subject: Verizon License Opinion
Hi folks ...Happy New Year!!!!!
Let me say at the outset that I am NOT a current or former emplovee of Verizon.
1/21/2006
Page 2 of 2
As a consumer, I strongly urge the BOS to provide competition in the local Cable TV market instead of the
current Cable TV monopoly (other than the "Dish" type networks) that Comcast has established in Reading
and other communities. I applaud the BOS and the Town Manager for the diligence they are exhibiting in
negotiating a proper long term contractual arrangement with Verizon and I certainly feel that the last issue
is very important. However, Reading residents are getting raped by Comcast and we need to find a way to
resolve the issues with Verizon ASAP and move forward quickly.
I have had Comcast and its predecessors for Cable TV. Internet, and Phone. Just recently, I experimented
and switched to their newly introduced Digital Voice service and was totally dissatisfied. After 3 weeks of
major disruptions, no service (and no E911 during the interruptions) poor service, poor customer service,
etc., I requested they remove their Digital Voice phone service from my house immediately. They had a
lackluster response and after three weeks of verbally fighting with them, my wife and I had to personally
drive to their regional headquarters and demand to speak with the regional manager to resolve the
removal. It was interesting that they said I could not migrate back to my prior Comcast Digital Phone
(different from their Digital Voice product) service without changing my phone number. Rest assured, after
35 years in Reading with the same phone number and three weeks with Comcast's extremely poor phone
service, one thing was going to give way and it wasn't losing my phone number.
I find Comcast to be arrogant (and the BOS has seen similar reactions in the past with the mess of setting
up RCTV with Comcast and the whole lack of response previously with the town loop), non responsive,
and not sensitive to costs. Now we are faced with another round of cost increases from Comcast.... and no
way to fight back UNLESS the BOS grants another license.
From my perspective, we need Verizon as a lever to keep rates reasonable. I intend to switch 100% of my
services to Verizon as soon as it is available in Reading, and I think many others will do the same.
Again, thanks for your efforts to help all residents offset the monopoly conditions that currently exist with
Comcast TV.
Fred
Fred Van Magness
1/21/2006
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SIGN-IN SHEET FOR THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
DATE:
NAME
(Please print)
ADDRESS
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