Are you satisfied with your cable service?: Committee launches survey

Aug 10, 2022

As Verizon and Comcast’s existing licenses with the town allowing them to maintain cable systems are expiring soon, the Cable Advisory Committee is looking for feedback from residents about their experiences with the companies.

Cable companies must be licensed by the town to operate and maintain cable TV systems on public ways to sell services and products to residents, according to a press release from the committee. 

Verizon’s license will expire in March 2023, while Comcast’s will expire in June 2025.

The committee is in charge of leading renewal negotiations with the companies and advising the Select Board about whether to renew the licenses and under what terms.

“These companies use our valuable public way and make a great deal of money selling cable TV to Wareham residents.  In return, we expect them to deliver good service and value to our residents for this privilege,” stated CAC Chairman, Matthew Underhill.

Documenting how well the companies determine uniformly good service to all residences is “an essential aspect of the committee’s responsibility to hold cable TV companies accountable, and ensure the interests of all residents of Wareham are protected,” per the release.

“These licenses require Verizon and Comcast to deliver quality services to all residential households in the Town of Wareham, not just the wealthy neighborhoods, or most profitable neighborhoods,” Dan Butler, a committee member, pointed out, “and that’s not happening.”

The committee urged all residents to take time to complete the survey so the committee can best represent residents’ interests in negotiations. 

Click here to answer the survey.