With the contract with current cable provider Time Warner set to run out at the end of this year, North Shore Towers is in the process of having negotiations to determine who will provide cable service for the cooperative moving forward.
Time Warner has been the service provider for the last 10 years.
At the September 17 open Board meeting, Legal Committee Chair Marvin Rosenberg said that North Shore Towers has received bids from Time Warner and Verizon. However, Rosenberg said that there have been problems while dealing with Verizon. He said that they have “eagerly” been seeking entry into the Towers, but have refused to give a specific price set up for their specific rates.
“Unfortunately, they have refused to supply us with any specifics as to what their charges would be, despite [General Manager] Glen’s insistence at our behest to obtain these rates and services,” Rosenberg said.
Because of this, Rosenberg said that the focus has been shifted to Time Warner, which has been sending information over. Rosenberg said that the company is “most anxious to continue as our service provider.”
In September, the committee met with a representative of Time Warner. The company is offering a “triple play” package, which would include television with high definition for free, high speed broadband and home phone with unlimited calling for a guaranteed rate of $99 a month for five years. As of the open Board meeting, the committee was still waiting to find out the rates for premium channels.
Time Warner has said that they would continue the dedication of five in-house channels. Should the Towers decide to stay with Time Warner, they would also receive a $70,000 marketing fee.
Rosenberg also said that an “important element” to Time Warner’s proposal is that they would replace all ceiling moldings that hide the cables on every floor of all three buildings.
Also, Rosenberg said the committee has submitted a request for the additional lowering of prices but, as of the September 17 meeting, had not heard anything back yet.
“This is a work in progress and we will keep you informed,” Rosenberg told the community.
During the question and answer period of the open Board meeting, several residents asked further questions about the cable contracts. Board President Bob Ricken reminded the community that the Board has not approved anything yet. Finance Committee Chair Mort Gitter also said that no definitive agreement had been reached.
