MONTICELLO -- Shortly after it took over the cable television operations here from Insight Communications in 2004, officials with Comcast Corp. began making plans to offer digital voice service to its customers.

A $250,000 investment by the company allowed the service to be launched with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday morning.

"This local and long-distance phone product allows customers unlimited long distance minutes," said Comcast regional vice president Mark Apple, who introduced the service that will be available to Comcast customers in Monticello, Wolcott, Chalmers and Reynolds.

"This allows us to transfer data the same way as data travels on the Internet. It works just like any phone services you use."

The digital phone service is available at prices that start at $39.95 per month. But Comcast also is offering its customers an opportunity to "bundle" their phone, television and Internet services into one offering at a monthly price of $33 each.

"People in America prefer one-stop shopping. Wal-Mart figured that out years ago," said U.S. Rep. Steve Buyer, R-Monticello, who attended Wednesday's product launch. "Being able to have your broadband, video services and make telephone calls off one trunk (line) ... is very exciting. Now it's here. It's in Monticello and it's pretty exciting."

Mayor Bob Fox was equally enthused about the possibilities Comcast offers.

"Our citizens deserve high technology and today we're going to get it," Fox said. "We're eager to try your new product."

State Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) authored a telecommunications reform act that was approved by the Indiana General Assembly this year and signed by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

Hershman attended Wednesday's ceremonies and anticipates Comcast's $250,000 expenditure being repeated across the state.

"This is the tip of the iceberg and I'm pleased to congratulate Comcast for being at the forefront of change in Indiana," he said. "I think it's a success story that will be replicated across the state in the next several months."


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