Here's the scoop on Adelphia
Adelphia is in bankruptcy - has been now for a couple years and it's not just the Northeast. It's nationwide. However, Comcast cannot "snatch up the contract".
Adelphia has put a number of markets on the block. They are evaluating offers from a number of players, including Time Warner and Comcast. There is absolutely no way to figure out what will happen. The "contract" means nothing. Your local government has a "franchise agreement" with Adelphia. This is a non-exclusive agreement that stipulutes things such as franchise fees, and municipal cable access. It does NOT stipulate rates, etc. That ended with the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Prior to that, local franchise authorities (cable boards) had discretion and authority over rates and services. No more.
To be honest, your franchise agreement may even have expires. Interestingly enough, Adelphia has not been very proactive in getting them renewed during the past two years. I would believe absolutely nothing that your property manager is telling you. It's complete BS. The deadline for reviewing the offers hasn't even expired yet, so there is absolutely no way he has a clue what is going on. Beyond that, any agreement would need to be reviewed by the FCC and SEC, and then also with the courts due to the bankruptcy. Then, the deal would need to close, and then they'd need to figure out how to handle the customer migration.
Until ALL of that is done, Comcast can't do a darn thing. Also, keep in mind that should you use Adelphia for internet, dropping cable would mean an increase in Powerlink charges to about $58 per month for internet alone. I can tell you that with Adelphia Ultimate Plus with HD, and three HD DVRs, I get absolutely everything except PPV, and my total cost is cheaper than with Dish - that doesn't even consider that with Dish I did NOT get everything except PPV. I got AEP w/2 premiums - AND, I get no locals in HD and only one network in HD, AND the overall PQ for Dish is actually worse.
Just an FYI.
phreak said:
I live up in New Hampshire. I was talking to the property manager co. of my condo and they told me Adephia was in bankrupcy for the northeast. I guess Comcast is trying to snatch up the contract for our condo development, as well. They could have it as soon as the end of March and would take 60 to 90 days to switch everything over. Of course, right now this is all "unofficial" and nothing has been put into writing.
Adephia wants $96 a month for digital cable (170 channels), one movie channel, and high speed internet. I'm not sure if HDTV is included in the price or how many channels are included.