Comcast asks for Altoona franchise

Fiber optic installation would provide phone, internet, cable services

Comcast officials Monday asked City Council for a cable franchise, which, if granted, would enable the company to compete with long-term franchise holder Breezeline.

"I think the odds are certainly in favor (of approval)," said Councilman Dave Butterbaugh after the meeting.

"Competition is good for everyone," said Mayor Matt Pacifico, who first asked the company to come to the city six years ago, in keeping with many constituent requests, he told company officials at the meeting.

"With competition, everybody's got to step their game up," Butterbaugh stated.

The present cable system in Altoona could use "serious upgrading," said Councilman Ron Beatty.

Comcast has heard requests to consider Altoona, but years ago, the move wasn't feasible, according to the firm.

There's no timetable yet for service starting in Altoona, according to the company.

The effort to bring service to the city and Logan Township is Phase 2 of push whose Phase 1 comprises a move into Blair and Allegheny townships and Hollidaysburg and Duncansville, according to Jenn Frees, the company's senior manager for government affairs, who spoke to council Monday.

The company provides more than digital cable TV, she said. The same cable that brings TV will also provide phone service, internet and home security, she said.

In Altoona, the means of delivery will be "100 percent" fiber optic, according to a company construction official at the meeting.

The entire process starting service takes about 18 months, barring unforeseen circumstances -- with construction comprising the last 12 months, according to Frees.

The company has been working on a "walkout" and design and is also filing for permits, Frees said.

Workers will be stringing wires on poles owned by Penelec and Verizon along a 254-mile route, and will be burying wires for another 28 miles in the city, according to Frees.

The company is working on licenses for the use of those other companies' poles.

The wires will "pass" 25,000 potential customers.

The lines will start in Williamsburg, according to the construction official.

The company has identified three potential city "hubs," the construction official said.

The company has reduced-fee programs to provide "internet essentials" to households that qualify financially, based on indicators that include being eligible for Medicaid, Medicare, food stamps and free or reduced lunches, according to Frees.

The company is "continuously looking at opportunities to bring our state-of-the-art products to more consumers and businesses where it is geographically and economically feasible," Comcast stated in a post-meeting email.

The franchise held by Breezeline is non-exclusive.

"I'm happy you're finally bringing this to Altoona," Pacifico told Frees.

"It's something sorely needed," Beatty said.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.