Changes coming to cable TV in apartments

by Jeff Ehling

If you live in an apartment, chances are the complex owners only allow one choice when it comes to the cable provider.

      That's because for years complexes have had the power to negotiate exclusive deals with cable providers, but on Wednesday those deals may be struck down by the Federal Communications Commission.

   Ali Cloutier is a renter who wants the ability to choose.

   "I think it's great because I am stuck with a provider right now that I am not happy with and I would love the I freedom to choose which ever one I want," said Cloutier.

   She says her current provider has bad customer service and cable outages are common.

    If the FCC dissolves the complex contracts, Cloutier would be free to sign up with Comcast or even AT&T.    The phone company is now providing TV through phone lines and could service thousands of apartment dwellers, but is not allowed in right now.

"We've actually built to a number of apartment complexes here in the city of Houston to where the residents of those can't subscribe to our service because the contracts that apartment owner has with the cable company block it," said Ed Cholerton with AT&T.

   Those who want the contracts removed say competition will allow consumers to get better deals.    But representatives of the Houston Apartment Association say the contracts give complex owners the ability to negotiate low prices.

    "Because the owner is able to buy in bulk, that savings is passed on the residents," said John Ridgeway of the Houston Apartment Association.

   In fact some apartment complexes offer free cable to renters, something the apartment association believes could become a thing of the past if the bargaining power complex owners have now, goes away.    

For renters like Anthony Gonzalez, that could mean paying for a service he now gets free of charge.

   "I don't like it because I will have another bill to pay," said Gonzalez.

   Comcast, the largest cable provider in our area, is against the move.

  A spokesperson told us, "Consumers will lose significant benefits if the F.C.C. interferes in the market place. Building owners can negotiate for benefits like dedicated service representatives, special channels and substantial price discounts."

  The FCC is expected to make a decision on the cable contracts tomorrow, and two things could happen:

  The FCC could allow the current deals to end before each complex is forced to allow competition, or the FCC. could strike down the contracts retroactively and give competitors immediate access to apartments.

Comments

[Thomas]

If you are getting free cable from your complex great for you. The other 70% of us or so do not and we are forced to use one company or static filled over the air broadcasts. The company shoved down my thraot is one called Ygnition. Look them on on wikipedia it's not good. Of course the apartments and companies are against it, they are always against consumer shaving choice. The aparment staff and/owners get a commision when they sell the whol'e complexes soul away so no big surprise of support there. I am tired of having great deals and services pass me by while when I talk to my only provider I hear"If you don't like it too bad we're all you can get"

[Jackie]

My apartment belongs to Comcast. My rates are the same as individual homeowners....don't lie Comcast...you don't give special rates.

[YOLANDA]

I would be glad when this passed. I have to pay for two different cable companies in my complex. I purchased a HDTV and I can't even reap the benefit of it because my complex will not upgrade to get the hd satelite. It's not fair, if I have to pay for cable, why can't I choose who I want if the complex isn't providing it for free. I think should happen is, that if a complex is providing the cable service, than the resident shouldn't have a choice but those that pay for theirs choice have a choice.

[Cliff]

The FCC just approved the ban for apartment buildings to allow the tentants to chose any cable provider that they would like. When will this be effective?

[Competition Wanter]

I hate the fact that there is no competition. My apartments have Comcast and only Comcast installed, and the residents have to pay for it themselves, with no alternative. It is terrible, and Comcast's inflated prices and crappy signal just worsen it. I would love to be able to ditch Comcast for something better, be it from AT&T, TVMAX, Phonovision, or SuddenLink, the other Houston providers.

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