Selectman continue RCN negotiations
Published on March 15th, 2000
STONEHAM, MA - Selectmen said providing a choice to Stoneham cable television subscribers is a priority of the Board, particularly in light of problems the town is experiencing with MediaOne.
"It's gotten out of hand," said Selectman Cosmo Ciccarello about MediaOne's failure to videotape the March 7 meeting.
In apparent violation of its contract with the town of Stoneham, MediaOne did not tape this week's meeting despite its recent commitment to implement new procedures to assure taping of all Selectmen meetings.
At the same meeting selectmen discussed ongoing negotiations between the town and RCN. RCN, a subsidiary of Boston Edison, is a facilities based provider of cable, Internet and long distance phone service. The company is currently looking to secure a cable license in Stoneham.
RCN provides cable television service in Arlington, Framingham, Somerville, Newton, Waltham and Hyde Park, and is pursuing agreements in several other communities.
If licensed in Stoneham, RCN representative Tom Steele assured the Board of Selectmen last Tuesday that the whole town, including the Jerry Jingle area, would be served.
In addition to better pricing, Steele also stated that the advantages of RCN over Media One include a stronger signal and more channels.
RCN is seeking a 10-year license. If approved, the installation is expected to take two years, however, the system would be activated in phases of completion.
The town is currently in receipt of a proposal from RCN. Town Counsel William Solomon is working on a counterproposal that he plans on reviewing with the selectmen before embarking on final negotiations. Solomon advised that input from the town's newly formed cable television committee would be sought.
Current cable subscribers were unable to witness RCN's presentation to the board this week due to MediaOne's failure to tape the meeting.
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