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County commission approves service agreements with cable, internet providers

by

Erica Techo

At its first August meeting, the Shelby County Commission, multiple cable and internet service agreements were on the agenda.

The commission considered and approved a resolution to extend the franchise agreement with AT&T. The agreement was set to expire on Dec. 31, 2018, and now will be extended to the same date in 2023.

The commission also approved resolutions to make an addendum to the cable franchise agreement with Charter Communications and to extend a franchise agreement with Bright House Networks “Charter,” until Dec., 31 2023.

During the public comment section of the agenda, the commission heard about another media company in Shelby County. Highway 311 resident Sarah Ziegler spoke to the commission about issues she has encountered with Zito Media, the only television option in her area.

Since problems starting in August 2014, Ziegler said she would continually lose channels, sometimes more than 20, but nothing would be done to fix the issue.

“The problem I have with them is this is an ongoing issue,” Ziegler said. “Nothing’s changed. As a matter of fact, it’s progressively got worse.”

Due to the fact that the area around her home is heavily wooded, Ziegler said she cannot get Direct TV or other options. She has heard various reasons for her cable issues, including cables pulling apart in a field, a wasp’s nest, a broken down bucket truck, as well as others.

“My concern is instead of me going forward and being progressive, I’m going backwards,” Ziegler said. She also said Zito Media is taking advantage of anyone using their service by misrepresenting themselves.

“You know our history with Zito. What she’s communicating is no different than some of our other problems that we’ve had,” said County Manager Alex Dudchock.

Manager of Community Services Reggie Holloway said he has been in contact with Ziegler, and is aware of the issues she is facing.

“Zito has been notified of all the problems. They’re just slow to respond and oftentimes won’t respond at all, so that’s an ongoing issue the county has. … We’re at a stage now that we’re going to have to make a decision to continue to work with them or do something else,” Holloway said.

Dudchock also said that Zito was the only cable provider willing to try and provide for that area.

Also at the meeting:

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