Cable Television in the City of Cambridge
Cable Television in the City of Cambridge
Cable operators must obtain cable television franchise agreements from cities and towns to provide service and place cable lines in public rights-of-way. Franchise agreements are precisely defined by federal and state laws. Such agreements are nonexclusive. Comcast is currently the only cable operator that has sought a license with Cambridge. The City of Cambridge has approached other operators, more than once, about seeking a license to operate a cable TV system in Cambridge, but they have informed us that Cambridge is not currently part of their business plan; however, City officials stand ready to negotiate with any willing operator.
Cable Television Rates for Current Operators
Comcast
Please find the pricing information and current channel lineup for cable services provided by Comcast to the residents of Cambridge, MA. This information has been provided to the City of Cambridge by Comcast. This information is also available in print at the Consumers’ Council, 831 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139.
Comcast Cable Pricing Information and Current Channel Lineup (PDF)
Please Note: These rates are current as of March 1, 2012 and include changes to pricing that will occur on May 1, 2012. All pricing is subject to change by the operator. Service prices do not include installation fees, state or local taxes, franchise fees or Federal Communication Commission (FCC) fees.
More information on FCC fees can be found here: http://www.fcc.gov/fees/.
Important Notice for Cambridge Residents Regarding Changes to Comcast/Xfinity Cable Service
On April 17, 2012, Comcast is upgrading their network to an all-digital platform, which may require obtaining additional equipment to continue receiving all current channels. This primarily affects Limited Basic Service, Digital Economy and Family Tier customers who do not have a digital device (digital cable box, digital converter or digital adapter) from Comcast or a CableCARD device currently connected to a television set that is receiving cable service.
Please contact Comcast Customer Service at 1-888-634-4434 for questions regarding these changes or obtaining digital equipment.
Additionally, the following changes will occur to the Current Channel Lineup:
CCTV will now be carried on Channels 8 and 9 (English) and 96 (foreign language).
City TV-8 will move from Channel 8 to Channel 22 and be called 22-CityView
Notice From Comcast Regarding Digital Network Enhancement and Channel Move (PDF)
Cable Television Complaints
Any unresolved inquiries concerning billing, service disputes and advertising should be directed to the Cambridge Consumers’ Council. To file a complaint concerning one of the above-mentioned issues or to request a copy of this information, please contact Corey R. Pilz, Consumer Information Specialist, at (617) 349-6150 or consumer@cambridgema.gov.