First let me say I have high praises for Cable America and their prompt responses to all my queries. Although I was passed around to several departments they politely answered questions when they could, had someone return my calls quickly when they couldn't, and were very helpful in getting the information I requested. I would also like to thank the folks in our neighborhood who organized the petition to bring them into our area. I signed the petition, and even though I am not happy with the outcome, will probably become a Cable America subscriber.
Now for the end run that Cable America did. When we signed the petition I'm sure many of us thought that they would be using the utility easements in our backyards. They asked (and were granted) a construction permit by the City of Mesa to use the road ''right of way'' which extends 42'' from the BACK of the sidewalk. Thats a good chunk of your front yard that they have been granted access to. So far they haven't used it, but they have every legal right to it. Don't fool yourselves, the reason Cox is taking so long in upgrading our area is because they will be forced to stay in the utility easements and the cost/liability versus the penetration in our area makes it a losing proposition. Cox is forced to upgrade us because of their license with the city otherwise we would never see them again. Cable America hopes with the cheaper installation costs they will be able to cut into Cox' subscriber base and turn a profit with the cheaper installation costs. I will not name the Cable America rep because of his forthrightness but he admitted to me that they would not be in our area if they wouldn't have been granted the waiver to work in our front yards. Remember you will have them digging up out front again if you or your neighboor subsribes.
Shame on us for not being more specific with our petition, and shame on the city for granting this waiver outside of our easements without notifying any of us!
Now for the end run that Cable America did. When we signed the petition I'm sure many of us thought that they would be using the utility easements in our backyards. They asked (and were granted) a construction permit by the City of Mesa to use the road ''right of way'' which extends 42'' from the BACK of the sidewalk. Thats a good chunk of your front yard that they have been granted access to. So far they haven't used it, but they have every legal right to it. Don't fool yourselves, the reason Cox is taking so long in upgrading our area is because they will be forced to stay in the utility easements and the cost/liability versus the penetration in our area makes it a losing proposition. Cox is forced to upgrade us because of their license with the city otherwise we would never see them again. Cable America hopes with the cheaper installation costs they will be able to cut into Cox' subscriber base and turn a profit with the cheaper installation costs. I will not name the Cable America rep because of his forthrightness but he admitted to me that they would not be in our area if they wouldn't have been granted the waiver to work in our front yards. Remember you will have them digging up out front again if you or your neighboor subsribes.
Shame on us for not being more specific with our petition, and shame on the city for granting this waiver outside of our easements without notifying any of us!
