
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 29, 1990                   TAG: 9007310324
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MAKE CABLE PLAY BY TELEPHONE RULE

CABLE subscribers are becoming increasingly upset about the cable company's charging subscribers each month for additional outlets in the residence, even when the outlets are already in place. A large quantity of new construction includes several outlets as part of the contract. The cable company looks for these and will either make a monthly charge for each one or insist on dismantling them.

There appears to be no difference between TV cable service and telephone service. The telephone company makes a one-time charge for installing the telephone line, with a monthly service fee. The subscriber can then install as many internal telephone lines as desired, with no additional charges by the telephone company. This rule should also apply to cable service.

Legislation should limit cable charges to bringing the service to the first outlet, with a monthly service fee for the internal line and the control box. Thereafter, the subscriber should be able to install additional outlets at no charge by the cable company. GLORIA BRANDT ROANOKE

by CNB