Cable Picture Not As Fuzzy

By LAURA KINSLER The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 7, 2008

LIVE OAK PRESERVE - Unhappy cable customers might get their wish to get out of a 15-year contract with Century Communications.

Bright House Networks spokesman Joe Durkin confirmed that the cable giant is in discussions with the private cable operator to take over its contract in Live Oak Preserve.

In Live Oak, homeowners pay about $85 a month in association dues for Century's basic cable TV, Internet and home security monitoring services. Unhappy with the service, hundreds pay extra to subscribe to Verizon's FiOS service or for satellite TV.

So many have complained that the master homeowners association, which is controlled by Engle Homes, is suing Century to terminate the contract.

Century General Manager Bill McKissock said he has no knowledge of a deal with Bright House, but some cable installers have told residents they would be pulling out of the community this month.

Durkin said the negotiations with Century involve taking over the entire contract - not just the equipment. The homeowners still would be obligated to pay for the package through their homeowners association dues.

Bright House offers faster Internet service and high-definition TV programming that is not available with Century. Bright House also offers on-demand TV and DVR service.

Century Communications is owned by the same family that controlled the now-defunct Transeastern Homes - Live Oak's original developer. The South Florida Business Journal reported last month that the Falcone family is interested in buying back some of the communities while Engle Homes' parent company works its way out of bankruptcy.

Reporter Laura Kinsler can be reached at (813) 865-4844 or lkinsler@tampatrib.com.