Cablevision wrote to the BPU and asked for extensions.  They asked for six more months "to evaluate the wisdom of continuing to pursue the project" and three more months after that to decide whether to proceed.  We understand that the BPU often grants extensions if construction has fallen behind schedule.  (It is now more than 16 months since any work was done.) But we aren't sure about granting extensions merely to "think about it".

Our Township Administrator sent a lengthy critique of their request.  At the end, we restated our basic position that "the goal of the Township is to accommodate the residents with a cable provider that would provide the best possible service for the best possible price. Having a competitive environment with cable providers would likely foster such a result."

"I regret that I do not, at this time, have additional information to share with you. We are aware of our obligation under the franchise and we are actively working on a resolution.

I appreciate your continued patience and will have a firm answer for you as soon as possible."

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On October 15, Cablevision wrote to the BPU.  Some excerpts from their letter.

• "As you are aware, Cablevision announced a growth plan earlier this year designed to allow the company to move forward on firm financial footing. This initiative includes a significant restructuring of operations. As part of the plan vis-a-vis the overbuild project in Long Hill, Mendham Township and Mendham Borough, we are exploring all options that make business sense in light of the changed economic climate facing both our industry and company, as well as increasing competition from DBS."
• "We remain aware of our franchise obligations and will make every effort to share information with you on as timely a basis as possible."

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In the spring of 2001, they started construction.  Cablevision planned to be in service in December 2001 and then in April 2002.  In the Fall of 2001, work was suspended.  Their franchise agreement with the town says service MUST be turned on before December 31, 2002.

On September 17, the Township Administrator met with Cablevision at the offices of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities.  Some feedback from that meeting follows.

• Cablevision announced on August 8 that it is in serious financial trouble.
• They are closing 26 stores in The Wiz chain, and putting other subsidiaries on the market.
• They have (or will soon) reduce their staff by 7%.
• They plan to focus on maintaining service and providing additional features for the customers in their existing service areas.
• They have several "competition pilot" areas, including Long Hill and Mendham, and these are definitely on hold.  They have not made a decision and do not know when they will make a decision on how to proceed with our project.
• Cablevision agreed to report to us and the BPU by October 15, either the result of their decision, or a firm date when that decision will be made.
• Chances of gearing up and completing the work in order to establish service by December 31 are very slim.  Their authority from the BPU is in the form of an "Order", so they will soon be in violation of that Order, and in default of the authority granted by the Township.
• Then, everyone starts writing letters.

In summary, don't expect too much very soon.

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The Webmaster spoke with Cablevision in mid-July, and has this progress report.  The website reading suggestions do not imply any endorsement or recommendation by the Township Committee.  They are presented here to assist the residents gather any additional information they may want about Cablevision and its services.

• Construction is well along, and many residents have had their lawns trenched for the installation of cable.  Cables also must be placed on poles, where they exist.  At each pole, Cablevision must maintain vertical separation from Verizon and RCN cables, and must also maintain a minimum height above the ground.  In some cases, the other companies will have to move their cables up or down to make room.  This takes time to coordinate.
• The state BPU (Board of Public Utilities) must approve the application before the cable can go into service.  This approval is still pending.
• Cablevision can not announce a date for their start of service until after the cable installation is closer to completion and after they get BPU approval.  On August 1, 2001, Cablevision received BPU Approval.  Read the BPU's order. (Abobe Acrobat required.) The Webmaster thanks a thoughtful reader for forwarding this link.
• The TV channel offerings and lineup are not yet ready for announcement, but Cablevision stresses their focus on local and regional channels.  They will be including NEWS12, the New York Metro closed circuit 24 hour news channel, in their package.  For more about Cablevision's video services, visit their website.  Cablevision says their pricing in Long Hill will be "most compelling".
• If a resident signs up for Cablevision, they will run a new 'drop' wire from the street into your home (up to their "converter box".)  If you currently subscribe to RCN, that drop wire will be abandoned and RCN will want its converter box back.
• Cablevision is installing their "750MHz Platform" in Long Hill.  This is the infrastructure technology that is required to provide 2-way high speed Internet access and digital television.  Although Digital TV will not be a part of the initial offering in Long Hill, Cablevision is actively developing their service offering, and plans to introduce it in some test markets before the end of 2001.  As an aside, Cablevision claims to be spending $1.4B to rebuild all its systems in New Jersey to the "750MHz Platform".
• With regard to high-speed Internet, Cablevision will offer its Optimum OnLine service. If you are interested in the features and prices, visit the Optimum OnLine website.
• For a comparison of price and customer satisfaction with Cablevision Internet service, you may want to review the DSL Reports website.  A little below the middle of the page, you will find Cablevision.
• If you are thinking about the high speed service, you may start to familiarize yourself with the technical issues you will face by reading Cablevision's Installation Guide.

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The process is slow, and involves not only the Township, but also the NJ Public Service Commission.  One of the town's responsibilities is to grant "Municipal Consent" for the construction and operation of the system.  An ordinance (71-00) was introduced on November 8, 2000 to grant this consent.

The ordinance was the subject of a PUBLIC HEARING on December 13, 2000 at 7:30 PM.

The hearing will "receive all comments regarding the qualifications of Cablevision to receive this consent" and then the Township Committee will determine if "Cablevision possesses the necessary legal, technical, character, financial and other qualifications to support municipal consent, and that Cablevision's operating and construction arrangements are adequate and feasible."

Highlights of Ordinance 71-00  The entire ordinance may be inspected at Town Hall.

The Township will grant Cablevision its non-exclusive consent to place its wires and equipment in public rights-of-way, "for the provision of any services over the system which may be authorized by Federal and State regulatory agencies.  Operation and construction is conditioned upon prior approval of the (NJ) Board of Public Utilities."

The consent granted is valid for 10 years.

Cablevision must have service available to 90% of the township before year-end 2002.  After that it must extend its service to any other parts of the Township where the density is greater than 15 homes per mile.  In those places where the density is less than 15 homes per mile, Cablevision must provide service only if the residents agree to share the cost of the extension.

Cablevision will pay the Township a Franchise Fee computed as 2% of its gross revenue from recurring subscription fees collected in the township.

Cablevision must provide free television service to all the schools, the Library, Lounsberry Meadows, the Senior Center, the New Town Hall, the Police Department and the Public Works Department.

Cablevision must provide free internet service to all the schools and to the Library.

Cablevision must restore any disturbed pavement, sidewalks, driveways, etc.  They may trim trees on public places and rights-of-way to the extent necessary to maintain proper clearance from the wires.

There will be a senior citizen's discount if 1) there is at least one person 62 years of age or older, and no more than one person less than 62 in the household,  2) the subscriber meets income and residence requirements for the PAAD program,  and 3) the discount only applies to basic service.

Cablevision must provide the capability for the Township to broadcast emergency (audio) messages.  In addition, there will be a Public Access Channel for use by the township and its residents.  Cablevision will provide equipment at the new municipal building, including 2 color cameras and microphones, and the associated switches, mixers and consoles. Cablevision may use the channel for other programming when it is not in use for public, educational and government programming.

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