Monitoring cable television franchise rules in unincorporated King County.
What is the cost stated "Franchise Costs" or "Facility Fee" on my cable TV bill?
The Franchise Costs or Facility Fee is a fee that was negotiated as part of our franchise agreement with TCI Cable (now Comcast) for construction of a fiber optic network that will service 300 different sites throughout unincorporated King County. The Institutional Network (I-NET) will interconnect and enhance video, data, and voice communication between our schools, libraries, government buildings and fire stations.
What is the cost stated "Franchise Fee" on my cable TV bill?
The Franchise Fee is a fee or rent charge that the cable company pays King County in order to use our roads and to provide cable TV service to subscribers in our community. This fee is based on 5 percent of the revenue collected by the cable company. Federal cable legislation allows the cable companies to pass on this fee to its customers.
What is the current channel line-up including channels for public, educational, and government access (PEG)?
The
attached chart lists the currently available line-up for unincorporated King County, including those channels that carry public, educational, and government access (PEG) programming. The Public Access Studio, currently managed under the terms of Comcast's franchise with the City of Seattle, is located at 1125 N. 98th Street, Seattle, WA 98103. The phone number is (206) 522-4758.
What is the Low-Income Discount for seniors or permanently disabled cable TV customers?
Comcast offers a 30 percent discount (or about $4.00) on limited, or the lowest tier of cable TV service offered. This discount is available to senior citizens (65 years or older) or those who have a permanent disability living in unincorporated King County. To be eligible, a citizen cannot earn more than $17,500 total per household per year. Customers can subscribe to more than one service package but the low-income discount only applies to the limited tier of service. If you are on a special or introductory rate, you will not receive this discount until the offer has expired.
If you think you are qualified to receive a low income discount, contact the Office of Cable Communications
Who are the cable TV providers for unincorporated King County residents and how can I get in touch with them?
Comcast Cable Communications Inc. (formerly AT&T)
900 132nd Street SW
Everett, WA 98204
Customer Service # 1-877-824-2288 or
1-888-COMCAST (1-888-266-2278)
Millennium Digital Media Systems
3633 136th Place S.E., Suite 107
Bellevue, WA 98006
Customer Service # 1-800-829-2225
What is happening with the cable system upgrade?
This new upgraded system to 750 MHz for unincorporated King County provides customers with at least 70 programmed channels, improved picture clarity and better system reliability. The upgrade will also allow customers to take advantage of new services that include high-definition and digital TV.
High-speed Internet access service is available through Comcast Cable Communications and Millennium Digital Media Systems, but this service is categorized as an "information service" by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and is not regulated at the local level. For inquiries regarding your Internet service through your cable modem, you can reach the FCC at 1-888-225-5322.
What can the Office of Cable Communications do for you - the cable customer?
As a cable customer in unincorporated King County, the OCC can assist you in resolving billing or service disputes you may have with the cable company. If you meet the eligibility requirement, OCC will assist you in receiving a senior or disabled discount.
The OCC can also answer all questions you may have regarding the franchise the County has with your cable company. These questions may include issues regarding programming, customer service and the County's Institutional Network (I-NET).
Where do I send payment for my cable TV bill?
Comcast customers can send cable TV payments to:
Comcast Cable Communications Inc. (formerly AT&T Broadband)
P.O. Box 34696
Seattle, WA 98124-1696
Millennium customers can send payments to:
Millennium Digital Media Systems
P.O. Box 34540
Seattle, WA 98124
How do I contact the Office of Cable Communications?
The Office of Cable Communications can assist residents that live in unincorporated King County with cable TV issues or problems. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
| Office of Cable Communications |
401 Fifth Avenue, Suite 0600 Seattle, WA 98104 |
Telephone: 206-263-7880 Fax: 206-205-9988 |
| email Christina Jaramillo, Cable Compliance Officer, at Chris.Jaramillo@kingcounty.gov |