By Lori Carlson, Editor
In a local cable market currently dominated by Mediacom, the decision by Prior Lake-based Integra Telecom to offer cable service to the southern two-thirds of the city could be music to many customers’ ears.

“There’s a high level of frustration that we do not have competing services in our community,” Councilman Chad LeMair said after a public hearing on Monday.

To get cable currently, residents either have to sign up with Mediacom or go with a satellite provider such as DirecTV or Dish Network. Satellite providers, unlike cable companies, are not required to enter into franchise agreements.

Integra would offer a “bundle” package of voice, data and cable services, said David Kunde, senior vice president. The company would not offer cable TV service alone without the voice and data bundle.
Integra, formerly the Scott-Rice Telephone Company, has operated locally for more than 60 years and provides a fiber-optic network. Kunde said the company offers live customer-care representatives and will have a minimum of 80 channels and up to 200 channels, including 20 high-definition channels, available on its 100-percent digital system.

The council, by law, cannot act upon the proposal for at least seven days. A franchise agreement is expected to be considered by the council at its Monday, May 4 meeting.

Integra representatives said if the council approves the franchise agreement, installation of the system would take about three months.

City Manager Frank Boyles said the city does not have an exclusive agreement with Mediacom.

“It is a common misconception that entering a franchise agreement means no other vendors may compete for services,” he said.

Lori Carlson can be reached at (952) 345-6378 or editor@plamerican.com.