NA Readies Violation Of Contract Compliaence Against Charter

The Berkshire Eagle reports North Adams is close to taking formal action against Charter Communications, the parent company of the Spectrum cable company.

Mayor Thomas Bernard said Tuesday Attorneys representing the city are working to finalize the exact terms of the violation of contract allegations it will bring to Spectrum's representatives.

The city's contention with Spectrum centers on two issues.

First, the city alleges that Spectrum failed to adequately notify residents of the impending transition to an all-digital signal earlier this year.

The second point of conflict regards Northern Berkshire Community Television Corporation, which was promised as part of the contract to have new fiber-optic cables installed between its headquarters on Union Street and several public buildings in its North Berkshire coverage area.

The city is also working to determine if, legally, the converter box rental fee constitutes a "surcharge" for access to public channels, which is prohibited.