Spectrum's switch to an encrypted, all-digital signal in northern and southern
Berkshire County was completed in February; the Pittsfield area followed March 6.

The Berkshire Eagle reports Spectrum says it will help provide better service, including faster internet speeds, more channels and on-demand content, and more features.

Spectrum's switch to an encrypted, all-digital signal in northern and southern Berkshire County was completed in February; the Pittsfield area followed March 6.

In Northern Berkshire, state Rep. John Barrett III, D-North Adams, called the cable box fees being passed on to customers a "travesty."

Barrett, who is a longtime rival of cable companies, expressed his dismay on Facebook last month.

"Their new requirement that you must have a digital box for each of your TV sets in order to receive their signal is highway robbery," Barrett wrote. "Spectrum is requiring these boxes for their benefit and not the consumers' benefit."

Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer is invoking a clause in the city's cable franchise agreement to give concerned residents an opportunity to confront company representatives.

Pittsfield Councilor At-Large Peter White said he believes residents will be addressing a number of concerns, including the location of public access channels, price hikes and issues with service.

State Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier, D-Pittsfield, is encouraging residents to register their concerns with Attorney General Maura Healy's office, which can investigate for consumer fraud and unfair practices.

On Thursday, a spokeswoman confirmed that the Attorney General's Office continues to monitor the situation.

The hearing will be held at 6 p.m. Monday in the Berkshire Athenaeum.

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