WideOpenWest makes case for OK on Boulder franchise

BOULDER — As more Boulderites take advantage of developing technology, there will be an even greater need for cheaper, higher-quality Internet, cable and phone services. That’s where competition and Littleton-based WideOpenWest, which builds advanced, broadband fiber-optic networks, come in, say company officials.

The 7-month-old company recently held a press conference in front of the Boulder Public Library, urging Boulder voters to support Referendum 2A on Aug. 8. A favorable vote would grant WideOpenWest a non-exclusive franchise to construct, operate and maintain a competitive cable television system for a term of up to 15 years. The franchise would allow the company to provide customers with digital and analog cable television services, always-on, high-speed Internet access and Internet Protocol telephone service.

“This (referendum) is something that’s hard to oppose,´ said WideOpenWest President and Chief Executive Mark Haverkate.

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Haverkate said that with WideOpenWest and other Internet service providers competing for customers, Coloradans could expect better services and pricing for their Internet services.

Haverkate also said his company will offer an 80-channel basic cable package, along with 100 channels of premium movie services. Additionally, Haverkate said WideOpenWest could cut today’s typical long-distance rates in half.

While the company is intent on providing a better deal for the consumer, it is also concerned with bettering the community says, Matt Moseley, campaign manager for Referendum 2A. According to Moseley, WideOpenWest will be providing free Internet access to libraries and schools in Boulder. Additionally, the company says it will provide an emergency alert system and expanded free cable community access channels for public, educational and governmental use.

In order to execute these plans, WideOpenWest has more than $1.6 billion in funding from private investors, says Haverkate.