Consistent With Recommendations From The Cable/Internet Commission, The PTCA Board Of Directors Approved Renewal Of The ASTOUND Bulk Cable And Internet Contract

After considering the survey results from earlier this year, and following meetings and direct negotiations with ASTOUND Broadband (formerly RCN), the Commission recommended renewal. They believed the terms negotiated were advantageous enough for the Board to agree to a proposal continuing bulk cable and internet service for another 5 years. AND GOOD NEWS!!! Surprisingly, a relatively substantial decrease in pricing was agreed to, as well as locking future annual bulk rate increases to a maximum of 3.5%. In addition to the renewal, ASTOUND offered to upgrade to a homerun fiber network, at no cost to the Association. Though of course this will require some wiring work and changes in equipment being used.

The key points negotiated are as follows:

1. The new base bulk rate is lowered to $41.79 from $45.22. (This is before taxes and ancillary fees, just under $20/month.) This new bulk rate is actually last year’s, minus an incoming $1.75 increase in the “Broadcast Surcharge” fee. This fee alone is presently $12.99 per month in addition to the bulk rate. Owners will see this rate decrease early next year, depending on the timing of the new programs roll out.
2. Increased download speed to 1 Gig and upload to 25 Mbps. With the fiber upgrade, both downloads and uploads will be 1 Gig. And this means, if you presently pay a premium for a faster internet speed (up to 1 Gig), you will see that charge on your monthly statement go away.
3. Provide new equipment, TiVo T6 HD/DVR and 2 TiVo minis with interactive voice remote, or three Cloud-Based (IPTV) DVR Platform devices with interactive remote. With the fiber upgrade, all units will switch to the Cloud DVR Platform.
4. Enhanced Mesh WiFi – Eero Pro 6 device, to improve coverage throughout units. Technicians will do “heat mapping” to maximize signals within units.
5. Install fiber at no cost, ideally in the “chase” of the air-conditioning/heating system or by following AT&T’s current fiber lines. Any installation details or scheduling are to be determined. The offer is good for the entire 5 years of the renewal.
6. At year three, the Board will have the option of going to internet only.

On top of these favorable terms, the Commission determined the survey responses strongly support renewal. Almost 75% of respondents reported they are satisfied and/or happy with their present service. The biggest concern reported, seemed to be issues with wifi coverage, which in negotiations with ASTOUND resulted in their offer to make their “mesh wifi” and “heat mapping” accessible as a part of the contract.

To review or download the survey results (minus comments and any private information), Click Here.

More news will be coming, as roll out of the fiber program is considered. The next step is for ASTOUND to present the Board with a more specific proposal to accomplish that. ASTOUND indicated they could move forward in early 2024, but the Board will have to consider and approve the scope of work and timing.

As this process unfolds, we will post any news, scheduling or follow up information to keep Owners and residents updated.

Feel free to share any questions with us at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.