A third cable television provider could soon make its way to Baltimore County, providing consumers with what lawmakers hopewill be cheaper prices and better service.
Richmond, Va.-based Cavalier Telephone & TV has applied for a license to provide cable television in county homes and could be competing with Verizon and Comcast as early as January, said Councilman Kevin Kamenetz, an attorney who negotiates cable agreements on behalf of the county council.
The company plans to lease copper wires from Verizon and should serve most county neighborhoods, he said.
“Our position is that wherever they have the technological capabilities to offer it, we want it to be offered,” Kamenetz said. “Our hope is, with competition, Baltimore County residents will see better prices and services in their cable TV.”
The county has scheduled a public hearing Oct. 15, when the council will vote to determine if the company is “fiscally and technically” qualified to provide cable in the county, Kamenetz said.
The county then would enter a 90-day contract negotiation process.
Communities in the county?s southern corridor could receive service first, said Cavalier spokesman Craig Pizer.
The company also is seeking to add cable to its phone and Internet services in Baltimore City as well as Howard, Anne Arundel, Montgomery and Prince George?s counties.
“It?s a great value and we hope customers realize that,” Pizer said.
Both Verizon and Comcast issued statements welcoming the competition.
Verizon entered Baltimore County?s cable market in February, contributing about $9 million in county revenues per year.
Company spokeswoman Sandy Arnette said sales since have been “tremendous.”
“In fact, customers are practically beating down the door to get them,” Arnette said in an e-mail.
