The war over cable customers is escalating. Verizon has started to urge Millennium Digital Media customers to switch service before the federal government approves Comcast Cable?s takeover of Millennium?s Anne Arundel County operations.
“Millennium is pulling the plug … and we?re trying to get out in front to reach out to the customers,” Verizon spokeswoman Sandra Arnette said.
Verizon?s game plan began last week with print ads aimed at Millennium customers that advertised its cable TV and Internet service. Comcast offers a similar package for the same price. Verizon also plans to go door-to-door this week in areas where it shares service with Millennium, Arnette said.
If the Federal Trade Commission approves Comcast?s takeover, it would give the county?s largest provider of cable service a greater foothold. Millennium, which is selling off its Maryland customers, has exclusive service in Linthicum, Ferndale and Brooklyn.
Verizon covers the middle chunk of the county but is continuing to lay down fiber optic cables for television service, Arnette said.
Comcast spokeswoman Aimee Metrick did not respond to Verizon?s new campaign but did not express concern about losing customers.
“Competition is not a new scenario for Comcast ? we love our competitive position,” Metrick said in an e-mail. “We offer superior products that are unmatched by our competitors and we are confident that, assuming the acquisition is approved, former Millennium customers will see the tremendous value in these products.”
Millennium won county approval of the transfer, testifying before the Anne Arundel County Council earlier this month that its eroding customer base and lack of return on infrastructure investments led to its decision to move. The council voiced little concern about monopolies prior to its approval.
“Verizon is a true competitor, and there will certainly be competition,” said Wayne O?Dell, president of the Cable Telecommunications Association of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. “I don?t see any real issue that [Millennium?s departure] could create.”
The county has rules against anti-competitive nature, including permanent discounts and selling products below cost, said John Lyons, Anne Arundel?s cable administrator. He said the county monitors cable providers to make sure they are compliant.
So far, Verizon and Comcast have not violated any rules, Lyons said.
What’s your opinion about cable competition in the region? Respond below in our comment section.
