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Ms. Dennis inquired if there were a way to accept the past rate but to indicate concerns <br />with how channels are counted. <br /> <br /> Mr. Sherwood stated that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has not clearly <br />delineated how it interprets the regulations. The City could accept the rates and at the same time <br />request a finding by the FCC. The consultant indicates that many other cities are addressing <br />these issues with the FCC. The real question is how to interpret whether a channel is counted. <br /> <br /> Sue Levifin, Regional Director for Viacom Cable, 2055 Folsom Street, San Francisco, <br />indicated the financial analysts at Viacorn had worked hard to establish rates within the FCC <br />regulations. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tarvet stated that the rate structure for Pleasanton was at the top and he believed <br />Viacom was charging too much for basic service. He indicated the Contra Costa area received <br />more channels and paid less than Ple~anton. He referred to the hours of operation for a <br />channel to be counted and felt that Plea~anton residents were being charged for channels that <br />they were only getling half the time. <br /> <br /> Mr. Sherwood referred to the staff report and the term "preponderance of use" to <br />determine whether a channel should be counted. He pointed out that the City could start from <br />the beginning and recalculate all the rates, but the consultant indicated that would probable result <br />in Tier 2 rates being increased. <br /> <br /> Ms. Mohr inquired about the fiber optic technology and if that would provide more <br />channels. <br /> <br /> Ms. Levifin stated that fiber optic is currently only available in Castm Valley on a test <br />basis. Viacorn is still testing to find out what people want and how it will be presented to them. <br />The answers should be available next year. <br /> <br />Ms. Mohr said that Viacom had stated Pleasanton would have fiber optics in 1994. <br /> <br /> Ms. Acosta stated that recent information indicates fiber optics in Pleasanton will be a <br />couple of years away. It would be helpful to get the most current rate schedule from Viacorn. <br /> <br /> Ms. Scribner asked who decides how many channels are included on the basic senrice <br />and indicated her concern that people are paying for channels that they don't want. <br /> <br />Ms. Levifin indicated the FCC decides what are "must carry" channels. <br /> <br /> Council then discussed various channels and potential regulations to change the "must <br />carry" programming. <br /> <br />09/20/94 <br /> -8- <br /> <br /> <br />