Public Hearings

Southern Vermont Cable Company subscribers skeptical of a purchase proposal from Comcast intend to closely watch the regulatory process required for the deal to go through. Sarah Aceves, special counsel at the Vermont Department of Public Service, noted there had been a "good turnout" for a 30-minute informational meeting and approximately one-hour public hearing Monday night at Landmark College in Putney. About 40 attendees were counted. Aceves likened her role in the process to a prosecutor representing the public interest. The two companies will need to file information related to the deal, and the Vermont Public Utility Commission will need to approve a new certificate of public good for Comcast and revoke SVCC's. Ultimately, the department will make a recommendation to the commission on how to proceed. Public comment filed online helped the department form questions it has asked the two companies, Aceves said, noting that the two companies will have an opportunity to ask questions of the department about its testimony. An evidentiary hearing will be held April 3 in Montpelier before the commission issues an order. Daniel M. Glanville, vice president of government/regulatory affairs and community impact for Comcast's western New England region, said his company's current certificate of public good requires that it build 350 additional miles of internet infrastructure for areas without service. He said his company also wants to expand fiber services in its network, enhance the electronics in the network and improve internet speeds.