Comcast Corp. is almost finished a $400 million upgrade to its digital cable network in the Chicago area. The upgrade has been made to comply with a February 2009 deadline that requires all broadcasters to send signals in a digital format. Eric Schaefer, vice president of business development, said that Comcast will begin upgrading suburban areas after it completes city work.
Comcast customers that have basic service will need to exchange their analog set-top boxes for digital set-top boxes, but the cable company will not charge an additional fee or raise the rates for current analog customers. "The vast majority of our Chicago customers already have digital service, but for the customers with basic service, they will get a new box," he said.
The boxes can be picked up at a Comcast office or mailed to customers if requested. By removing thee analog signals from its network, Comcast will be able to increase programming choices. Two additional high definition channels will be offered in the coming months, bringing the total to 18 HD channels, but upgrade creates space for as many as 120 HD channels.
Source:
Chicago Tribune
The boxes can be picked up at a Comcast office or mailed to customers if requested. By removing thee analog signals from its network, Comcast will be able to increase programming choices. Two additional high definition channels will be offered in the coming months, bringing the total to 18 HD channels, but upgrade creates space for as many as 120 HD channels.
Source:
Chicago Tribune
