Huge cable TV rate hikes that would likely accompany any fiber optic upgrades for the city system led members of the Jackson Utilities Commission to formally halt consideration of such action.
Commissioners last week unanimously approved a motion to not explore a fiber optic system for the city of Jackson.
The city had been approached by Windom with respect to the possibility of extending the fiber optic system for the purpose of offering Jackson citizens an upgraded TV and Internet service.
The city conducted some preliminary investigation of the possibility, sending cable department manager Curt Egeland to a meeting in Lakefield some time ago. Lakefield has plans to bring Windom’s fiber optic system to residents there.
Commissioners last Monday speculated that such a fiber optic system upgrade could cost Jackson more than $4 million, based primarily on distance and the fact that any line would have to be bored under the Des Moines River at some point.
Commissioners expressed concerns that a fiber optic system would likely result in having to at least double current cable TV rates for customers, “many of whom,” council secretary Steve Walker noted, “have complained recently to the $2 per month increase.”
In related business, commissioners addressed a request by Jackson Mayor Mitch Jasper to look into extending fiber optics into the city’s industrial park and passed a motion recommending the city not switch the current cable TV system to the digital format for at least another year.
Click here to read the minutes of the last board meeting.
