Officials with Empire Access said today they expect to begin offering cable TV service in Batavia this fall.
They've applied for a franchise license and have been working closely with City Manager Jason Molino and other staff on an agreement.
"Jason's been great to deal with. We're looking forward to giving Time Warner more competition," said Empire COO Jim Baase.
Empire Video, a subdivision, has been offering high-speed Internet service (data and voice) in the city for the past year.
Following a public hearing, once the city council approves its franchise agreement, it goes to the state’s Public Service Commission for final approval.
Empire plans to offer new customers an introductory monthly rate of $65, which would rise to $121 after six months. There would be no rate increase for the term of the contract.
But existing Empire customers would be offered "bundled pricing" and be given the opportunity to get the introductory rate as well.
"We try to do the right thing by customers," Baase said.
Once cable TV service is added to the mix, Empire expects to double its local customer base, to at least 15 percent market penetration.
Customers can expect a high-quality, 100-digital signal with a higher resolution than the competition, which has a mix of analog and digital.
Plus, they will be able to provide their customers with local stations from both Rochester AND Buffalo, not one or the other as is the case currently -- depending on your provider.
Also, it will all be in high definition at no extra cost.
"It's a TV everywhere product," said Bob VanDelinder, Empire Access director of marketing. "You can watch it on your iPad, smartphone, and not just at home, but while traveling, too."
The digital video recording service records up to five different stations at a time, and while using different TV sets.
There will be no set-up or installation costs. No bulky cable to install. It's all wireless, with a modem. And they will help you program your remote control device before they leave.
"It's a pretty easy transition for customers," Baase said.
"We offer a very competitive product," VanDelinder said. "We're excited to be here."
Because Batavia is already wired for broadband, TV service will be a cinch for Empire to roll out.
"It'll happen immediately, as soon as we sign a franchise agreement with the city," Baase said.
Empire says its eager to help the city in its "Bet on Batavia" campaign to vy for $10 million in downtown revitalization funds, for example, by bringing Wi-Fi downtown.
They are rolling out broadband to business customers in the Village of Le Roy and hope to add residential soon.
