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Comcast gains Hoosier rivals
April 27, 2000
Indianapolis -- Comcast Corp., which consolidated its power here through some system swaps, may soon find that it has to share the market after all.
Southern Indiana Gas and Electric Co. and Utilicom Networks of Evansville, Ind., have approached the Indianapolis Cable Franchise Board to initiate proceedings for a system to deliver high-speed data, voice and cable TV. The partnership is knows as "TOTALink."
TOTALink already operates in Evansville, where it has 11,000 customers. It spent a reported $70 million for the network there, competing with Insight Communications Co. Inc.
The TOTALink backers have targeted 22 potential start-ups in 30 second- and third-tier cities.
TOTALink indicated that it is interested in building a system throughout Marion County.
Cable regulators welcomed the prospect of competition, noting that they have logged many complaints regarding Comcast.
In December, another wireline competitor, Digital Access Corp., also announced its interest in the market. And EchoStar Communications Corp.'s Dish Network has targeted local signals for Indianapolis.
New wireline providers will have to go through the franchise process. But regulators have noticed the competitive pricing now available in Evansville.
- 4/26/00
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