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Office of Telecommunications
(Cable Service Regulation, Telecom Policy and Municipal Television)
 This independent regulatory agency, which reports directly to the City Council, oversees compliance of the cable TV franchise agreement and advises City Council on telecommunications issues within the City and County of Denver.
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Digital TV Transition - Have a question about the Digital TV transition? The Federal Communications Commission is sending Commissioner Michael Copps to Denver on Oct. 16 to meet with residents to discuss the transition . . . and its impact on you and your TV. Commissioner Copps will be at the Circuit City store in the Stapleton Northfield shopping district (7950 East 49th Avenue) at 2:00pm. In the meantime, check out the Digital Information section on Office of Telecommunications main page. The link is on the right side of the page.
FCC staff will make a presentation to the public at the Highland Senior Center on Wednesday, Oct. 15th at 10:30am. The address is 2880 Osceola St.
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Comcast changes Service Call Charge - Comcast will be implementing a change in its Service Call Charge. Effective on September 30, 2008, the charge will increase from $19.99 to $27.20. Should you have any questions regarding this change, Comcast Customer Care representatives may be reached at 303-930-2000.
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Channel Added to Sports Tier - Effective on September 23, 2008, Comcast will be adding a channel to its line up at no additional cost. Customers who subscribe to the Sports Tier will now be able to view the NHL on channel 419.
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EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE CHARGE RATE CHANGES - Comcast implemented several price decreases to equipment and service charge rates. To view these, go to News Snippets at the left on this page. Questions regarding these changes can be answered by contacting Comcast's Customer Service at 303-930-2000.
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By Franchise Agreement cable providers make available to the City and County of Denver channels for access television programming;
- Denver 8 TV is the Government access cable station and is operated by this office. Channel 58 is a City Services and Information Channel also managed here
- Channel 22 is the Educational Access cable television station that is operated through Denver Public Schools; and Channel 54 is operated by Higher Education from Auraria Campus
- Channels 56, 57, and 219 comprise the Public Access television lineup. These channels operate under the name Denver Open Media and are managed by contract with the non-profit organization, Deproduction
Public Access Stations
Deproduction is a nonprofit organization established to facilitate, promote, coordinate and manage Public Access programming in Denver. The organization has a contractual agreement with the City of Denver to provide this service, operate the Public Access facilities as Denver Open Media and assist residents in producing access television programs.
Through community outreach they have established a program to inform and educate members of the community of the potential communication benefits and services which Public Access television can provide. Residents of Denver may use the facilities operated by Denver Open Media to produce or participate in the production of Public Access television programs. Denver Open Media assists those who wish to produce programs for these channels by offering training classes and production assistance.
Contact the Denver Open Media for more information about community television in Denver.
Educational Access Station
In keeping with terms of its franchise, Comcast Cable also makes available to the City and County of Denver an educational television channel for use by Denver Public Schools. This channel is operated by the School District and is currently used for Distance Learning activities. Denver Public Schools may be reached at 720-423-6691.
The Denver Public Schools Distance Learning Network stays at the forefront of Distance Learning (the delivery of education from a remote site and the delivery of public information and services). With this combination of methodology and technology, the network, using Channel 22, seeks to expand and enrich the human potential with emphasis on students, staff, and community in such a way as to empower lifelong learning.
Visit the Distance Learning Web site for more information.
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Comcast Cable Complaint Form
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If you have a comment or complaint, please take a few moments to fill out the Comment Form here.
If you have any questions please contact Dorothy Wilson at 720-913-8881. Thank you!
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Customer Information
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Are you ready
for Digital TV?
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$40 Coupons to Help Consumers with Transition
 Imagine watching your favorite over-the-air primetime TV program, when all of a sudden your analog TV screen goes to black for good. There is still time to prevent this situation, as long as you know your options.
On February 17, 2009, all full-powered television stations will begin broadcasting only in digital, as required by law. To assist U.S. households with this historic transition, the National Telecommunication and Information Administration, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, created the TV Converter Box Coupon Program to help Americans continue receiving over-the-air television after February 17, 2009.
Why is television going from analog broadcasting to digital?
The Digital Television Transition and Public Safety Act of 2005 requires broadcasters to broadcast only in digital after February 17, 2009. Digital television promises to provide a clearer picture and more programming options and will free up some of the nation's airwaves for use by emergency responders.
What is the significance of the February 17, 2009 digital TV transition date?
If households receive television programs over-the-air using rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna, they must take action to continue using their analog TVs after February 17, 2009. Cable or Satellite TV subscribers are not effected as long as those sets remain attached to the paid feed. Only TVs using antennae for over-the-air reception will be effected. Some homes may have both kinds of TVs in use.
Consumers have three options, which include:
1) buying a converter box that will plug into their current analog TV,
2) buying a TV with a digital tuner or
3) connecting their analog TV to cable, satellite or other pay service.
How can the public obtain a $40 coupon toward purchasing an eligible converter box?
From now through March 31, 2009, all U.S. households are able to request, on a first-come, first-served basis, up to two, $40 coupons to help pay for the cost of a certified converter box. Converter boxes are expected to cost between $40 and $70, however, it is a one-time cost with no monthly service charges. Coupons will expire 90 days after they are mailed and cannot be replaced.
For more information about the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, or to apply for coupons,
- visit www.DTV2009.gov
- or call toll free 1-888-388-2009 (1-888-DTV-2009)
- Consumers can also request and submit a coupon application by mailing PO Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208
- or by faxing 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
The hearing impaired may call the TTY number 1-877-530-2634 for information in English, and for information in Spanish, consumers can call TTY number 1-866-495-1161.
Where can the public buy a coupon-eligible converter?
Coupon-eligible converter boxes are only available at certified stores and online retailers where televisions and other consumer electronics are sold, as well as by mail-order. When the coupon is mailed to you, it will include an insert with a list of nearby, participating retailers. You can also go online at www.DTV2009.gov, enter your zip code, and locate participating retailers on a map.
What can the public do to plan for the transition?
Now is the time to identify whether any TV in your home is analog and receives over-the-air programming through rabbit ears or a rooftop antenna. Television viewers with these sets that are not connected to a pay TV service will need to take action before February 17, 2009, to ensure their TV sets continue to work. It is important to know your options and make sure your family, friends and neighbors are aware of whether they need to take action before the transition date. The important thing is that no one is left in the dark on February 17, 2009.
The TV transition deadline will be here soon. Working together, this historic digital transition can be a success for all Americans.
By Anthony G. Wilhelm, Director, Consumer Education & Public Information, TV Converter Box Coupon Program,
National Telecommunications & Information Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce
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