City Lets GTE Set Up Cable Network

Saying they have cleared an important and difficult hurdle, GTE officials expressed their excitement Wednesday over council approval of an agreement allowing the company to set up a cable network in the city.

Oxnard City Council members voted unanimously Tuesday night to approve GTE’s bid to compete with Jones Intercable, the city’s current cable supplier.

The vote came after Councilman Tom Holden raised several questions on the fairness of the contract.

Jones Intercable attorney Tom Carlock said the deal was not fair because Jones would have to provide the studio, cameras and other equipment for GTE.

But city employees told the council that it would be a waste of resources to duplicate the facilities, because both companies would be using them anyway. Also, competition would be good for residents and GTE would be required to air government and educational programs that are popular among residents, city negotiator Dennis Scala said Tuesday.

Wednesday, Jones Intercable officials said they would continue to negotiate an agreement with the city for 10 more years of service, but said they were very disappointed with Tuesday night’s decision.

“I think the council saw a lot of holes in the document and as they tried to close them they seemed to widen,” said Steve Naber, general manager for Jones Intercable. “I think that competition is inevitable. The issue with us is making sure that the financial requirements are equitable.”

GTE officials said they were excited to begin construction on the underground cables. The cable network should be ready by the end of the year, GTE spokesman Larry Cox said.

“We think the marketplace has room for another cable provider,” Cox said.

Holden said Tuesday night that he wanted to ensure that GTE would pick up the educational and government programming that Jones Intercable now offers. He stressed the importance of GTE demonstrating a commitment to the city and its residents.

But Cox said Wednesday there was no need to worry.

“I think anyone who is familiar with us and knows our track record knows we are very community involved,” he said. “GTE is a very responsible corporate citizen.”

Jones Intercable now provides 57 channels, while GTE would start with 77 and eventually add an additional 20.