Competition is heating up in Opelika's cable market as the city prepares to offer a government-run alternative to residents.
The proposed service would be a component of an ambitious smart grid project. The smart grid would be based on a fiber optic cable system which would deliver traditional television, Internet and phone service.
The smart grid would also allow utilities to monitor and respond to varying power demand.
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said the ability to monitor power consumption would benefit the city's residents.
"Smart Grid technology will allow us to lower the peak demand which will result in even greater savings on our customer's energy bill," Fuller said. "It will be much more than a cable company."
Residents living outside current coverage areas welcome the opportunity for access to cable services.
"I think that would be pretty nice. Right now our only option is DIRECTV," said resident Daniel Deshazo, who added he welcomed competition in the local cable market.
The City Council is planning to consider approving the grid project in August.
After Council approval, the grid would require a network of cables running in front of every residence in Opelika.
"It will be a major construction project," Fuller said.
After installation, the smart grid would operate with a high degree of reliability and possess the ability to heal itself during events such as power disturbances, according to the National Energy Technology Laboratory.
Reliability during a power disturbance was appealing to Cullen Van Aller, junior in Wildlife Management.
"If it was stronger and had more channels, I would buy it," Van Aller said.
Angela Carr, an employee of East Alabama Medical Center, expressed cautious optimism.
"I would definitely look into it and do my own comparison," Carr said.
The current option for cable service has been disappointing, according to Carr. "I think it's expensive, and I don't think the choices are that of a satellite provider," he said.
While residents wait for the Council's decision, another competitor, Knology, has entered the neighboring Auburn market. Knology provides services similar to residents' only current option, Charter Communications.
Customers in need of lower prices and greater value are happy with Knology's arrival in Auburn.
"I think Knology is coming in here in August, so we're pretty excited about that," Deshazo said.
The possibility of getting more content for less money was intriguing to Carr.
"I would like for what is now expanded basic to become basic cable," he said.
Opelika would be ready for the competition though, and the smart grid would allow the city to hold its own from the beginning.
"Because that technology requires fiber, we will have additional capacity allowing us to offer video, real high speed Internet and telephone or voice service on the same strand of fiber," Fuller said.
If the proposed smart grid is passed by the City Council after the public hearing in August, it would have a minimal impact on residents' wallets.
"It will have no impact on local taxes," said Fuller. "Our system will be self-sustaining within four years of start up."
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