Charter brings HD channels, high-speed internet to Oroville

How many  cable guys  does it take to... Contractors had four bucket trucks in the air as they worked furiously in cold, windy conditions last Monday evening while making upgrades to bring Charter Communication's HD television, high speed internet and phone service to Oroville (see article, page A7). The contractors, working for Sumner-based SEFNCO Communications are upgrading antiquated cable service in Oroville, some that's been around since the 1960s. When finished Charter promises the availability of 165 HD channels, as well as internet service up to 30 Mbps. Gary DeVon/staff photo
How many cable guys does it take to… Contractors had four bucket trucks in the air as they worked furiously in cold, windy conditions last Monday evening while making upgrades to bring Charter Communication’s HD television, high speed internet and phone service to Oroville (see article, page A7). The contractors, working for Sumner-based SEFNCO Communications are upgrading antiquated cable service in Oroville, some that’s been around since the 1960s. When finished Charter promises the availability of 165 HD channels, as well as internet service up to 30 Mbps. Gary DeVon/staff photo

Digital equipment required for all TVs beginning Dec. 10

Charter customers in Oroville will soon enjoy access to more than 165 high definition (HD) channels, high-speed Internet and phone service as part of an all-digital upgrade, according to the cable company.

On Dec 10, Charter will clear all analog signals from its local network, making way to add more than 165 new HD channels in Oroville and Tonasket. Customers who previously received only standard definition channels, will now have access to more than 165 HD channels once the company completes its move to an all-digital network. In addition, this upgrade allows customers to receive Charter’s high-speed Internet and phone service – two Charter services that were not available to residential and business customers prior to the upgrade.

Contractors with bucket trucks could be seen in Oroville and the surrounding area working on the new system for the past several days.

“Analog signals are outdated and by removing them, we gain back a tremendous amount of bandwidth in our network that allows us to offer more HD channels for our customers,” said Frank Antonovich, vice president and general manager for Charter in Washington State. “We offer a superior product so customers can access Video On-Demand programming and phone and high-speed Internet.”

Disney XD, SyFy, USA Network, Comedy Central, ESPN, Lifetime, A&E and FXX are just a few of the new HD channels that will soon be available in crystal-clear digital picture and sound, adds Antonovich.

Plus, with digital set-top boxes, Charter customers will gain Video On-Demand (VOD) access for every television in their homes. With 12,000 VOD options, including 2,500 HD titles, Charter is setting a new standard for digital video entertainment.

Customers must take action to ensure they continue receiving Charter programming on all of their televisions. Those not currently equipped with Charter-issued digital set-top boxes or CableCARDs must get one for each of their TVs. Charter is making it easy for customers to obtain these digital boxes. Customers may go to the Charter store at 638 Okoma Drive in Omak. Store hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday. The store will also be open on Saturdays from Dec. 2 to Dec. 30 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Charter Internet features speeds up to 30 Mbps, ten times faster than digital subscriber line (DSL), while Charter Phone features unlimited local and long distance calling.

For more information, customers can visitwww.charter.com/digitalnow or call 1-888-GET CHARTER (1-888-438-2427)