CHANGES AHEAD FOR CABLE SERVICE

SIKESTON - Improving cable television service was a top priority for Sikeston city council members Monday. The council met with David Huntsman of Falcon Cable TV to get an update on services offered.

Huntsman told council members about what changes to expect in October once Charter Communications becomes majority owner of Falcon.

Huntsman said that little will change with the new fiber optic lines being laid to neighboring communities like Benton and Scott City. Charter still plans to keep Sikeston as the center of the network, he said.

Mayor Bill Mitchell asked about the addition of channels while waiting for Charter to take over. Huntsman said work is progressing on a compression project that would add the capability for more channels. However, with the merger still incomplete, funds have been frozen.

Councilman Josh Bill also asked about a diversity of channel offerings. Sikeston needs a range of packages that all residents can afford, he said.

Huntsman also said that once the merger is finalized, he will ask the city for an extension on its cable agreement.