THE SPECTRUM PROPOSAL: Q&A

Transcription

1 THE SPECTRUM PROPOSAL: Q&A QUESTIONS & ANSWERS from POA presentations, July 2018 Answers to Questions are provided based on best available information at the time of publication and as communicated by Spectrum representatives. Any changes or updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Programming The Bronze HD Channel Lineup (175 channels) is included in the Spectrum proposal. A list of the channels is posted on our web site: The Bronze lineup includes all of Tier 1 and The Movie Channel (TMC, all channels). Showtime is also included in the proposal. Not included, but may be added as upgrades and billed directly to you: Tier 2, Variety Pass, HBO, MAX, and other premium services that you choose to arrange with Spectrum.

2 Q: How do I purchase additional upgrades? A: Under the proposal, you must arrange your upgrades directly through the Spectrum office (by phone or in person). The upgrades and services you add will be billed directly to you by Spectrum. Those charges will not become part of your monthly dues to Kuester. Q: What should we know about the provided cable boxes, and how do I get them? A: At no extra charge, you may obtain up to 4 large, high definition (HD) boxes. Each HD box includes the on-screen Channel Guide. To obtain these large HD box(es), you must return your current smaller box. This requires a trip to the Spectrum store the same procedure we followed when Time Warner became Spectrum. Note: The new HD boxes do not include a DVR. But you may upgrade see next answer. Q: Under the proposal, is On Demand available? A: Yes, available for viewing but not recordable unless you have the upgraded DVR box. The 4 cable boxes provided in the proposal do not have recording capability. You may obtain upgraded DVR boxes at the Spectrum store (with direct billing to you). Q: Will the new Spectrum proposal fix the problem I have with my smart TV spinning instead of streaming programs? A: From time to time, we all experience problems with our internet and cable TV. Individual issues should be addressed to Spectrum s Technical Support. We have been told that Spectrum will provide speeds of 100x10. (100MBps to download from the internet and 10MBps to upload to the internet. MBps = megabytes per second). Q: Spectrum indicates a maximum 5% per year increase on the services offered in their proposal. Will there be a cost control for the optional services that I choose to add? A: No, there are no such cost controls for add-on services and upgrades. Q: What if I have DISH or other satellite service? A: You may choose to continue with your DISH arrangement, but the Spectrum fee will still be part of your monthly dues. We urge all homeowners to compare each of their current services (TV, phone land line, internet, satellite, etc.) with the $41.00/month Spectrum proposal.

3 See the cost comparison EXAMPLE that follows. Wireless Internet Modem, Equipment Q: May I continue to use the modem and router I currently have? A: Under the agreement, Spectrum provides a wireless internet modem that contains an integrated router. We have been told that you may use your existing modem/router, whether owned personally or provided by Spectrum. If your current bill includes a monthly charge for the modem, that charge will be dropped under the agreement. The resident is individually responsible for any required maintenance or damages to Spectrum equipment.

4 Q: With the Spectrum program will my download and upload speeds increase? A: Those speeds are measured in megabytes-per-second, MBps. We have been told by Spectrum that speeds will increase to 100x10 (100MBps to download x 10MBps to upload). Q: May I further upgrade my internet speed with an upcharge? A: All upgrade inqueries should be directed to Spectrum. Q: Will any of these changes impact my in-home network? A: Because the BOD does not know what individuals have in their homes, we cannot answer this question. Technical questions should be directed to Spectrum. Q: Is there a fee to return or exchange Spectrum equipment? A: No. Returns or exchanges may be made at the Spectrum store. Telephone Land Line Q: Any chance we could get the phone service added to the Spectrum proposal? A: No. Phone service is not part of the program being offered to the POAs in this area. Q: Will I have to look for another provider for my phone land line? A: No. Your current phone service provider can continue to provide your current service and will bill you directly. Q: My phone land line is currently bundled with Spectrum. How do I continue phone service when the Spectrum program is implemented, and what will my phone cost be? A: The Tradition BOD cannot guarantee rates for services or equipment outside of this agreement. The Spectrum proposal includes only the services and equipment listed in the graphic on page 1. Phone services as well as other upgrades are not included, and rates will be established by Spectrum over the term of the contract. Spectrum representatives have suggested an unbundled phone rate will be $ taxes + fees as of the initial date of this agreement, January 1, 2019.

5 Behind the scenes Q: Will the management fees we pay Kuester Management increase because they will collect the Spectrum fee and pay Spectrum on a monthly basis? A: No, the implementation of this program will not cause Kuester fees to increase. The BOD cannot guarantee that any management fee increase could not occur during the term of the agreement. Q: Of Tradition s 405 property owners, what if only 300 vote? Do we still need 67% of the total (405 property owners) to approve the proposal? A: Yes. We must have 270 Yes votes to approve the Spectrum proposal. Tradition by-laws require an affirmative vote of two-thirds of members [property owners]. When you receive your ballot, please vote to make your preference known. Q: Under the Spectrum proposal, if a homeowner does not pay their dues--or refuses to pay the $41 dues increase--is the Association responsible for nonpayment?

6 A: The Board of Directors reviews delinquent accounts each month. To ensure full funding of the Spectrum bill, the BOD will include a line item in the 2019 budget that fully funds the Spectrum utility bill. A property owner who does not pay the full dues amount or pays only part of their dues is considered to be in arrears and is subject to penalty charges and legal action. The property owner, including guests and renters can be denied use of the POA amenities (pool, club house, tennis courts, etc.). This policy has been in place and adhered to since the founding of The Tradition. And finally, Q: If the Spectrum proposal is implemented on January 1, 2019, will Spectrum manage all the changes required? A: Spectrum will manage the coding changes to accounts. Further details will be forthcoming prior to implementation of the program.

7 Q: What happens at the end of the 6-year contract? A: The contract will automatically renew for successive terms of one year unless either Tradition or Spectrum gives 90-days notice of intention not to renew. Q: What happens if Spectrum is bought out? A: The new company would be required to honor the Spectrum agreement, just as Spectrum did with the Time Warner agreement. Q: If the Spectrum proposal is not approved, will we remain on the Litchfield-By-The- Sea basic cable agreement? A: At this time, we know of no changes to the LBTS agreement. Q: Has Spectrum offered proposals like this one to other POAs in the area? A: Yes. Willbrook s is identical to ours and already in effect. Pawleys Plantation and associations within both The Reserve and LBTS have also been contacted. Answers to Questions are provided based on best available information at the time of publication and as communicated by Spectrum representatives. Any changes or updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Please watch your for updates about The Spectrum Proposal