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Committee hears update: Left Field to cover high-school relocation costs for connectivity work
Summary
The committee was told Left Field Project Management will fund relocation costs required for high-school connectivity work, with engineering and scheduling underway and a likely provider cutover planned for late this year or early next year. Accessibility concerns about the current high-school studio location were also raised.
The Wakefield Cable Advisory Committee received an infrastructure update indicating that Left Field Project Management will assume the relocation cost needed to complete high-school connectivity work, and members were told providers are on schedule for a cutover later this year or early next year.
What members heard: Committee presenters reported that Left Field Project Management confirmed it would pay relocation expenses; engineering work and an invoice are pending to schedule the work. The committee said this development should put the three local providers on track for an eventual service cutover.
Providers and market context: Members discussed the local provider mix — Comcast (often branded Xfinity), Verizon and RCN/Astound — and noted that Breezeline has entered parts of Massachusetts, which could affect competition and future negotiations with providers.
Accessibility and site concerns: WCAT representatives told the committee that the high-school studio is not convenient for residents without motorized transport because walkways and bicycle access are limited. The committee discussed hosting the ascertainment hearing in a downtown hybrid room to increase accessibility and attendance.
Next steps: Engineering and scheduling details remain in progress; the committee asked staff to continue coordinating with providers and report back with firm dates. The committee also reiterated plans to use the ascertainment results to inform license negotiations and funding requests for PEG services.
