Previous Story
CUC has no authority over cable service • Tinian residents seek agency’s help after MCV declined cable request
|
Posted on Nov 03 1999
The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation does not have the authority to compel any firm to provide cable television service to any area in the CNMI despite petition from residents.
This is according to acting CUC Board Chairman Jesus T. Guerrero who wrote last week to Michelle El-Rahi of the Office of Tinian Mayor following a petition by residents of Carolinas Heights on the island for cable service from MCV.
He said there is now law that would require the cable firm to provide services to the Tinian village, although pending legislation in the House of Representatives is seeking to create a telecommunications regulatory body.
But MCV, the lone cable service provider in the Commonwealth, has told legislators that it is not subject to the bill. Guerrero said the proposal had been amended by the House to exclude provision requiring telecommunication companies to provide services to rural areas.
“At present, (CUC) does not have the authority to compel MCV to provide services to your area,” he told El-Rahi.
In the petition received by the government-owned utility corporation last month, Carolinas Heights residents asked CUC’s help after MCV refused their request for service.
“We… are deprived from having cable TV connections due to the fact that MCV is refusing to extend… services to our area,” said the petition signed by more than 60 residents.
Tinian Mayor Francisco M. Borja, Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano and Rep. Jose A. Hocog also signed the letter.
“This unacceptable situation in the 21st century is depriving our children from acquiring entertainment (and) education, and it is denying the basic service that nowadays the whole world enjoys,” they said.
Guerrero has asked Rep. David M. Apatang, chair of the House Public Utilities, Transportation and Communications, to intervene on behalf of the Tinian residents.
“Since (CUC) is not authorized to regulate the telecommunication companies and pending legislation does not envision the inclusion of television companies, I wonder if you would contact these individuals and let them know how best to address their concerns,” said the board official. (BS)
