Time Warner has received cable franchises from the state so it can legally serve new customers it has inherited in north Mecklenburg, Davidson and Mooresville, The Charlotte Observer reports this morning (Jan. 10). The paper also reports that cable rates are rising again this year for Time Warner’s Mecklenburg customers.

Is obtaining the franchises a sign that Time-Warner is planning to build its own network to compete against the town-owned MI-Connection? It’s not clear. A Time-Warner spokeswoman told the paper, “We haven’t announced plans to do that and I wouldn’t speculate.”

The company has won deals to begin wiring some subdivisions at the edges of the MI-Connection territory.

And in related news, Time Warner announced it is raising cable rates again this year for most Mecklenburg county subscribers. Those subscribing to the most popular service would see a $2 monthly increase, The Observer reports. But the article says former Adelphia customers, such as those in Huntersville and Statesville, will see rates fall.

RELATED LINKS

Jan. 10, 2008, Charlotte Observer, “Time Warner awarded cable franchises in area.”

Jan. 10, 2008, Charlotte Observer, “Time Warner raising rates for most customers.”

Jan. 8, 2008, DavidsonNews.net, “Cable system adding call center help”