Comcast county contract

[thejude82]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Georgia
Comcast cable serves the county I live in. Their line runs through a subdivision at the end of my street; but, doesn't run the rest of the way down the street. I called to order their service and a representative said I would have to pay $3,000 to have the cable extended down the street to my house because I live "over 1000 feet from where their cable ends." I acquired from the county a copy of the contract Comcast signed with them and the contract clearly states that the company must provide service and pay the cost if there are 20 or more homes within a mile of each other, which there are, or must split the cost if there are fewer than 20 homes. I called Comcast back and told them this information which I acquired and the same person now tells me that I am not in their service area. When I told her the contract states that the entire county IS their service area, she said it's "OUR policy." i'm sure the company simply feels it wouldn't be cost effective to pay to run the cable to just my house though they are in breach of their contract. I've contacted the county attorney's office and all they do is forward my emails to Comcast and say that I have to take it up with them. The local regulator only gets involved in cases of false advertising and the FCC just forwards my complaint to Comcast. And BBB also just forwards my complaint.

My question: Is this something I can file in small claims court and what would be my chances of winning?

 

[FlyingRon]

Alas YOU have no contract with the cable company. The best bet is to contact whoever regulates them in your county. Usually a county consumer affairs office is a good place to start as they know where to direct complaints for the various utilities.

 

[Zigner]

I agree and wish to reiterate that the county attorney is NOT the office that will handle this.

 

[thejude82]

Comcast co Contract

I agree and wish to reiterate that the county attorney is NOT the office that will handle this.

The local regulator only gets involved in cases of false advertising and the FCC just forwards my complaint to Comcast. And BBB also just forwards my complaint. My question is: is this something that is appropriate for small claims and what would be my chances? thanks

 

[Zigner]

The local regulator only gets involved in cases of false advertising and the FCC just forwards my complaint to Comcast. And BBB also just forwards my complaint. My question is: is this something that is appropriate for small claims and what would be my chances? thanks

This is not appropriate for small claims.

I don't believe that you've contacted the right department at the county. Keep trying.

 

[thejude82]

Comcast co Contract

Alas YOU have no contract with the cable company. The best bet is to contact whoever regulates them in your county. Usually a county consumer affairs office is a good place to start as they know where to direct complaints for the various utilities.

I am a third party beneficiary of the contract. A third party beneficiary is a person who is neither of the parties in the contract, but stands to benefit from the contract’s performance. Never mind. I guess you get what you pay for on FreeAdvice.

 

[Zigner]

I am a third party beneficiary of the contract. A third party beneficiary is a person who is neither of the parties in the contract, but stands to benefit from the contract’s performance. Never mind. I guess you get what you pay for on FreeAdvice.

One is glad to be of service.

 

[FlyingRon]

I am a third party beneficiary of the contract. A third party beneficiary is a person who is neither of the parties in the contract, but stands to benefit from the contract’s performance. Never mind. I guess you get what you pay for on FreeAdvice.

I gave you your best hope at an answer. Just being a potential beneficiary of contract performance doesn't necessarily give you any legal rights. Specifically, you can't make the county sue on your behalf. Even if you are an intended beneficiary, your rights only likely vest if you sue them. You can't sue in small claims in Georgia for specific performance, only monetary remedies (and you'd stand a strong chance that Comcast would just act to remove to a normal civil proceeding). You can sue them, but it would probably be advised for you then to get an attorney.

I told you that you need to find your local county regulator which is the best answer.

The FCC doesn't yet regulate cable TV. Even if they did, the way they deal with complaints (as a first line) on things they do regulate is exactly what happened, they get routed high up in the carrier that the complaint is lodged with.

The BBB is a complete waste of time. It presumes that the business cares about their BBB file. The BBB has no authority to do anything. If the company doesn't want to voluntarily answer the complaint, it's not going anywhere.

Coming here to a site that is wholly supported by volunteers and throwing insults around will likely NOT get anybody to answer your questions (and since the search function works well here, likely any in the future).