Meeting to Examine Use of Cable Lines for Internet

The nationwide battle over cable-TV lines that can also provide consumers with extremely fast Internet service comes to the San Fernando Valley on Thursday when the Los Angeles Information Technology Agency holds a public meeting in Van Nuys.

The city agency, which oversees cable television licensing throughout Los Angeles, will hear statements by consumers and industry officials concerning cable communication technology and the competition it poses for existing Internet access companies.

The controversy began heating up in June when two communications giants--AT&T; and Tele-Communications Incorporated (TCI)--announced a merger to provide consumers with telephone, cable-TV and Internet service, all through cable lines.

Internet service providers have argued that the company formed by the proposed AT&T-TCI; merger, which has not been approved by federal officials, should not have exclusive access to cable lines. AT&T; and TCI officials have countered that the company that pays for installing and upgrading cable lines should be allowed to control access to them.

TCI operates cable TV systems across the country, including one in the east Valley that has more than 94,000 subscribers. Although TCI officials have announced that Century Cable will take over operation of the local system next year, TCI will retain 25% ownership.

The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the California State Office Building, 6150 Van Nuys Blvd., in Van Nuys.