What will Time-Warner's move mean for you?

(8/02/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- If you get your cable TV from Time-Warner, you should know Comcast is coming. There's a good chance you're in for a cable switch. Most people think the change will be uneventful. You'll still be able to watch CNN, MTV, and HBO...and of course, ABC13. But there are differences in the cable companies.

The Time-Warner/Comcast switch has already happened in the Dallas area. Up there, customers did not even notice. Customers here hope the same thing will happen in Houston when Comcast Cable replaces Time-Warner.

There are some differences. Comcast offers the NFL network in some areas. Time-Warner never did here. Sanjay Mehra would rather stay with the company he knows.

"I think it's bad, yeah," he said. "I think it's bad for Houston for Time-Warner to be leaving here."

As for cost, we checked Comcast cable's rates for the city of Philadelphia. Right now, basic cable is $25.50 in Philadelphia, but there is no guarantee Comcast will offer that rate in Houston. In Dallas, Time-Warner has told Comcast customers the bills will not change, but Comcast officials say it's too early to tell if costs will go up or down in Houston.

"Without knowing that, I can't make a good decision on whether or not it's a good thing or bad thing for them to leave," said cable viewer Chris Moerbe.

And for many customers here, cost will be the deciding factor.

"Price and service are the two number one things -- price and continuing service," said customer Jacqueline Johnson.

But customers who used Comcast's high speed Internet service in Dallas did have to change email addresses because now RoadRunner is their Internet provider and when Comcast takes over in Houston, it is very likely email addresses here will change for those subscribing to high speed Internet.

There are obviously many unanswered questions here. In fact, the whole takeover is still subject to government approval.

Lots of people have commented about the change on my blog. You can put your two cents in at consumer.abc13.com. Meanwhile, Time-Warner says customers will not see any changes in services at this point.

This cable switch is part of a deal between the two companies struck as they acquired the bankrupt Adelphia Communications. It allows both Comcast and Time-Warner to increase each's customer concentration in certain markets. Comcast is the nation's largest cable company. Time-Warner is the second largest. We're told the switch in providers will come at the beginning of 2007.

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