Yes, I'm sure that's what it is, although after doing some
> searching it appears they don't have plans to provide anything
> other than an internet connection over the fiber -- that the
> means for video delivery in most service areas will still be
> the partnership with DirecTV. Does anyone know if when they
> install fiber to get the faster DSL if they now carry the voice
> circuits over it too, or do those still go over the existing
> copper path back to the CO?
danny burstein responded:
Can't give you any specifics about their choice regarding
> voice service, but the tv issue is (probably) a regulatory one.
>
> In many areas anyone providing wired transport of television
> signals to homes (i.e. "cable tv") that crosses over
> the streets has to get a "franchise" or "license" from
> the local gov't.
Which, in your case, appears to be the City of Minnetonka, assuming you live inside the city. According to the city's website, cable TV franchise administration rests with the Information Technology office.
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If you live outside the city, the Local Franchising Authority (LFA) may be a township government or a combination of two or more local governments operating under an interlocal agreement. In my experience, most of the smaller suburban cities and townships in the Mpls/St.Paul metro area are constituents of multi-government interlocal LFAs.
In any case, Qwest may have already applied for a local cable TV franchise. The folks at Information Technology should be able to tell you. The contact person appears to be Jeff Dulac at snipped-for-privacy@eminnetonka.com or 952-939-8386.
Hence, in NYS, for example, Verizon was providing internet
> and voice over their FIOS glass, but... in most areas
> they had to use the DirecTV partnership for television.
>
> They did get permission from some individual communities
> to handle television directly, and NYC is about to come
> onboard as well.
>
> (They're also trying very hard to get a state-wide certificate
> that would override local regs, and are also pushing for
> similar changes on the national level).
Similar legislation is pending (or already enacted) in just about every state and territory in the country, including Minnesota. If it passes, Qwest would be able to offer cable-TV-like video services statewide without local franchises.
Qwest may be biding its time, assuming that it will be able to get a statewide franchise. In which case, it could offer TV in Minnetonka without having to get a local franchise.
Google "minnesota statewide cable tv franchise" for more information.
Neal McLain Retired Cable Guy Brazoria, Texas