West Amwell residents have until Sunday to return the questionnaire.
WEST AMWELL — Township residents have until Dec. 23 to complete and return a survey about their experience with Comcast Cable.
Tom Allibone, a telecommunications industry expert who is a volunteer on the township’s Franchise Renewal Committee, crafted the survey. He will tally the results for presentation to the Township Committee on Dec. 27.
Mayor Ron Shapella said the township expects to begin negotiations with Comcast for a franchise renewal after Jan. 1.
”We hope the survey tells us if there are problems and where they occur,” Mayor Shapella said. “If certain sections of the township have recurring problems, it’s something we should know about, and Comcast should know about.”
Some residents already have expressed their dissatisfaction during a public hearing Nov. 7. They complained about a lack of service and long response times while others cannot get access at all. The company lays cable according to a formula that requires a route to have a certain number of houses per mile.
Residents who could not attend the public hearing, but who still want an opportunity to comment may obtain a survey from Mr. Allibone by calling 397-2257 or e-mailing him at [email protected].
”I’ll even fax it to you,” he said. “Call me.”
Surveys also may be obtained from the township clerk in the municipal building at 150 Rocktown-Lambertville Road.
Residents also may leave a comment on the township’s automated phone system by calling 397-2054 and pressing 46.
”If you’re a customer, or if you’re not, I want to know why,” Mr. Allibone said.
The survey also asks which type of service residents purchase from Comcast such as the different tiers of premium or basic service, digital phone service, On Demand or Pay Per View.
The survey asks about the types of problem encountered within the last year, including poor reception, service outages and billing issues.
Mr. Allibone said residents appeared dissatisfied with the company, judging by the response he received when he tried to hand out the survey on a recent Saturday at the township’s trash transfer station.
”It looked like they wanted to throw stones at me,” he said. “They thought I was a Comcast employee.”
Comcast filed for a franchise renewal with the township and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities on Aug. 30. The period allowed by law for public comment must be concluded within 120 days, which would be Dec. 30.
West Amwell’s 10-year franchise agreement with Comcast expires June 2008.

