Being forced to switch cable companies?

[UofM_TWH]

Hi, I live in an apartment complex and currently have MediaOne, uhhhhhh AT&T RoadRunner. Frankly I'm quite happy with it so far. Just recently the owners of this, and several other complexes sent a letter informing us that they'd partnered with a company called StarCom to bring us cable tv and internet access. The language, although I can't say for certain, made it sound like that we are being made to switch, which may or may not be a bad thing. Well, what really interests me is the internet access. As far as I could tell, it looks to me like StarCom's partner for the net access is Broadband Now! So can anyone tell me anything about this company? I've scoured their site, www.bbnow.com, (http://www.bbnow.com,) and couldn't find much in the way of useful info. Not much luck elsewhere on the web either. So does anyone have or know of this company? Are they any good? Thanks in advance for any info.

[Kip Patterson]

You've got the critical points already. The landlord contracts with these folks to provide cable, gets a fee for his efforts.

So far as I know it is illegal for them to force you to change to this new company. There is probably some information on the FCC site, but I would guess that the ATT operation can give you the facts.

Don't know anything about BBNOW. I think they bring ethernet into your aparment from a router tha serves the building.

[UofM_TWH]

Well, I reread the letter that I was sent and now I'm even more sure that I will be forced to switch. Several lines in the letter make me think this way.

"In order to meet your demadns for better products and services, we have entered into an exclusive provider agreement with StarCom Broadband, Inc."

To me the term "exclusive provider" seals the deal. Basically that means they've agreed to have only StarCom provide the cable services.
Also, it's mentioned at least twice about "switching on an exclusive basis from Media One to StarCom Broadband, Inc." As for the FCC the letter only states that "the FCC requires a smooth transition among providers"

As for my question about Broadband Now! I'd still really like to hear from someone who uses or has used the ISP. What kind of speeds did you get, how was tech support, etc. I'm pretty sure it works through cable though, since the transition will be taking place "after the first of the year." The complex isn't wired with ethernet now, and I doubt they'd invest in it.