@awsommanofGod:

You keep referring to "perks for the bigwigs at the FPB" from a previous SJ article. I don't remember seeing that. Can you please post the link to that article or at least tell us when it published?

You aren't required to take a box if you don't want. You can use a TV with a digital tuner. ALL TVs SOLD AFTER MARCH 1, 2007 HAVE A DIGITAL TUNER. You have to *request* the number of cable boxes you want from FPB. They don't tell you how many you're going to take.

Macha posted the following which brings up a good question.
"Posted by Macha January 13, 2010

@RobertF:

True, but I'd bet anyone would be hard pressed to find a TV that could tune an over-the-air digital signal and not a cable digital signal."
Is Macha correct?
No one knows. The Plant Board is not going to tell us that is for sure. At least not until they cram a cable box down every throat they can.
Of Course all the profit they make on renting out cable Boxes can be used to fund the perks for the bigwigs at the FPB. ( See previous State Journal article on those perks)
Join the cable box rebellion! If you wantto protest these Cable boxes we have several options. 1. show up mondays at noon at the downtown fpb ,2. call and complain,3. e-mail the fpb and complain or 4.show up at their monthly meetings and complain.5. ALL of the above
This summer , when they switch over to the new system, it will be to late. Join the rebellion now!

If you are on Facebook search for "Frankfort Plant Board Sucks" and become a fan.

There has been a measurable amount of discussion on the Cable Box issue. I checked the FCC regulations and it appears that Motorola \ or other makers,can sell cable boxes retail. However, a public utility is not allowed to sell the cable box.

Check further . . . A standard cable box would not work because of the software that performs encryption. There are phases of the box software that are only available to public utilities. It allows the Cable Company to further automate their service. Therefore the standard cable box would not have the same performance as the cable box rented by the plant board.

With these FEDERAL restrictions and tight copywriter laws it appears the local cable company does not have a choice.

As a business consideration I can see the local cable company would have more control over the plant board cable delivery. Among those software choices that would be encrypted is the ability of the cable company to cut off your cable service from the plant board and no longer would need to send technicians to disconnect those that are delinquent. That saves money!

As I say as a business consideration . . . it makes since, but . . . at this point I don't think there is much that can be done about it as the FCC (Federal Communications Commission controls what public cable companies may or may not do.

Those are the facts . . . as stated by government regulations.

"Despite the weather it is going very well."

Really? LOL!

Despite the weather it is going very well. Obviously some people (probally connected to fpb) fear us enough to try and discourage us.Lets keep it up and it will grow!
If you can not be at the peaceful protest on monday's at noon, but don't like these boxes you can write , e-mail and call and complain at the fpb. Or attend the next Board meeting . The Frankfort Plant Board holds monthly meetings of its Board of Directors on the third Tuesday of every month. Meetings are scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Plant Board Clubhouse located at 92 Tanglewood Drive. Board of Director's meetings are open to the public.

Where were you morons the other day, I thought you were going to protest at the FPB downtown office. I didnt think so. Was it a wittle too cold for the cable box movement.You people need to get a life and worry about something that matters, like the price of gas, milk, or taxes. Cable tv is a luxury, and if you dont like it, get rid of it. But you wont do it because you wouldnt have nothin else to complain about.Oh, and another thing, I dont think John H. theatened anyone or is a threat to anyone, you idiots are just trying to smear him in light of your useless protest or wahyever it is, weather permitting.

The fbp has created a mess. The simple answer? Simply give us the option of buying these boxes.Even at a 10% markup it still beats renting them.