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Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONS REGARDING COLUMBUS TELEPHONE CO. FIBER VISION CABLE SERVICE

  1. Will I still be able to use my TV when analog broadcasting ends?
    On February 17, 2009, full power analog broadcasting will end, and analog-only televisions may be unable to display full-power broadcast programming unless the viewer takes action. Sets not connected to a cable service (Columbus FiberVision) may need additional equipment (i.e. converter box) or their TV may need to be replaced. More information may be obtained by going to www.dtv.gov or calling the National Telecom Industry Assoc. at 1-888-388-2009.

  2. How do I know if my TV is ready to receive digital or HD channels?
    IF you have a digital TV, it must be a digital TV with a QAM tuner already installed to receive Columbus FIbervision Digital channels. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QAM_tuner The only way to receive digital signals above 100 is to have a TV capable of doing so and subscribing to Columbus Fibervision Basic II package. Note: no converter boxes will be needed for Columbus Fibervision Cable subscribers.

  3. Will there be a standby generator at Columbus Telephone Co.?
    We currently have a standby generator at the office. We are contemplating a standby generator at the head end.

  4. What if power goes out, will I still have phone, cable & internet service?
    You will have 2 hours talk time on the battery reserve for your telephone only. Note: Battery will not operate cordless phones, computers or TV's. (Do not plug anything into the backup system!)

  5. Why is it important to keep the APC plugged in?
    Please make sure you APC (battery back up unit) remains plugged in at all times. Your service will be disrupted if there is no power to this unit. 2 hours of talk time on a corded telephone will be provided during a power outage. The APC will, however, not power your CATV or Internet during outages.

  6. What is the battery life on the backup?
    6 years. Columbus Telephone Co. will be responsible for replacing this battery when needed.

  7. Is there a surge protector in the gateway device?
    Yes, but we suggest you have a surge protector on your computer & TV.

  8. Is the channel selection fixed at this time?
    No. We are still working with programmers & NCTC.

  9. Can we get the basic 50 and then pick & choose other channels?
    No. It is tied to the frequency levels/ packages.

  10. Will there be a charge to install jacks for cable TV?
    Yes, if there is not an existing jack available for cable TV a $35.00 trip charge plus additional materials charge will apply.

  11. Will there be additional charges for each tv connected to cable?
    There will be no additional monthly charge for the number of TV's connected to cable. 4 tv's can be run from our gateway box, more than that would probably require an amplifier.

  12. We already have buried lines in conduit. Will it be used?
    No. We will be putting in new.

  13. I have a security system. Do I coordinate with the security system?
    Yes. When we cut over to Fiber, they could get an alarm. You will have to coordinate work with our cutover crew & your security co.

  14. Do I have to subscribe to cable to have internet access?
    No, we will offer 3 separate services: Telephone, Cable & Internet. However, special pricing packages for internet will apply when you subscribe to one of our cable packages.

  15. If Columbus Telephone Co. Installs Fiber-Optic cable can my Craw-Kan telephone service be taken out?
    If you are currently a Craw-Kan telephone customer we are not allowed to serve telephone service in that territory by orders of the Kansas Corp. Commission rules, unless your home is annexed into the city. We can however provide you internet or cable service through Columbus Telephone Co. If we have installed Fiber-Optic cable to your home.

  16. My telephone service comes around the house, how will you get to the electric meter?
    Our crew will be working with property owners for the most direct route to keep from doing any damage.

  17. Will all the bills for Phone, Cable & Internet be billed at the same time?
    Yes. Services will be on one bill due the 10th of each month.

  18. Can I pay by credit card? all methods logo
    Yes. We accept VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, and AMERICAN EXPRESS CARDS (DEBIT or CREDIT). Customers may pay by these methods in the office, by phone, or online.
    Just a reminder, if your account is on Automatic Bank Draft or Credit Card payment and any information on your checking or credit card account has changed, such as bank account number, credit card expiration date or cancellation of account, please notify our office as soon as possible so your bill can be processed correctly.
  19. What about Capital Credits?
    We have recently converted from a stock to membership company. This does not effect your yearly capital credit allocations. You will begin to earn capital credit allocations on internet & cable if those services earn a profit.