Sayreville Residents Could Get More Cable And internet Options

Subscribe to The Sayreville Insider for more news and updates from around Sayreville.

SAYREVILLE, NJ — Some Sayreville residents could eventually have another option for cable television and internet service under a proposal presented to the Borough Council.

Comcast representatives appeared before the council July 20 to discuss expanding the company’s services into the portion of Sayreville currently served by one cable provider.

Rob Clifton, Comcast’s manager of government affairs for Central New Jersey, said the company wants to bring additional competition to the borough.

“Half of the town is served by two cable providers, another half of the town is only served by one cable provider,” Clifton said.

Comcast is seeking a cable television franchise for the section with only one provider.

What Does Comcast Need From Sayreville?

To move forward, Comcast requested a right-of-way agreement from the borough. That agreement would allow the company to apply to the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities for a system-wide franchise.

Clifton said some of the company’s mapping information is proprietary because of competition within the industry. However, he said Comcast would provide the borough administrator with a list of streets and a map for the council to review.

A complete list of the neighborhoods that could receive Comcast service was not provided during the presentation.

What Services Would Be Available?

Clifton discussed several Comcast brands and services, including Xfinity, Sky, NBCUniversal and Xfinity Mobile.

He described Comcast’s broadband service as using next-generation fiber-based technology. Xfinity Mobile uses a combination of 5G service and Wi-Fi hotspots, according to Clifton.

The presentation also included information about Internet Essentials, a program intended to provide lower-cost internet service to eligible residents.

Clifton described it as “low-cost, high-speed internet” and said eligibility has expanded to include veterans and families receiving certain government services.

The service costs $14.95 per month, according to Clifton.

What About Neighborhoods With Underground Utilities?

Councilwoman Mary Novak asked whether underground utilities would make it more difficult for Comcast to serve certain neighborhoods.

“Does it matter whether the areas that only have one are underground wiring?” Novak asked.

Clifton said approximately 27% of the proposed service area has underground utilities. He said Comcast would be able to install service in those locations.

Would Comcast Open A Sayreville Office?

Councilman Alberto Rios asked whether Comcast plans to establish a physical office in Sayreville.

Clifton said the company currently operates a retail store on Route 18 in East Brunswick.

He explained that Comcast has moved away from traditional payment centers and toward retail locations similar to Apple and Verizon stores. Those locations allow customers to test products and pick up equipment.

No plans for a Sayreville retail location were identified during the presentation.

Residents Could Get A Chance To Ask Questions

Mayor Kennedy O’Brien requested that Comcast hold a separate public presentation at the Sayreville Senior Center so residents could ask questions in what he described as a “more relaxed atmosphere.”

O’Brien also predicted what many residents would want to know first.

“Just be prepared, the number one question they’re gonna ask is, ‘What’s the cost?’” the mayor said.

The council and Comcast representatives discussed waiting until September because of summer vacations but ultimately agreed to work toward holding the public forum in August.

“Sooner the better?” O’Brien asked. Council members responded affirmatively.

The borough administrator is expected to work with Comcast to finalize a date and advertise the meeting to the public.

Want more updates about local government, development and other issues affecting Sayreville residents? Subscribe to The Sayreville Insider newsletter for free.