By JIMMY LAWTON

OGDENSBURG – A franchise negotiator for Time Warner Cable says offering the city government free internet service as part of a franchise agreement is not an option.

At a Monday meeting, TWC franchise negotiator David Whalen told officials that franchise agreements are restricted to television service and that internet service cannot legally be included in franchise agreements.

The comment followed a request from city manager John Pinkerton for free service at the city’s police department, which he says is costly.

Although internet service cannot be provided to the city government as part of the franchise agreement, Whalen said TWC is developing a program that offers municipalities and non-profits reduced rates. He said he would check on the program’s status and report back to the city.

The city initiated negotiations over a franchise agreement renewal last night. In public session the council questioned Whalen regarding the process and what potential benefits the city might be able to obtain through a new deal.

Whalen explained that franchise fees are set by municipalities and charged directly to the customer. He said TWC does not receive any portion of the fees.

Mayor William Nelson told Whalen that there were infrastructure concerns in the North Country and it is common to hear about poor quality service.

Councilors Jennifer Stevenson and William Hosmer both reported internet service problems at their businesses, while councilor Morley complained of pixilation and other problems with his television service.

Whalen encouraged anyone experiencing problems with service to call and complain. He said the company is not aware of problems unless they are reported. He said service calls should be addressed within 24 to 48 hours. Councilor Stevenson said it took months to get problems with her internet straightened out.

Whalen said he would look into reported problems and see what possible problems might exist with the city’s hardware, which Whalen said may be dated.

Councilors also complained that calls were sometimes fielded overseas.

Whalen said TWC is currently working to have all of its internet support brought back into the United States.

Nelson also asked if Time Warner Cable would be able to offer live broadcasts of its meetings and the ability to broadcast live during emergencies.

Whalen said he would look into the cost of live broadcast, but advised Nelson that the county handled the emergency broadcasts.

Negotiations are expected to continue into the coming weeks.