Big Island residents are finally getting another option for cable television service.
The state Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs announced Tuesday it has approved Hawaiian Telcom’s request to offer TV service in Hawaii, Kauai and Maui counties, a move the company and DCCA say will benefit thousands of consumers.
In a statement, Hawaiian Telcom said the DCCA’s approval “is a major milestone, giving neighbor island residents a choice of TV service provider for the first time in more than three decades.”
Prior to the approval, Spectrum Oceanic was the only provider that had a cable franchise to serve those counties.
Hawaiian Telcom’s Fioptics+ TV service will be available to fiber-enabled households beginning Monday.
“The DCCA’s approval opens new doors for more Hawaii residents, giving them a choice of TV providers for the first time,” said Hawaiian Telcom President Su Shin in a statement. “Our fiber expansion helps to improve digital equity in Hawaii and level the playing field for neighbor island residents.”
The DCCA’s action grants Hawaiian Telcom the right to use public rights of way to deliver cable services to consumers. In return, the company is obligated to utilize digital technology to offer a diverse array of programming and services to the public.
“These new markets will introduce competition in cable services, giving consumers more options when choosing their cable service provider and encouraging cable providers to provide affordable, reliable and diversified broadcasts,” the DCCA said in a statement.
Through the 15-year franchise term, Hawaiian Telcom is required to submit technology upgrade plans every five years for DCCA approval. These plans may result in amendments and modifications to the franchise conditions.
The DCCA’s decision comes after a comprehensive review process that began with Hawaiian Telcom’s application submissions late last year, followed by public hearings on Hawaii Island, Maui, Kauai in February and March 2024.
During the hearings, community members had the opportunity to provide feedback about the company’s applications.
“After a thorough evaluation of public testimonies, the submitted applications and all related filings, DCCA has concluded that granting Hawaiian Telcom’s request to extend its cable franchise to the neighbor islands is in the public’s best interest,” Nadine Ando, director of the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, said in a statement. “This expansion will not only improve the video and communication infrastructure throughout Hawaii but will also address the needs of underserved communities across the state by increasing access to communications services.”
According to the DCCA, neighbor island subscribers will receive ample guidance as they become accustomed to a new incoming cable television provider, including customer service, new service installation and technical support.
Hawaiian Telcom will provide dedicated public, educational and governmental channels for such things as academic lectures, cultural events, emergency broadcasts and informational content. There are 12 franchise-required channels that will be available for state, county and educational organizations.
The company also will provide 2,000 public service announcements for use by the governor and lieutenant governor’s office, state Legislature, county councils, Department of Education, public broadcasting channels and the University of Hawaii, so they may relay crucial information to the public.
Consumers can save money by bundling Fioptics+ TV with Hawaiian Telcom’s 100% fiber internet service, which offers the fastest upload speed in the state, according to the company.
For information, visit hawaiiantel.com/fiopticsplus or call Hawaiian Telcom at (808) 643-3456.