In early January, Residential Life sent fliers to students living on campus alerting them to cable service changes in their dorms and apartments.
On Jan. 2, Cox Communications replaced the LSU Cable TV system as chief cable provider for all dorms and on-campus apartments, according to Gary Dukes, information systems manager for Residential Life.
“Cox approached the University at various points in the past expressing interest in doing this,” said Debora Baker, director of Residential Life.
Baker explained although most of the time companies are required to bid to provide service for the University, Cox did not have to bid since it is the chief provider in the area.
“Cox is extremely pleased to participate with LSU in providing state of-the-art services to the college campus,” said Sharon Kleinpeter, spokesperson for Cox Cable.
With the fliers, students learned they should no longer call LSU Cable with problems they have.
Now, students are expected to call a Cox Communications service line when any problems arise with the TV cable in their rooms.
“Over the next few months, Cox will be upgrading the system to provide for digital networks,” Dukes said.
Baker said students should expect a few changes now that Cox Communications provides cable.
According to Baker, the fee for TV cable per room will change from $15 to $23.
Also, Dukes said students now will have about 80 channels instead of the usual 49.
Although many students are pleased with the switch and the upgrades, some were worried it would be harder to get help now that they have to get in touch with a larger company.
“I think if I would have a problem with my cable, it would be more difficult and more of a hassle to get in touch with someone,” said Lisa Lee, a communication disorders sophomore.
Biological sciences sophomore Janelle Lee, a resident of Annie Boyd, said she does not feel good about calling away to get service when at one time, she was able to go next door to the Residential Life offices in Grace King Hall.
“It bothers me because it seems like they are pushing off one of their responsibilities to Cox,” said Erin Wrona, a mathematics freshman.
However, Baker said the collaboration with Cox was a very good move because the company provides services more conveniently than is possible with LSU Cable.
“Cox is very committed to providing these services and in the long run students should experience very good services,” she said. “Cox is a very large company, but it is also a good company with a strong commitment to the students and to the campus.”
Baker added they hope to ease the problems students face when dealing with a company by considering an office for Cox on campus.
“We are looking into the possibility to have an on-campus office,” said Kleinpeter. “However, no firm plans have been made yet.”
Sandra Betts, coordinator for Herget Hall said the switch from LSU Cable to Cox Cable has flowed smoothly.
“The good side is that this is one less thing for the desk to worry about,” Betts said.
She added, however, that she recognizes this could be a problem for students since they no longer are able to personally talk with someone in Residential Life.