For Kalona, the change in ownership of the cable service could lead to improvements. However, noted City Administrator Doug Morgan, “there are not that many options.”

Morgan, who attended the June 28 meeting with Mediacom officials, explained that many companies are not interested in offering service to small towns, “there’s not a large enough customer base.”

However, with service well established in Kalona, it is very likely that Mediacom “who appear to be interested in providing good service,” will continue in the area.

“It is getting to be very competitive,” said Morgan, noting that cable companies are aware that the FCC may give wireless communications the right to broadcast.

“And that will change a lot of things. It will be more competitive,” he said.

Morgan said that the fact that the Mediacom principals “all have 20 to 30 years experience in the cable business,” is an indication “that they know the business well. They virtually started when cable did.”

Morgan said that there is always the possibility that service could be provided through another source, such as the local telephone company.

“The original franchise was written with the telephone company in mind,” he said.