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Charter challenges AFN�s plans to connect Medford Charter Communications delivered the pitch Thursday � the cable company says it can offer Internet access cheaper than the Ashland Fiber Network � but it�ll be a week before the Medford City Council makes its call. At a noon study session, Charter representatives again asked the council for a chance to bid on a contract that would connect City Hall to AFN for high-speed Internet access. "There is a better way," said Bob Towe, Charter general manager. "And it�s here now." Charter says it�s set to offer high-speed Internet access in coming weeks. The company announced plans to provide the service two years ago and has been building the system since then. Technically, the AFN connection would be provided under a franchise agreement with the city of Medford. Under terms of the deal, AFN could install fiber lines to the downtown core to connect to the region�s "point of presence" � the gateway to the Internet. The city would connect to AFN and waive up to $80,000 in franchise fees charged over five years for use of public rights of way. But Charter officials objected to the deal last week, saying the company could provide the same service to City Hall under a similar, yet to be drafted, franchise agreement. Company officials say Charter service also may cost less, though the amount of savings remains unclear. City Attorney Ron Doyle urged the council to consider the benefits of the AFN proposal. The market value of AFN�s service is estimated at $115,000; Medford would credit AFN for $80,000 in franchise fees rather than pay for the service. Tom Crane, interim information services director, also noted that the city plans in July to request bids from contractors for high-speed Internet access to other municipal buildings. The council took no formal action Thursday; a vote on the AFN franchise agreement is scheduled for the council�s June 21 meeting. Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.