Resident Calls for More Cable, Internet Options in Weymouth

Weymouth, MA — Come to Weymouth and you may be surprised by the fact that there's only one game in town when it comes to cable and internet services.

For resident Kimbers Sheppard, that is too few. Speaking during the citizen's comment portion of Monday's Town Council meeting, Sheppard called on the council to explore options to bring another provider to Weymouth.

"The reason I’m here is because I don’t have a choice. When I call (Comcast), they know it so I feel like I’m being held hostage by their pricing," Sheppard said.

"In 2016, internet is not a luxury. It’s a necessity and I feel the residents are not being given a choice and they’re suffering for it."

Council President Patrick O'Connor said while they welcome competition, cable and internet licensing is conducted by the mayor's office, leaving the council out of negotiations and agreements. O'Connor added that he has also heard from residents that they want more telecommunication options.

Ted Langill, the mayor's chief of staff, said the town entered into a 10-year agreement with Comcast prior to Mayor Robert Hedlund coming into office.

"We are going to see if there’s anything we can do within 10 years to have some competition but we’re looking at a contract that was signed a month or two before we came into office for the next 10 years. That’s what we have to negotiate around," Langill said.