County negotiates cable-TV discount for low-income seniors and disabled in unincorporated King County

King County Executive Ron Sims today announced that starting on January 1, 1998, TCI Cable will offer a 30% discount on basic cable service for qualified low-income senior citizens and disabled persons living in unincorporated King County. The discount is the result of terms agreed to by King County and TCI through a recent franchise renewal agreement.

"For low-income seniors and the disabled, cable-TV programming can often be their main source for news and entertainment," says Sims. "Many residents in our unincorporated areas cannot get clear TV signals without cable, and most cannot choose between competing cable companies. This is a tremendous accomplishment that makes cable-TV service more affordable for those who can least afford it."

Sims has overseen the cable-TV franchise negotiations for more than five years, dating back to his tenure as a County Councilmember. Since then, several thousand people have taken part in public hearings, meetings, interviews and surveys aimed at assessing the county's future cable-related needs and interests.

Those unincorporated King County residents who earn $15,750 per year or less, are a senior citizen 62 years or older or have a permanent disability would be eligible to receive the discount.

Applications for the cable-TV discount will be processed and verified through the King County Office of Cable Communications and referred to TCI. As part of the agreement, TCI will recognize a retroactive period back to October 1, 1997, if the customer was receiving service at that time.

All inquiries should be made directly to:

King County Office of Cable Communications
700 Fifth Avenue
Suite 2300
Seattle, WA 98104
Voice: (206) 296-3880
TDD:  1-800-833-6388