Ugly cable boxes a nationwide concern

Back in June I wrote my inaugural Pasadena datelined article on a minor hubbub over large, unattractive AT&T cable boxes that the city was forced to green-light because of a California law that gives the state, and not each individual city, the control over regulating cable companies.

Turns out Pasadena is not the only city that has had residents object to the large boxes: the Associated Press released an article today detailing anger over cable boxes in Philadelphia, Illinois, and elsewhere in California.

From the AP:

As cable and phone companies race to upgrade services or offer video for the first time, they're doing it by installing equipment in boxes on lawns, easements and curbs all over American neighborhoods. Telecommunications roll-outs have always been messy, but several towns and residents are fighting back with cries of "Not in my front yard!"

AT&T Inc.'s nearly fridge-sized units, which route its new U-verse video product to customers, are drawing particular ire. A few caught fire or even exploded. AT&T said it has fixed that by replacing the units' backup batteries.

And, no, Pasadena's experiences do not make it in to the article... next time pick up a phone and call, AP!

Except that compared to the bitterness between AT&T and some of the cities mentioned in the article, the local story isn't that exciting:

A resolution has yet to come to Geneva, Ill., where Mayor Kevin Burns is furious with AT&T.

[Rival cable company Comcast] ran ads in Illinois calling the [AT&T] cabinets "giant utility boxes." In most locations, U-verse cabinets are 4 feet tall, 4 feet wide and 2 feet deep.

AT&T didn't think it was funny and sued Comcast in March for running a "false, deceptive and disparaging advertising campaign." The companies signed a standstill agreement in May.

Is there nothing that AT&T thinks it can resolve without a lawsuit? Remember locally, the company did tell Pasadena that if it did not go forward with the cable box plan it would sue the city.