By Matt Hudson

Owatonna People’s Press

Several southeast Minnesota towns will be the latest phase in Charter Communications’ all-digital upgrade.

For customers who receive cable television straight from the wall to their TV sets that means they will have to update their equipment. And that will be an added charge being assessed — eventually.

This affects Austin, Owatonna, Faribault, Albert Lea and other towns in the area.

For years, the standard hookup was straight from the coaxial cable in the wall to the television. With the advent of digital cable, those TV-top boxes were added to handle the signal.

But the standard — or analog — signal was still available. According to a press release, 10 percent of Charter customers in the area still used that service.

“There are some for sure,” said Kimberly Noetzel, senior manager of communications for Charter. “And those who have additional television (with an analog signal) too certainly will need to get a box.”

The transition to an all-digital network will mean that all cable subscribers will need the TV-top box. Those who already have the box will be unaffected.

Customers who receive the traditional analog signal can get up to two TV-top boxes free for two years. Those on Medicaid are eligible for free boxes for five years.

Customers who already have a box, but watch the analog signal on a secondary TV can get one box for one year free of charge.

The transition is set to take place on Oct. 28.

Noetzel said that the basic cable package will still be available. Those customers just need to get a digital box. After the trial period, the rate will be about $7 per month to rent the box.

The press release said that because Charter is freeing its lines of analog signals, it will be able to increase Internet speeds.

Charter is helping customers receive one or more digital boxes at no cost for one or more years depending on the customer’s programming package and other qualifying factors. Customers can obtain these digital boxes through direct shipment to their home by calling 1-888-438-2427 to request a self-installation kit, or pick up equipment at a nearby Charter store.

The switch will mean faster Internet and more than 200 high definition channels. Once the all digital upgrade is complete for all customers, Charter plans to double its entry-level residential Internet speed from 30 Mbps to 60 Mbps at no cost.

Charter has expanded store hours in Owatonna, Austin and Faribault, starting Oct. 20 through Oct. 31, to support this transition and will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.