BERLIN, Md.- Comcast cable TV, phone and internet service is officially coming to Ocean Pines.
The Ocean Pines Board of Directors unanimously approved an agreement with the company Tuesday, granting a right of access to install, maintain, repair and operate equipment in the community. The contract also grants Comcast a nonexclusive license supply service to Ocean Pines residents.
The agreement is effective immediately and is good for 10 years. It requires Comcast to construct a service provider system within five years, according to the Ocean Pines Association.
General Manager John Viola said the agreement was a landmark for Ocean Pines.
"This is something people in Ocean Pines have wanted to see happen for years, and full credit to the team for making this a reality," Viola said.
The agreement marks the first time in Ocean Pines history that more than one cable television service will be available to residents.
According to OPA, cable TV first came to the community in 1979 with Triad CATV. Through the years, the company was bought and sold several times, eventually becoming Mediacom in 1997.
Under the new contract with Comcast, the company will install up to 25 video outlets for Ocean Pines buildings and will provide free, public WiFi at certain common areas, at no charge to OPA.
Ocean Pines will also receive a 1.6 percent right of access fee based on annual gross revenues that Comcast earns in the community, OPA said.