Comcast network upgrades could leave some customers without cable

Comcast expects to upgrade its cable network Tuesday in a switch that requires customers to have appropriate digital equipment to avoid interrupted service.

The switch, which affects Washtenaw County customers, is part of a phased transition as Comcast upgrades its network from analog signals to digital technology. The upgrade is not related to the previous federally mandated digital transition this year.

Many customers need digital set-top boxes or digital adapters to smoothly make the transition.

Comcast customers can get free digital equipment for up to three TVs, said Mary Beth Halprin, vice president of public relations and community affairs for Comcast.

For more information, go to Comcast.com/digitalnow, call (877) 634-4434 or visit the Comcast office at 4659 Washtenaw Ave. The switch does not affect limited basic cable customers.

On Tuesday, the telecommunications giant’s network upgrades will affect 13 channels, including AMC, Travel Channel and Animal Planet. Another 31 will be upgraded by Nov. 12 at the earliest. Customers who don't have digital capability will lose access to those channels when the upgrade occurs.

“Our company is enhancing our network to ensure that our channels are provided in a digital platform for customers in order to essentially bring more services and products, channels and faster Internet speeds to our customers,” Halprin said.

Comcast has notified its customers about the switch with letters, door-to-door communication and calls.

But it’s unclear how many residents will be caught off guard.

Deborah Eisler, an Ann Arbor resident, said she received letters in late September but has not received her equipment.

“I’m in a pickle that I think maybe many people are in in this city. Anyone who is a Comcast subscriber would be affected,” she said. “They were far too stingy with the time they put out the notice, and obviously tomorrow is way too short. They’re going to be creating problems for people.”

Contact AnnArbor.com’s Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.