Update: Comcast fixes Wellesley cable local access issues

October 2, 2023

Update (10/3/23 PM)

One more update on Comcast channels for Wellesley local access. Things are now back as they used to be, with channels 8 and 9 providing access to local government meetings and programs.

Live streams of meetings and recordings, usually posted within 24 hours, are also available on Wellesley Media’s website.

 

Update (10/2/23 PM): 

Comcast has fixed an issue that had left some Wellesley subscribers without access in recent days to local access programming, such as government meetings.

According to Wellesley Media’s James Joyce,  “Comcast did a channel re-assignment Thursday … and channel 8 was supposed to be auto-tuning to channel 1071. It was auto-tuning to 1072 and saying the channel was not available. Comcast is going to fix this so it goes to 1071.”

However, those with older cable boxes will still be able to find Channel 8 for Wellesley content. Channel 9 should work for everyone, though newer boxes may bump subscribers to channel 1075.

In summary:

  • Comcast customers that have old analog cable boxes: Channels 8 and 9 as usual
  • Comcast customers that have new digital set-top boxes: Channel 8 will auto bump to 1071 and channel 9 should work but may auto bump to 1075 in the future (Both 9 and 1075 work currently).

Earlier post (10/2/23 AM)

Internet service provide and cable supplier Comcast implemented a channel realignment this past week that has left subscribers without access to Wellesley’s local government channel 8, according to Wellesley Media.

Channel 9, which also carries some Wellesley meeting coverage, remains available to Comcast subscribers.
According to Wellesley Media’s James Joyce, when Comcast customers try to tune to channel 8 they get bumped to channel 1071 and see a black screen and a message saying the channel isn’t available in their area.
Wellesley Media and the town administration have reached out to Comcast to remind them that they are contractually obligated to provide 2 local cable TV channels, Joyce said.
Comcast customers are encouraged to reach out to the company about the issue.
Comcast customers can still watch the local government channels live online.

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