NEW CABLE/INTERNET BULK CONTRACT & PHONE SERVICE FOR PAL
PAL has signed a 5-year contract with Access Media 3 for bulk Internet and cable services. Access Media 3 is an authorized dealer for DIRECTV, as well as a growing premier provider for high-speed Internet and voice services. Additional benefits include:
- Integrated Building Security Cameras, so residents can see the lobby camera on their televisions.
- No Amusement Tax, State/City Tax, or Franchise Fees (what you see above is what you pay). Note: There is a Federal Tax on Phone. Otherwise, there are no other taxes/fees.
- Free TV service for our common areas (2nd-floor conference room and fitness center).
This contract replaces our current contract with RCN for bulk cable, which expires on January 14, 2012.
In order to facilitate the process of transitioning services, PAL will be publishing all information regarding the new services, registration, and the conversion process here on the PAL website.
Please check our FAQs document for additional information regarding the changes. Remember to check back periodically, as we will be updating this page and our FAQs as we work to provide additional information and answers to owner questions.
Cable/Internet/Phone Registration
The official registration window for AM3 services ended on Wednesday, December 28, 2011. For those residents who failed to register, you are still able to register and have new services installed prior to the RCN service cancellation. Please note that you will need to identify an in-unit installation window when submitting your registration forms; installation windows may become less available the closer to the actual dates.
For additional information and questions, please check our FAQ document (see above).
Registration
All residents need to sign up for DIRECTV and internet service and installation in order to receive service. Additional forms are required for phone service. All forms must be returned to Access Media 3.
Registration forms are as follows:
Registration forms can be submitted via e-mail: register@am3inc.com, fax: 630-230-0558, by calling 866-263-3241.
In-Unit Installation
AM3 representatives will need access to each unit during installation. During registration, owners will also need to select a four-hour window for installation (8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., 12:00-4:00 p.m., or 4:00-8:00 p.m.) on the following dates:
- Thursday 01/05 (12:00-4:00 p.m. only), Friday 01/06 (12:00-4:00 p.m. only)
- Monday 01/09, Tuesday 01/10, Wednesday 01/11, Thursday 01/12, Friday 01/13
Special Note about Phone Service
Please note that if you plan to sign up with AM3’s VoIP service and you wish to keep your existing phone, there is additional paperwork and a time delay associated with your current provider releasing your phone number. AM3 can install your service with a temporary phone number until your current number is released.
1. If you would like to keep (or port) your current phone number, the FCC requires a signed 911 authorization form, a signed Letter of Agency form and a copy of a recent phone bill in advance. Porting can take up to 30 days. Your phone number must be active to port. Please do not disconnect your phone service until your new service is installed.
2. If you have RCN internet and phone service, your VoIP RCN phone service will be disconnected when your internet is disconnected. You will need to sign up for VoIP phone service with Access Media 3 (since we are providing the Internet service) or get a landline service from AT&T.
PAL CONTRACT OVERVIEW
Included Services
PAL’s bulk contract includes the following services to each unit, at a monthly charge of $53.50 per unit for cable and Internet (current cable-only charge is $36.50 per unit).
Please note that if you are past due with your association dues, you are not eligible to receive DIRECTV, Internet or voice service. If you fail to pay your association dues after your DIRECTV and Internet service is established, your service may be terminated at the Association’s discretion. Please contact your Property Manager if you have any questions or concerns.
Cable Services (Choice Package)
Access Media 3 will provide the infrastructure to enable residents to receive HD Programming, International Programming, and the latest features such as 3D and On-Demand content.
- Access Media 3 provides DIRECTV service to over 165 TV channels, including over 35 HD channels.
- One HD/DVR receiver per unit
- Up to three standard digital cable boxes per unit
Internet Service
Access Media 3 will provide our industry-leading Managed Bandwidth. In short, you will no longer experience the peaks and valleys in the speed of the bandwidth you receive throughout the day. This is accomplished by AM3’s dedicated bandwidth and enterprise-grade infrastructure that is maintained by AM3, on your property.
Access Media 3 provides managed bandwidth Internet 6Mbsp/3Mbsp bulk speed.
Additional Charges
Please note that DIRECTV charges a $6 monthly fee for every receiver after the first receiver and the City of Chicago charges an 8% tax (0.48) on the monthly receiver fee. This will be billed directly to each resident.
The fee is charged independent of the type of receiver (HD or SD). So if you have two boxes total the charge will be $6.48, three boxes total the charge will be $12.96, etc.
Upgrade Services
All upgraded services will be sent directly to owners on a separate bill and will need to be requested directly by owners to Access Media 3 via the registration forms.
Cable
Residents will have access to DIRECTV’s award-winning programming including premium movie channels, international channels, and the NFL Sunday Ticket. The options below are available in Bulk rates for the entire association or Retail rates for individual upgrades
For Cable, there are a variety of channel upgrades, including premium, international and 3D options as well as additional receivers (costs vary). Please reference the registration forms (see above) or AM3’s website, or attend one of AM3's registration events for additional information.
Internet
Owners can upgrade to 10Mbsp/5Mbsp speed for $15/month.
Telephone
Owners can sign up for phone service that includes local and long distance (continental U.S.), voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, Web access, caller ID, 911 service and usage of an existing phone number for a flat monthly rate of $20/month. International calls will be charged on a per-minute rate based on country; see rates here.
CANCELING EXISTING RCN CABLE, INTERNET, OR PHONE SERVICES
Each resident will need to cancel their current RCN services over the PAL bulk contract, which will extend to anything that is billed directly to the resident. Residents should call 312-955-2500 to cancel and should cancel no later than January 14, 2012. This is a local number, and RCN representatives will be better informed about the bulk service cancellation at our building.
Please note that even if the accounts are closed, they will show RCN equipment and associated equipment charges until it has been turned in.
Returning RCN Box(es), Modems and Other Equipment
All RCN hardware, including HD/SD boxes, DVR boxes, modems, remote controls and power cords, needs to be returned by the resident to RCN. Residents are responsible for equipment charges which will remain on their account until they turn in their equipment.
RCN will be hosting a lobby event at PAL on Tuesday, January 17, 4:00-8:00 p.m., for residents to turn in their RCN boxes, modems and other equipment they may have. Coax cable, HDMI cables, component cables and audio/video cables should not be brought down.
If residents wait until the scheduled event to return your equipment, your account will be disconnected only after ALL equipment on your account is returned and processed in our warehouse. If you chose to return equipment at the event, rather than at the payment center, we still recommend you call 312-955-2500 and cancel your service(s) once you have been switched to the new provider.
Residents can also return the equipment directly to RCN at 2640 West Bradley Place Chicago, IL 60618 (near Addison & California Avenue).
Telephone: 800-746-4726
Hours:
- Monday-Tuesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday-Thursday: 9:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
- Sunday: Closed
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