Spectrum to offer credit for customers affected by weekend outage
3.What will the company do to ensure this kind of a sustained outage does not happen again? I write today on the heels of a widespread Spectrum service outage that impacted a large swath of New York State, and in particular, my congressional district (NY-22). (WRGB/WBNG) — Spectrum says it will work with customers to credit their accounts back after a widespread outage of their service occurred last weekend. 1.What specifically caused the recent Spectrum widespread service outage? In a statement sent to 12 News, Brindisi said Spectrum is not delivering on its’ services to customers. The people of New York both rely upon and pay greatly for Spectrum services, something I have railed against. However, aside from the financial stresses this outage delivered to residential and business customers, it puts forth a more serious security issue of redundancy failure the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) must immediately investigate and publicly report the findings. A letter Brindisi sent to the PSC can be read below: The PSC owes it to New Yorkers to hold Spectrum accountable on this issue. While Spectrum did not do anything nefarious to deliver the recent and wide disruption, the company remains responsible –and abundantly capitalized– by New Yorkers who continue to be disappointed by their business practices. Given the monopoly-like control Spectrum has over my congressional district, the subjects of redundancy, public safety and customer service are all critical components of an investigation. Therefore, I urge the PSC to announce an investigation into the recent and widespread service disruption that answers at least four questions: According to Spectrum, ice and snow was the reason the service went down. A spokesperson says the weather caused fiber damage which impacted its’ services.
Congressman Anthony Brindisi is demanding the state Public Service Commission (PSC) investigates the outage. The company says customers who would like to have their account credited may contact them. “This outage hurt our small businesses and families across the district. I am calling on the PSC to investigate this outage because customers deserve answers,” says Brindisi. 2.What measures are in place to ensure redundancies in internet and cable service, and did Spectrum violate any redundancy mandates as it relates to this outage or its service agreement with New York State? According to the company’s official Twitter account, Spectrum has informed the public that the outage was caused by a “fiber optic damage.” The PSC must immediately determine where, how and why this outage was able to cripple the entire Northeast region for as long as it did, and what measures are in place to ensure this kind of an outage does not happen again. While I appreciate the efforts Spectrum put into restoring service, this past weekend’s outage lasted several hours and impacted both residential and business customers, like restaurants who were unable to process credit card transactions. Many people are surprised with both how long the outage lasted and the huge geographic area it enveloped. 4.Will any fines be levied and are customers (residential or business) owed money because of the outage and disruption? Please feel free to contact my office should you have any further question regarding a possible investigation into this recent and widespread outage. While disruptions do happen, this most recent one raises too many serious questions to just move on.
(WBNG) – Cars lined up outside the the old Macy’s building in Johnson City and at Otsiningo Park Friday. “It’s an incredibly stupid thing not to wear a mask,” Garnar emphasized. “I really encourage people to do what 99% of other people are doing: get your masks on because you’re hurting other people by not doing it.” The county official has been talking to local businesses throughout the county’s fight against the coronavirus, and understands the difficulties many of them have. But while the masks will help slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep the public safe, they will also serve as groundwork for a re-opening of the local economy. Garnar spoke on how vital the face masks were to get to people in Broome County after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo mandated the public wear masks last week. “If we want to re-open our businesses and get our economy going again, we’re going to have to wear these masks. So let’s get used to it now,” Garnar stressed. “It’s clear that there’s a huge need for masks in Broome County,” Garnar said. “People are coming here and they are getting the masks that they need. I’m really happy because it’s going to keep people safe and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.” Earlier this week, Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said the county received 68,000 masks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with close to 16,000 of those masks being given out to county residents throughout the day on Friday. A second round of mask distributions will be held at the same locations on Saturday, April 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. “It’s just so hard to get them now,” Garnar said. “I know a lot of people have been trying to make them on their own, and that’s great. A lot of people stepped up locally and made tons of them.” “[It’s] incredibly frustrating because a lot of businesses are just closed. They’re not allowed to open,” Garnar says. “There’s a mount frustration that they can’t wait that much longer or they’re going to just have to walk away,” Garnar said. For more coronavirus coverage, click here. While Garnar is proud of people doing their part to keep everyone safe, he has a clear message to those who are not. According to an official press release, starting Monday, April 27, the county will make masks available at some of the school meal distribution sites. If people do not heed guidelines such as social distancing from others and wearing masks in public settings, it could slow the re-opening of the economy, which could leave an impact of businesses. The two locations served as pick-up sites for Broome County’s distribution of face masks.
Supporters met Sunday afternoon at Broome County Community College after decorating their vehicles and driving 20 miles, ending in Endicott. Local politicians joined in the event, including Broome County District Attorney Mike Korchak. Claudia Tenney and Joe Angelino, who are both seeking election in November, also attended the drive. BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — Hundreds of people hopped in their vehicles Sunday in a large show of support for police officers in Broome County in what was dubbed the Broome County Back the Blue Drive. Joe Angelino speaks with supporters at Back the Blue rally. (Credit: Joe Angelino for Assembly)Motorcycles parked during Back the Blue rally. (Credit: Joe Angelino for Assembly)Joe Angelino hands out flags at Back the Blue rally. (Credit: Joe Angelino for Assembly)Signs placed near motorcycles at Back the Blue rally. (Credit: Mike Korchak)District Attorney Mike Korchak poses for photo with police supports at Back the Blue rally. (Credit: Mike Korchak)
Korchak posted pictures of the crowd on his Facebook page. The Endicott Fire Department shared drone footage by Jeff Crane to their Facebook page as well. The 7-minute video shows police motorcycles and vehicles, sheriff’s deputy vehicles, and other supporters with Blue Lives Matter and American flags participating in the drive.
BINGHAMTON (WBNG) — Binghamton police are on the scene of a truck and bicycle crash on the corner of Chenango and Eldridge streets Wednesday morning. According to Broome County dispatchers, at least one person was taken to the hospital for treatment. Crews were called to the scene around 9:30 a.m. 12 News has a reporter at the scene.
This is a developing story. Stay with 12 News for more information.
No winner has been declared in the race because thousands of absentee ballots have not been counted. The Broome County Board of Elections said there are more than 17,000 ballots that have not yet been counted. The 22nd Congressional District consists of multiple counties ranging from the New York/Pennsylvania state border to the southern shores of Lake Ontario. Tenney is trying to unseat democratic incumbent Rep. Anthony Brindisi, who won the election in 2018. Tenney leads the current race by more than 28,000 votes, but there are more than 50,000 absentee ballots, according to WKTV. OSWEGO (WBNG) — Claudia Tenney, republican candidate running for the 22nd Congressional District position, has filed a motion that would, if approved, keep all ballots cast in the race secure, according to a WKTV report.
The report cites Tenney spokesperson Sean Kennedy, who said the campaign filed a motion in Oswego County Supreme Court. The motion would keep ballots in legal custody, to “ensure a fair counting of all outstanding ballots”.