MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The Township Board unanimously passed a transfer of control agreement, with conditions, with Comcast during a closed session at the Feb. 17 meeting.

The Township had some important assurances for residents included in the agreement, like rate protection and free cable services.

Services will be still provided free of charge for schools, public libraries, and specific Meridian Township municipal buildings, including the fire command center and the police administration building.

PEG protection also remains in place.

However, it's still up in the air as to what will happen after the franchise expires July 31st.

As of right now, nothing changes for subscribers.

"Comcast Cable Systems in Michigan and in several other midwest states and several southern states are going to come under the ownership of a new company, temporarily called Midwest Cable, and once the transaction is completed to be renamed Greatland Connections Incorporated," said John Gardner, Comcast Senior Manager of External Affairs.

The services Comcast provides will continue, and the signed agreement will provide Meridian Township with more security, as Comcast previously provided it's service on a voluntary basis.

Meridian Township is the only community in Michigan that has signed such an agreement.

This agreement ensures that rates will stay the same for subscribers.

Customer service still remains the same, as well.

If a subscriber is having issues with their service, they are able to contact the Meridian Township Communications Department to help solve their problem.