COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—The rivalry football game between the University of Michigan and Ohio State University is approaching, and Ohio consumers are encouraged to have a gameday plan to ensure their cable service is ready to play.

The Game is scheduled to air on local Fox affiliate stations, at noon on Nov. 25. Consumers who rely on their cable subscription to access the channel are reminded they can also access it over the air with an outdoor or indoor digital antenna and tuner. For this option, it’s recommended to test the signal strength and location of the TV and antenna prior to game day.

“If an issue occurs before, during, or after this time-honored tradition, we encourage you to always contact your cable service provider to resolve issues,” said Daphne Hawk, Superintendent of the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing, which oversees the VSA Program. “If your service cannot be restored in time, it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan.”

The Ohio Department of Commerce Video Service Authorization Program offers consumers resources and information about the standard of cable service they should expect.

“As the cable industry continues to evolve, the VSA’s liaison efforts are more important than ever,” Hawk said. “We encourage consumers to reach out to us with questions, concerns, and comments if they are not receiving any clarity from their service provider.”

The VSA Program enforces the following customer service standards pursuant to Ohio law:

  • Restore cable service/fix service interruption within 72 hours after a subscriber reports the problem
  • Provide credits after four hours if the service interruption was caused by the company or after 24 hours if the problem was caused by another party
  • Provide notice to customers prior to disconnecting service.
  • Cannot disconnect service due to failure to pay the cable service bill until 14 days past the due date
  • Provide 30-day notice prior to raising rates and removing channels
  • Shall not establish a due date earlier than fourteen days after a video service bill is issued

If issues cannot be resolved between the cable provider, Ohioans can file a complaint at com.ohio.gov or call 877-207-2225. In addition, consumers can use the Division’s online interactive mapping application to find out what cable providers are available in their communities.