Phyllis Peters, communications director for Mediacom, Field Operations Group, is shown describing the parts of a digital adapter, which she says is about the size of a deck of cards (comes as an all-inclusive setup, including connection cable, new remote and batteries for the remote).

TIFTON — Mediacom Communications is upgrading network technology to provide area customers with a major expansion of its high-definition (HD) lineup, while also eliminating analog reception for Family Cable video channels.

The cable provider is implementing this digital upgrade in a 17-county area of south Georgia, including Tift County, says Phyllis Peters, communications director for Mediacom, Field Operations Group.

Medicom’s upgrade will affect channels in the Family Cable subscription set, typically between 23 and 79. Those channels will convert to a digital-only frequency in July, and continued reception will require the use of either a digital converter or a digital adapter. Current customers may receive up to three digital adapters at no cost through June 30, 2016. When the lease-free offer expires July 1, 2016, a monthly equipment fee of $1.99 will be applied to each digital adapter if it’s the HD version or 99 cents if it’s the standard version. This equipment lease applies to additional adapters beyond three per household and adapters ordered after Aug. 31.

Peters says in early July, they will eliminate the analog portion of a dual-signal delivery, leaving just the digital transmission.

The benefit of this upgrade is that Mediacom is moving from an outdated technology, analog bandwidth, which requires a huge amount of space in their network, to having room for the better types of services today’s consumers want.

The phase-out of analog television transmission for channels 23-79 will begin July 7, but Mediacom encourages customers to get “digital-ready” now. Customer service hours will be extended for a series of Friday-Saturday open house events at offices in McRae, Cordele, Tifton, Fitzgerald and Valdosta. Local service representatives will be available at each event to answer ‘ questions and demonstrate how to connect a digital adapter to a television.

Customers can acquire digital adapters during the open house events or by going to local Mediacom offices during normal office hours at 1821 U.S. Highway 82 W.

Free shipping is provided for those who choose to order by phone at 1-800-479-2095 or online at www.MediacomCable.com/getdigital.

Tifton’s open house will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 26 and 27.