Braemar FAQ 

RCN has been a customer-focused technology leader in the DC metro area for over 10 years. With superfast high-speed Internet service, an impressive digital TV lineup, including over one hundred high-definition channels, and highly reliable digital phone service, our fiber-optic network is built for innovation.

The network transition is replacing the existing analog cable service, previously provided by Gatehouse, with RCN analog service. This occurred after the transfer of the franchise from Prince William County. The Network Upgrade began soon after the Network Transition . RCN has completed the upgrade to an all-digital platform so that improved cable, Internet and phone services could be provided to your home.

Network transition timing was dependent upon the franchise transfer from Gatehouse to RCN. This transfer took place at the end of April.

RCN took control of the existing network and began the transition to 100% digital TV service and higher-speed Internet connections. RCN also provisionedthe network to support digital phone service. RCN anticipates the full build-out for digital TV, Internet and phone service to be completed by September.

RCN does not anticipate any underground digging at any private addresses. Limited underground work may be required to integrate the RCN distribution system into the community.

RCN will require a presence in the community to distribute our signal. At this time, RCN has placed the hub in the existing space in the Dunbarton Clubhouse and work closely with the Dunbarton HOA to enhance the reliability of the facility.

Modifications will be required for some homes to support transition to RCN services and enable network diagnostic capabilities. These home modifications will occur at the node outside of the home and the network interface device, which is typically located in the garage. RCN does not anticipate any underground digging at any private homes.

The existing OnQ and Verizon wiring panels were designed to facilitate broadband services in the home and will work with RCN’s service. Connections to them will look much as they do today. Few, if any, of these connections will need to be touched.

HOA fees do not increase due to RCN replacing Gatehouse. Rate increases are governed by the existing contracts, which limit digital TV and Internet services increases to the Producer Price Index (PPI).

The core HOA services are bulk digital TV service and high speed Internet service. After RCN’s network upgrade, digital TV service includes RCN Signature Digital TV + up to 4 standard digital converter boxes. Bulk Internet service includes 1.5 Mbps download speed and a standard modem rental. Applicable franchise fees and taxes are included.

At the time of the network transition to RCN service, the following changes will affect the entire network. "USA Network" will move from Channel 16 to Channel 13, "The Outdoor Channel" will be replaced by "Universal Sports" and "Galavision" will be replaced with "The Pentagon Channel".

After the network upgrade has been completed, an RCN-supplied converter box will enable the RCN interactive program guide (IPG).

Yes. Any Braemar community channels currently available will continue to be broadcast.

You will be able to request limited changes in line with the current network capabilities. When your home is ready to be upgraded, RCN will tell you how to order and have installed any necessary equipment to enable core services and upgrades.

At the time of the initial transition of the network to RCN ownership, no changes in equipment will be required. Service will continue as usual until the network upgrades have been completed.

If you have a Gatehouse converter box, your equipment will need to be exchanged for RCN equipment at the time of the network upgrade. Once the network upgrade has occurred, a converter box or CABLECARD will be required on each TV to receive RCN digital TV service. You will receive more information on how to order, receive and use your boxes before the network upgrade happens.

If you have a Gatehouse converter box, your equipment will need to be exchanged for RCN equipment at the time of the network upgrade. Once the network upgrade has occurred, a converter box or CABLECARD will be required on each TV to receive RCN digital TV service. You will receive more information on how to order, receive and use your boxes before the network upgrade happens.

Yes, RCN is providing links to self installation diagrams and instructions on this landing page.

Yes, RCN offers over 100 HD channels in all. To access RCN HD programming an HD converter box supplied by RCN will be required. Approximately 45 HD channels are included in RCN’s digital TV package.

Any premium channel content available on the current network will remain in effect until the digital upgrade has taken place. Once the network upgrade is completed for your home, additional premium stations will be available through the RCN converter box.

ON DEMAND content will be available after the network upgrade has been completed in your home.

Pay-Per-View content will be available on any RCN converter box in your home after the network upgrade has been completed.

After the network upgrade, RCN will increase the core service data speeds from 512Kbps download to 1.5 MB down/384 Kbps upload. After your home is upgraded, you will be able to subscribe to increased speeds. RCN will retain additional features such as static IP addresses and home local area network (LAN) wired and wireless routers will be available.

Once the network upgrade is complete, users will have the ability to increase speeds up to 20 MB down/2 MB upload. There are plans for faster capabilities in 2010/2011. Additional Internet features include: static IP addresses, additional e-mail accounts, additional dynamic IP address, McAfee suite services including virus protection, spam filter, privacy service, personal firewall, and increased data storage.

RCN phone service is available after your network upgrade has been completed.

During the initial network transition, no changes are required to continue your existing network services. Information about how the network upgrade will affect your existing services will be made available later in the year.

Once the network upgrade has been completed, most of the services provided from satellite will be available from RCN. If you choose to order these services from RCN, it will probably be at a significant savings.

After the network upgrade, RCN will be providing all digital TV service. An RCN-supplied converter box or CABLECARD will be required for any TV accessing RCN service. RCN has a number of converter box options available, ranging from a standard device providing access to the full digital channel line-up and Video On Demand capabilities, as well as access to advanced HD and digital video recorder (DVR) capabilities. RCN will broadcast all channels in a digital format. If you own a digitally enabled TV equipped with a QAM tuner, you will be able to receive “in the clear” channels. These include:DC local broadcasts of NBC, PBS, Fox, ABC and CBS. If this TV is a High Definition (HD) TV, nine (9) of the “in the clear” channels are also broadcast in HD format. The standard line-up will include RCN Signature service + the Braemar local insertion channels of the Braemar (Dunbarton) information channel and front gate, plus the Prince William County Education and Government channels. In total, this package includes over 110 channels in standard definition + 45 music channels + 44 HD channels. For an extra fee, residents will be able to subscribe to RCN Premiere Digital TV service and receive over 80 additional digital and HD channels. You will also have the opportunity to subscribe to premium channels such as HBO and Showtime, including HD programming.

Please call 1.866.255.8181 and select option #2 to request RCN digital services.

Online sales orders are not available at this time.

RCN international calling services will be available after the network upgrade has been completed.

Yes. Once RCN digital services have been installed in your home, you can create an account at our Online Customer Center, enabling you to pay bills electronically, update your information and add extra RCN services.