WATERLOO - Mediacom is offering free basic cable to new subscribers when television stations begin shutting off analog transmission Tuesday.

For those who don't already subscribe to cable, the complimentary installation and service will be available through June 12, the new deadline for TV broadcasters to switch to digital signals. The regular $45 installation won't be charged back, even if a recipient doesn't subscribe to Mediacom cable when the free offer expires.

"It gives a group of consumers a rare opportunity to test drive cable television service without any long-term obligation or costs," Doug Frank, Mediacom's regional vice president, said in a prepared statement. "There's no extra equipment to purchase or lease."

The more than 300 Iowa communities with Mediacom services are eligible.

Cedar Falls Utilities, on the other hand, generally doesn't offer short-term discounts as it considers its standard pricing a good value, said Steve Bernard, CFU's director of customer service and business development. CFU instead is relying on months of educating customers through its newsletter and Web site to make the change easier.

"In particular, our basic package, which is $12 a month, might be something common for customers who've got rabbit ears right now or are used to just over-the-air service," Bernard said. "That gives you a number of channels, plus if you happen to have a high-definition-ready television, it gets you the high-definition signals of all the local channels, as well."

Last week Congress gave people four more months to prepare for the digital transition. President Barack Obama signed the bill Wednesday.

However, the new legislation allows station owners to proceed with plans to pull the plug on analog broadcasts before June, creating a situation that could disrupt the ability of over-the-air viewers to see a full line-up of local broadcast stations.

Local stations like KWWL in Waterloo have applied for early termination of their analog signal.

"Right now, we plan to go ahead with the transition as scheduled," Kim Leer, KWWL station manager, told The Courier last week.

Other broadcasters in eastern Iowa - KGAN in Cedar Rapids and Fox affiliate KFXA - also are planning to switch this month. However, KCRG-TV in Cedar Rapids and Iowa Public Television will offer both analog and digital until June 12.

Mediacom's offer is intended to reduce confusion regarding the broadcast-digital transition. Extra channels in the basic cable tier include WGN, local city government, educational access and Mediacom Connections.

"For many, we hope, they will be seeing more channels than just the local broadcast stations, and they will appreciate the simplicity of not needing a (digital converter) box or any kind of added equipment, just the cable connected to the back of their TV," said Phyllis Peters, Mediacom communications director.

Also, as of last week in eastern Iowa, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration estimated about 2,059 households in the market who get their TV only from over-the-air signals are waiting for coupons to offset the cost of a digital converter. The government coupon program has run out of money.

Mediacom's free service applies to the broadcast basic or limited channel lineup, which gives households up to 20 channels that include all local broadcast stations, public television stations and several other channels. To order, call (800) 332-0245.

For more information on CFU cable services, call 268-5283.

Contact Tina Hinz at (319) 291-1484 or tina.hinz@wcfcourier.com.