Oct. 14--SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield's city-owned cable service will be able to continue providing customers with network and cable TV stations whether Knology takes over the cable service or not, officials said.

After Feb. 19, 2009, full-power television stations in the United States must broadcast in digital form. The deadline will not affect the vast majority of Americans who already subscribe to cable or satellite TV, but anyone relying on an antenna to receive "over-the-air" analog broadcasts must acquire a digital tuner, which are available at retail outlets.

"I'd be surprised if there are many people in Bay County receiving a TV signal with an antenna," said Knology General Manager Al McCambry.

He reiterated that cable customers won't have to worry about buying a digital tuner to adapt to the digital transition.

Springfield officials said the about 1,000 residents who rely on the city's cable service still will receive all channels after February 2009 because the cable signals are sent directly to Springfield customers.

In January, the city began preparing to shut down its cable service because of a declining customer base and revenue, which was draining the city's finances. A month later, the City Commission halted those plans, instead considering a partnership with Knology to keep the service alive. City Clerk Teresa Cox said in a recent e-mail that Mayor Robert Walker still is in discussion with Knology about some partnership, including purchasing the service.

"We're optimistic" about the partnership, McCambry said. "We've met recently, and we're ironing out details."

He did not say what the details of the potential deal were.

Cox referenced a recent Federal Communications Commission consumer advisory that said the digital transition does not require cable companies to switch their cable systems, although some might choose to switch from analog to digital "for voluntary business reasons."

In a news release earlier this year, Walker said a potential partnership with Knology could add services such as Internet and phone for Springfield Cablevision customers. If the agreement does not materialize, he said, "the City Commission will consider every available option prior to discontinuing the services of Springfield Cablevision, and all customers will be given ample notice of any possibility of changes or cancellation of services."

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