Wiktor Wise
Service Electric is a third-generation company founded by John Walson in 1948. Walson is credited with inventing cable television and is recognized for building the first cable TV system in the United States. The company was started in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, and initially offered television, internet, and phone services. Over the years, Service Electric has expanded its services and footprint, with a focus on community involvement and improving its technology. In 2020, Altice USA, a cable, phone, and internet provider, acquired Service Electric Cable TV of New Jersey for $150 million. Today, Service Electric continues to be a leader in the industry, providing a range of services to its customers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founder | John Walson |
| Founded | 1948 |
| Original Name | Service Electric Company |
| Current Owner | John M. Walson |
| Headquarters | Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania |
| Services | TV, Internet, and Phone service |
| Channels | Local Channel 13, WYLN 35, Channel 99 |
| Bundle Services | Cable, Phone, and Internet |
| Partner Companies | PenTeleData, Alianza, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, RCN |
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What You'll Learn
- Service Electric Cable TV Inc. is the largest individually-owned multi-system operator in the US
- The company was founded by John Walson in 1948
- It is now run by John M. Walson, John's grandson
- Service Electric Cablevision provides TV, internet and phone services
- The company sponsors local charities and events
Service Electric Cable TV Inc. is the largest individually-owned multi-system operator in the US
To solve this problem, Walson built an antenna on top of 'Broad Mountain' (also known as Old Boston Mountain or Schuylkill Mountain), which overlooked the town. He then ran a cable to his warehouse and appliance store, using boosters to enhance the signal. Along the way, he connected his neighbours to the antenna system, creating the first cable TV system in the United States. The company was originally called Service Electric Company, and it was formed by Mr. and Mrs. Walson to sell, install, and repair General Electric appliances.
Over the years, Service Electric has expanded and innovated, becoming a leader in the industry. It was the first cable company to use microwave technology to import four independent stations from New York City. In 1972, it became the first cable TV company in the country to offer Home Box Office. In 1981, John Walson's achievements were recognised by the Boston Globe, and in 1989, he was recognised by the Congress of the United States and the National Cable Television Association.
Today, Service Electric continues to be owned and operated by the Walson family, now in its third generation. The company provides television, internet, and phone services to various communities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It also supports many local non-profits and sponsors local charities and events. In the Hazleton area, Service Electric Cablevision is the leading provider, offering TV, internet, and phone services, as well as free cable connections to public and private schools.
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The company was founded by John Walson in 1948
John Walson founded Service Electric in 1948. Walson was born in Forest City, Pennsylvania, in 1915 and moved to Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania, as a child. After graduating from Mahanoy Township High School, he attended Loyola University Chicago before transferring to Coyne Electrical School. In 1934, he returned to Mahanoy City and began working as a lineman and repairman for the Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. (PP&L).
In 1945, PP&L left the appliance business, so Walson started running a General Electric franchise out of his home with his wife, Margaret. Walson sold television sets, but the surrounding mountains in Mahanoy City blocked signals from Philadelphia television stations, making reception difficult. To solve this problem, he built an antenna on top of Broad Mountain (also known as Old Boston Mountain), which overlooked the town. He then ran a cable from the antenna to his warehouse and appliance store, using boosters to enhance the signal. Along the way, he connected his neighbours to the antenna system, creating the first cable TV 'subscribers' to the CATV network, offering channels 3 and 6.
Walson's company grew over the years, and he is recognised as the founder of the cable television industry. He was also an innovator, becoming the first cable operator to use microwave to import distant television stations, the first to use coaxial cable to improve picture quality, and the first to distribute pay television programming. Service Electric became the first cable company to use microwave technology to import four independent stations from New York City. Walson's achievements were recognised by the U.S. Congress and the National Cable Television Association in 1979.
In 1993, John Walson Sr.'s son, John E. Walson, took over the company until his death in 2012. John M. Walson, John E. Walson's son, then became president.
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It is now run by John M. Walson, John's grandson
Service Electric is a third-generation company founded by John Walson in 1948. John Walson is often credited with inventing cable television. After working as an electrical repairman for the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company, he opened an appliance store, Service Electric Co., in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. He built an antenna on top of Broad Mountain (also known as Old Boston Mountain), which overlooked the town, and connected it to his warehouse and appliance store. He then extended the cable from his antenna to connect his store and a few local homes as the first cable TV 'subscribers' to the CATV network, offering channels 3 and 6.
John Walson Sr. (also known as John Walsonavich) died in 1993 and was inducted into the Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame. His son, John E. Walson (John Jr.), took over the company. John E. Walson purchased the Wilkes-Barre operation, while his siblings Rosalie Walters (Walson) and Edward Walson purchased the Mahanoy City & Tamaqua operations from their brother Edward.
John E. Walson passed away in 2012 after a battle with cancer, and his son, John M. Walson (John III), took over the business. John M. Walson is now the president of Service Electric. The company is the largest individually-owned multi-system operator (MSO) in the United States. It offers cable television, broadband Internet, and telephone services through partner companies such as PenTeleData and Alianza. Service Electric has been a leader in the industry, being the first cable TV company in the country to offer Home Box Office in 1972.
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Service Electric Cablevision provides TV, internet and phone services
Service Electric Cablevision is a provider of TV, internet, and phone services. It is a third-generation company founded by John Walson in 1948 in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. Walson, who owned a General Electric appliance store, is often credited with inventing cable television and building the first cable TV system in the United States.
Walson's store sold television sets, but the surrounding mountains in Schuylkill County made reception from Philadelphia television stations difficult. To solve this problem, he built an antenna on top of Broad Mountain (also known as Old Boston Mountain), which overlooked the town. He then ran a cable to his warehouse and appliance store, using boosters to enhance the signal. Along the way, he connected neighbouring homes to the antenna system, creating the first cable TV 'subscribers' to the CATV network, offering channels 3 and 6.
In 1950, users of Walson's CATV system received three channels from Philadelphia and two from New York. By 1972, Service Electric had become the first cable TV company in the country to offer Home Box Office. The company introduced the internet to the Lehigh Valley in partnership with ProLog and became a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) by creating Service Electric Telephone.
Service Electric Cablevision offers bundled services, including cable TV, phone, and internet packages. They provide exclusive coverage of local sports and events, such as the Allentown Ambassadors' home baseball games and the Musikfest, the nation's largest free music festival. The company serves various communities across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Birdsboro, Hazleton, Sunbury, and Lehigh Valley.
In recent years, Service Electric Cablevision has undergone some changes, including the acquisition of CATV Service Inc. in 2011 and the sale of its New Jersey operations to Altice USA in 2020. Despite increasing competition from companies like Loop, which offers faster internet plans, Service Electric Cablevision remains a prominent provider of TV, internet, and phone services in its served areas.
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The company sponsors local charities and events
Service Electric is a third-generation company founded by John Walson in 1948. Walson is credited with inventing cable television and is recognised for having built the first cable TV system in the United States. The company has been a leader in the industry, introducing the first two-way cable modems in the Lehigh Valley and becoming a founding partner of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs baseball team.
Service Electric is committed to quality service and community involvement. This is evident through their sponsorship of local charities and events. For example, they provide exclusive coverage of the Allentown Ambassadors' home baseball games and carry the home games of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, the AHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. The company also celebrated 50 years in business, demonstrating their long-standing presence and support within their community.
In addition to sports, Service Electric supports a range of other local initiatives. They were the first cable TV company in the country to become a "distant affiliate" for Home Box Office in their Wilkes-Barre location. This pioneering spirit has characterised their contributions to local communities.
Service Electric's involvement in community events extends beyond their direct sponsorship. The company has also created the Valley Dawgs basketball team, owning 93% of the team. This demonstrates a deep investment in local sports and a commitment to providing entertainment and opportunities for their community.
Furthermore, Service Electric introduced Internet services to the Lehigh Valley in partnership with ProLog, a Service Electric company. This initiative ensured that local communities had access to essential services and connected them to the wider world. Service Electric continues to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of its customers, ensuring that it remains a vital part of the communities it serves.
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Frequently asked questions
Service Electric is owned by the Walson family, with John M. Walson as the current president.
Service Electric was founded in 1948 by John Walson Sr. in Mahanoy City, Pennsylvania. Walson, who owned an appliance store, built an antenna on top of a mountain to receive television signals for his store and the surrounding area. This eventually led to the creation of the nation's first cable TV system.
Service Electric operates in several counties across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, including Lehigh Valley, Wilkes-Barre, Birdsboro, Sunbury, and Hazleton.
Service Electric provides television, internet, and phone services to its customers. They also offer discounted bundles of these services and are known for their involvement in local sports and community initiatives.
