"There's great experimental value in terms of the composition of cable companies in the country," says Susan Fleischmann, adding that only Davis, Calif. and Oberlin, Ohio, currently have cable franchises that are cooperatives. "It's a real risk, but one that Cambridge should take."

"Harvard students will be very interested in pursuing the option of local access with Cable Plus," adds the company's spokesman, Anthony Gill '73, citing numerous opportunities for student-produced programming and cable television internships.

But other cable television observers in Massachusetts, like Ralph Burns of Belmont, choose American hands down. "They're better organized, better financed, and I'm impressed with their candor."

"The assumption is that because they're the only privately owned business, they can't provide the service to the community," says Margie Smigel, a local independent producer, adding. "American is into local programming."

American services nine Mass. communities, has laid 300 miles of cable in the state, and has assets approaching $250 million, American spokesman Terry M. Soley said.

Eleventh Hour

Construction of the city's cable system could begin as soon this June, if the city manager selects a cable company in March and grants a preliminary license soon after, as scheduled.

"I'd like to grant a final license as soon as possible so that we can make the best use of the summer construction months." Healy said last week.

Both Cable Plus and 3C said they expect to wire the City within 24 months, while American said the job could be completed within one year.