MediaCom now has competition in the Columbia market for cable television.

Cable competition officially started back in April when Governor Blunt signed Senate Bill 284 into law. On August 28th, it went into effect. Now any cable operator can apply for the right to provide cable statewide.

In Columbia, CenturyTel wants local business.

"Similar laws in other states have been highly successful in making sure consumers have options, enhanced service and lower costs," Governor Blunt said.

As of now, CenturyTel offers digital and high definition television. The company hopes to steal customers from MediaCom and to convince those without cable that now is the time to sign up.

"I believe it's going to be our customer service and whatever we do with that service and the capabilities, that we make those simple for customers," said CenturyTel representative Vickey Callen. "That it's something they're not afraid of and they pick up and use, and they actually find value in that. And that when they have a problem we resolve it quickly."

As for MediaCom, a representative said Tuesday that they will "continue to follow all laws that govern cable service."

According to the websites of MediaCom and CenturyTel, there is no significant differences in cost between the competing companies' full voice, Internet and phone packages.

These two may not be the only competing cable companies in the area, AT&T is also looking into providing service in Missouri.