Knology customers in Athens should expect intermittent service disruptions later this month as the Internet, phone and cable provider prepares to update its system.

The company did a local sweep analysis late last summer and found areas in need of improvement. Mike Adams, general manager of Knology in Huntsville, said the updates will improve the integrity and quality of cable and Internet service in Athens.

Knology will spend $1.6 million on the project, though it will be done in phases. The first phase will cost an estimated $600,000.

“We’re making a major investment, but it’s worth it,” Adams said.

Construction crews are scheduled to begin work in the area of Windscape Apartments on Monday and may also work along Pryor, Washington, Green, South Houston and Brownsferry streets.

Adams said crews would begin putting out express feeder line and trunk line, which will improve service quality in those areas. He said the initial construction work may last through Feb. 17, and crews will then begin cutting new electronics into the system.

“Residents may begin to see cable going on and off, but that’s going to be during the daytime hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. so we don’t impact primetime viewing at night,” he said, adding that Konlogy plans to notify business customers regarding potential disruptions.

Customers who experience service disruptions after 5 p.m. are urged to call Knology’s dispatch number at 256-533-5353 to report a problem.

Adams said the overall project could take anywhere from four to six months, but the initial impact would be limited to within 60 days of beginning work. He said the Athens system should be updated by the end of April, but there could be other areas that receive updates in the future.

“Our customers in Athens will see a much-improved service platform and better performance,” he said.