Slashdot Mirror
Comcast Raises Cable TV Bills Again -- Even If You're Under Contract (arstechnica.com)
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Ars Technica: Comcast is raising its controversial "Broadcast TV" and "Regional Sports Network" fees again on January 1, with the typical total price going from $14.50 to $18.25 a month. The newly raised broadcast TV fee will be $10 a month, and the sports fee will be $8.25 a month, Cord Cutters News reported last week. The new fee sizes are confirmed in a Comcast price list for the Atlanta market. The new price hikes will take effect in most of Comcast's regional markets across the U.S. on January 1, but some cities will get the increase later in 2019, a Comcast spokesperson told Ars. The fee sizes can vary by city based on which stations are available, so in some cases they could be less than $10 and $8.25, Comcast said.
The fees, which have become common in the industry, are controversial because they are not included in Comcast's advertised prices and because Comcast imposes fee increases even on customers who are under contract. The broadcast and sports fee increases will also be applied to customers who pay Comcast's promotional rates, which typically last one year, Comcast told Ars. Equipment rental fees are rising, too. Comcast last year raised its modem rental fee from $10 to $11 a month. The new price list for January 1 lists an "Internet/Voice Equipment Rental" fee as $13. Comcast confirmed to Ars that the modem rental fee is rising $2 a month. Customers can avoid that fee by purchasing their own modem.
The fees, which have become common in the industry, are controversial because they are not included in Comcast's advertised prices and because Comcast imposes fee increases even on customers who are under contract. The broadcast and sports fee increases will also be applied to customers who pay Comcast's promotional rates, which typically last one year, Comcast told Ars. Equipment rental fees are rising, too. Comcast last year raised its modem rental fee from $10 to $11 a month. The new price list for January 1 lists an "Internet/Voice Equipment Rental" fee as $13. Comcast confirmed to Ars that the modem rental fee is rising $2 a month. Customers can avoid that fee by purchasing their own modem.
I see an ad for TV+Internet for $35 and when all of the fees and taxes are added in it comes out to more like $80. Very deceptive advertising practices. In some cases, its hard to get out of them what the actual fees and taxes will be. Then, probably the make it so the first bill comes only after the 30 day gaurantee is up. There is nothing worth watching on TV anyway (and really even on NetFlix). Much is designed for the lowest common denominator, you can feel your IQ dropping just being exposed to it. Much of the news, especially CNN, is complete disinformation propoganda and lies to turn people into America hating nutjobs. I don't watch TV, and its great.
People will say there is no competition, but there is. They are competing for your time and your eyes.
Once you understand that, you will know there is a lot of it. Start doing that thing you never had time for.
Don't fight for your country, if your country does not fight for you.
It's as simple as that. As long as people keep paying, they will increase their prices.