Cox Communications has become the latest major pay-TV operator to raise consumer prices, upping monthly subscriber fees by $1 to $6, depending on the service package.
According to the Omaha World-Herald, the Atlanta-based MSO has confirmed that its price increases will take effect starting March 3. The average Cox bill will shoot up by 4 percent, or $5.76 a month.
Cox attributes the price rise to, of course, increases in programming costs and technology investments centered around DOCSIS 3.0 network improvements. Cox bills will also include a new line item for a "broadcast surcharge."
"The rising cost of programming in general is the main reason why cable television rates are increasing," Cox spokeswoman Beth Weiss told the World-Herald.
"This is not a rate increase," she added. "The broadcast surcharge will not change the total amount on the bill for existing customers. The bills now will simply include a broadcast surcharge line item to keep customers better informed of the costs associated with the delivery of broadcast television. ... This line item will just reflect a portion of the costs associated with the delivery of broadcast television to customers."
For more:
- read this Omaha World-Herald story
Related links:
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