Cox Cable customers in
The price increase, the first levied in 19 months according to Cox representative Sharon Kleinpeter, will increase $3 for 40% of customers, and could be as high as $9 for some users. The higher figure would affect those who have all affected services. Rising costs for programming were given as the main reason for the increase.
The increase will likely spark another round of debate around the subject of cable competition. The Louisiana Legislature passed a bill in 2006 designed to increase competition in the wired cable television market. Currently, most residents can only use the local cable franchise, unless they choose to go with satellite television providers DISH Network or DIRECTV.
The “Competitive Cable and Video Services Act” was vetoed by Governor Kathleen Blanco. According to TV4US Louisiana, cable customers have paid $227 million more than necessary because of uncompetitive cable service.
Cox offered up a couple of defenses against the price increase. An increase in the senior citizen’s discount from 10 to 20 percent will negate much of the rate increase for folks in that category. Some in
Cox also said it is increasing the speeds on some of its tiers. The Preferred Tier will increase from 7 to 9 mbps, and the Premier Tier will jump from 12 to 15 mbps.
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Dropped Cox cable last month like a bad habit. Uverse is finally in my area, and Im all over it. Installation took like all day, but now that its in, I love it. Also love the lower bill and the cash they stuffed in my pocket just to switch over. Bye bye Cox!