I have the next-to-barest-bones package from Mediacom: Expanded basic cable and Internet access. I’ve never changed that. I’ve never even replaced my TV. All that I’ve gained with the “digital conversion” of cable TV are the digital network subchannels and a Fox Sports regional that occasionally shows different games but came at the expense of ESPN Classic.
Since my May 2011 bill, here’s what Mediacom has done:
- June 2011: Implemented a $5 “monthly modem rental charge” while dropping the Internet rate by $2
- December 2011: Raised Broadcast Basic (barest-bones cable) $2 and Family Cable (expanded basic) $1 while removing $1 paperless-bill credit
- September 2012: Raised Family Cable $2 again and Internet $4, plus a separate 30-cent state sales tax line that still exists. The bill said “we have corrected our sales tax calculations following a recent system audit.”
- January 2013: Implemented $1 monthly cost for digital converter
- May 2013: Added a “Local Broadcast Station Surcharge” of $2.61 and raised Family Cable $2 yet again. Yep, I’m now being charged to get network TV.
Based on my May 2011 bill, that is a total increase of $18.91. Add increases in the sales tax and franchise fee, and I’m paying $20 more, or 16.67%.
Have I looked into discontinuing part of what I have? Yes. However, the net savings for not having expanded-basic for five months is under $200, not enough to justify it. I have to have my Internet access. 🙂
There are multiple parties responsible for this situation (including myself, since I pay for it). But when Friday prime-time across four networks includes five hours of reality television, and the History Channel is 90% Pawn Pickin’ Alien Swamp Stars, I wonder if I’m really getting my money’s worth.
On the brighter side, it’s 100 days to football season.