Cable Rates Increase as Virginia Families Struggle in Today's Economy

Cable Rates Increase as Virginia Families Struggle in Today's Economy

Growing Competition Offers Alternatives to Cable Monopoly

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- There is a silver lining for Virginia residents who will be paying an average of 6.4 percent more for cable on November 1: Many residents are finally getting real choices to the cable monopoly. As a result of the Cable Competition Act passed in 2006, competition has already arrived in Fairfax, Arlington and parts of Loudon Counties, as well as Richmond, Newport News and Virginia Beach.

"Without any regard for the hardship many of its customers are facing in this ailing economy, an incumbent cable company is raising rates again in Virginia while it still has a chance. But, as competition grows people will have places to turn when their cable company repeatedly raises rates. With greater competition, Virginia consumers will have a choice in video providers and will enjoy lower prices, greater programming choices and better customer service," said Lizanne Sadlier, Executive Director of TV4US.

Starting Nov. 1, the cost of Comcast's standard cable package will go from $55.45 to $59.00, an increase of 6.4 percent. This is the second rate increase in Virginia this year -- in January 2008, standard service went up 5.7 percent in some areas. Comcast has more than 1.1 million customers in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

As real cable competition continues to spread across Virginia, consumers can expect to see cost savings. Bank of America Equity Research in 2006 found that in areas where cable companies have to compete, prices for video service are between 28 percent and 42 percent lower than they are in areas without competition. In turbulent economic times, that is a cost savings Virginians would welcome.

TV4US is a non-profit organization that includes among its members a diversified group of corporations, non-profit and non-governmental organizations -- representing hundreds of thousands of consumers across the country. We are a non-profit, grassroots coalition advocating on behalf of customers who deserve competitive alternatives, leading to lower cable bills and improved service. We believe that competition will bring more choices, better customer service, and advances in technology for consumers.

Source: TV4US

CONTACT: Lizanne Sadlier, Executive Director of TV4US, +1-202-955-5524,
lsadlier@wewantchoice.org

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