Mediacom plans rate hike in April
Cable company officials say increase has nothing to do with dispute with Sinclair
BY BRADLEY "B.J." DAVIS, JR. Gulf Breeze News bjdavis@gulfbreezenews.com

Some Mediacom customers can expect an increase in rates in the near future. According to the area cable provider's officials, some cost adjustments are anticipated to hit billing statements this April.

"Our operating costs continue to rise, especially in programming, employee benefits, technical improvements, etc.," said Director of Governmental Affairs Barbara Bonowicz. "While as a company, we can absorb some of the costs, sometimes we cannot."

Bonowicz said the costs would not affect those customers who are in the tier of basic or family cable subscribers. Those customers receiving the very basic cable of channels 2-13 or the expanded service of channels 2-77, there will be no additional fees.

"The rate adjustments have no impact on our current family residential services," said Bonowicz.

Some examples of the increases include a one-dollar per month increase in the Home Wire Maintenance Service, an additional service customers can elect to add to their existing service. Also, with digital programming, the movie channels HBO, Showtime and Cinemax will all increase by $1.

Bonowicz mentioned these rate increases have nothing to do with the current dispute between Mediacom and broadcast company Sinclair Broadcasting. According to Bonowicz, Mediacom made numerous market-driven offers to continue simulcasting the two stations WEAR and WFGF over the course of many months. On Sept. 28, 2006, Sinclair stopped negotiations and sent a written notice prohibiting Mediacom from carrying any of Sinclair's stations beyond Nov. 30, which was extended until midnight Jan. 5, when the signals were finally halted.

"We are looking at the anticipated end to the Sinclair dispute," said Bonowicz.