ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 1, 1996 TAG: 9602010019
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER
Cox Communications Roanoke, cable television provider for Roanoke, Roanoke County and Vinton, has announced rate increases for the coming year.
Basic cable, which includes local broadcast stations, C-Span, a shopping network, and superstations WGN in Chicago and WTBS in Atlanta, will increase 32 cents per month, effective March 1.
Extended basic service, known as Preferred Service, which includes a total of 45 channels such as ESPN, Disney and music video channels, goes up $2.10 a month.
The rate for converter boxes is increasing 26 cents per month, and some premium service promotional packages will increase by 53 cents per month.
The increases, allowed under new Federal Communications Commission rules, are necessary because of investments in technology, channel additions and an overall increase in operating costs, according to Gretchen Shine, vice president and general manager.
Her company "continues to invest in the future by supporting our schools, by upgrading our technology ... and by offering service guarantees," Shine said. If an installer or service specialist is late for an appointment, the customer receives the installation free or receives a $20 credit for the service call.
Over the past year, Cox has added seven channels to its extended basic service, bringing the total to 45, the company said in a news release. The average cost per channel is 58 cents per month.
Rates vary by locality, each of which grants a franchise for Cox to operate in its jurisdiction.
LENGTH: Short : 39 lines ILLUSTRATION: GRAPHIC: Chart by staff: New basic cable rates.by CNB