Most Bright House Customers Will Pay the Same Rates in 2006: But Standard Cable Customers With Analog Service Will See a Slight Increase

By Nicholas Azzara, The Bradenton Herald, Fla., The Bradenton Herald, Fla.

Dec. 30–Bright House Networks on Thursday revealed new rates for 2006, and the news for nearly two-thirds of Bright House’s customers is their rates will remain unchanged.

“Digital cable, Road Runner (Internet service) and our digital phone prices will remain the same,” said spokesman Dan Ballister. “Sixty-two percent of our single-family home customers won’t see any increase in the service.”

However, standard cable customers who have analog service will see their monthly statements rise $1 to $47.49 per month. Basic cable subscribers will see their $16.95 monthly bill rise 85 cents.

“That’s by far the lowest adjustment we’ve made in years,” Ballister said. He attributed the freeze on prices to “great growth” in demand for digital services.

“Our digital phone service exceeded expectations by 33 percent, and it’s continuing to grow,” Ballister said.

Ballister added that customers who “bundle” by subscribing to two of the company’s three services will not see rates increase for another two years. Customers who bundle all three services will not see a rate increase for three years.

“Customers who take advantage of our bundle packages won’t see any increases at all and they’ll realize the most savings,” Ballister said.

Ballister added that rates will remain similar throughout Bright House’s service area.

Consumers in Manatee County will have more choices in the near future. This month Verizon rolled out its FiOS system in Temple Terrace using optical cable.

Verizon negotiated a cable licensing agreement with Manatee County in August and crews have already installed the company’s fiber optic cable in many neighborhoods in East Manatee.

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Copyright (c) 2005, The Bradenton Herald, Fla.

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