The cable company I love to hate

Time has come when soothsayers predicted that cable companies would charge more and offer fewer programs.

Case in point: Time Warner Cable (TWC) offers both separate and bundle service for internet, cable and telephone, with fees associated with each menu.

The Lenox Selectmen asked if I was interested in serving on the Five Town Cable Committee. I replied no, no, no. I am prejudiced.

I see no good coming from being on the committee. The committee has failed me as a subscriber. (See above editorial.)

Now, it appears TW is going to charge me a box rental fee of 99 cents a month to see my democracy (local officials) in action.

Yes, I have an upgraded digital receiver on one TV with its lousy remote. But the other TV, beginning around July 23, will not be able to receive any of the educational or governmental access programs (channels) because they will be blacked out on the local cable channels.

How else am I going to watch “the best circus in town” without an upgrade?

With the exception of the cable network talking heads, I was better off years ago living in Melrose with Boston channels covering the Statehouse, where I knew the best of the circus originated.

Today, there is no regular statehouse coverage, yet things happen daily that affect our lives.

It appears the old curmudgeon was right: Cable will suck you in with its expanded programs and raise the rates, but offers you bundle plans that won’t shake your pocketbook or force you to cancel.

Eventually you will be offered limited programs within the 100 channels, yet be forced to sign on to digital reception above 100 channels while costs will have escalated.

Where is the relief in better programs and improved digital audio and video? It could be the next generation of fiber to the curb.

Posted by George C. Jordan III on July 11, 2013. Filed under Editorials,Opinion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry