Digital Music News reports…
At least three major ISPs have already announced significant price hikes for 2018. News of the increases come just days after the FCC voted to roll back net neutrality protections. …
Just this morning, Karl Bode of DSLReports caught wind of numerous increases at mega-ISP Comcast. But that is simply the latest in a string of planned increases by the likes of Cox, Frontier, and even DirecTV and Dish Network.
In all cases, these are increases for essentially the same services, with Bode noting that American will be stuck paying ‘significantly more money for the same service in the new year’. In many cases, the changes are padded into existing bills, with most consumers failing to see the changes.
You can check out the article for specifics on the increases.
I’ve heard from other providers that they have no plans to increase rates. It will be interesting to see what happens. And now I’m going to plug the idea to crowdsource benchmark prices today to track increases – by asking folks to report what they currently pay for service from their provider. I heard from a few folks – but not many and not from customers of local independent and cooperative providers. Providers are welcome to send me the info too.
It would be nice to give a nod to those who don’t raise prizes and be aware of those who do.
Any ISP that offers a bundled service that includes video will increase prices in 2018. The recent retransmission consent cycle negotiations were brutal. 50-60% increase in broadcast fees from each of the Big 4 Networks don’t give them any choice.
It’s helpful to hear that. It seems like some providers have Internet-only options; some don’t.
HI Ann,
MVTV has not increased our monthly fees since July of 2016 (at which time it was a $2 increase). Before that, it had been 7 years since we had an increase.
No plans to increase in 2018. Weâll just keep plugging along⦠providing fast, reliable and affordable service for our members with outstanding customer service. 🙂
Oh.. and we have no hidden fees either. Our members know exactly what their reoccurring charges will be month after month, year after year.
Sincerely,
Julie Foote
Market Development
MVTV Wireless Internet Provider
âConnecting Rural Minnesotaâ
http://www.mvtvwireless.com
Phone: 507-360-9651 1790 Hwy 212 West Granite Falls, MN 56241
That’s a good track record – thanks for the update.
Jim – It’s helpful to hear that. It seems like some providers have Internet-only options; some don’t.
Ann, BEVCOMM does offer internet only service. Since we began offering broadband service in 1998 (256 k), we have never increased rates. In fact, they have gone down from $84 in 1998 to $69 today for 90mbs down/30mbs up. Factor in CPI in those 20 years, and the decrease is even more dramatic. As I said, it’s the bundle that causes the increase, as the ISP’s you refer to are also cable/satellite companies. Content owners are leveraging their dying business model as much as possible, until they figure out how to leverage an internet business model it its place.
Nice! Nice – to see the price decrease over the years and the perspective on bundling. So helpful – thanks!