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Comcast will raise rates in October by $2
The average entry-level digital cable customer with Comcast in Lodi and Galt will pay an additional $2 per month beginning Oct. 15. And it could be as much as $2.50 in Lodi if the City Council adopts ian ordinance adding a 51-cent fee.
Comcast announced this week its plans to increase rates by 1.6 percent. Customers are scheduled to be informed directly from the company with their next cable bill, according to spokesman Bryan Byrd.
Rates for "digital starter," the entry-level digital cable tier and is used by a majority of Comcast customers, will increase from $57.95 to $59.99. However, video customers on a promotional offer will not receive the increase during the promotional period, Byrd said in an e-mail.
"These price adjustments reflect the increased cost of doing business, rising programming costs and our continued investment in next-generation technology and equipment to support new product features, more programming choices and improvements to customer service," Byrd said.
In Lodi this year, Comcast launched seven new networks, including Hallmark, The Movie Channel, Major League Baseball Network, NFL Red Zone, KQCA-This TV, TBS HD and Comcast SportsNet California HD, Byrd said.
NFL Red Zone, new with the current football season, will take the viewer to any game on the schedule in which a team has the ball inside its opponent's 20-yard-line, Byrd said.
Comcast officials said their last rate increase was a year ago.
Other new Comcast fees include:
Those who have phone and Internet service from Comcast will see only one increase.
The Lodi City Council will consider adding a 51-cent fee for "digital starter" customers at a later date.
Contact reporter Ross Farrow at rossf@lodinews.com.

Reader Feedback
davidd wrote on Sep 16, 2009 11:09 PM:
edumacation wrote on Sep 16, 2009 8:48 PM:
I have another feature for you. If you call AT&T about the new service tell them you think the $99 package is too high and that you can only afford $79. It seems they have an unannounced $79 introductory package which has the EXACT same services. But you have to ASK them about it BEFORE agreeing to the higher rate. If you ask plenty of questions, you will find out they have many unadvertised deals. I think they don't advertise them because it would be confusing (especially internet services).
Have fun with your new system. I knew when I first saw "ITS COMCASTIC" ads they will want someone to pay for it. How about making all the customers pay for the stupid ads.
Comcast---Here is an idea. Instead of spending money on stupid and annoying advertisements spend it on CUSTOMER SERVICE instead. I guess you don't believe that BAD NEWS about LOUSY customer service travels fast. "
dogs4you wrote on Sep 16, 2009 6:33 PM:
dogs4you wrote on Sep 16, 2009 6:15 PM:
Whoa Nellie! wrote on Sep 16, 2009 4:20 PM:
edumacation wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:57 PM:
edumacation wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:56 PM:
edumacation wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:55 PM:
I have a challenge for liberals. Please FIX THE BROKEN VA hospital system FIRST, and then start meddling in government run healthcare. That will never happen.
Take a peak at who works for the VA hospital system. Thats should be all anyone needs to know. I have heard that it is "possible" to get good VA healthcare, bit what is the probability of that happening to YOU. Perhaps 1% at best. "
edumacation wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:47 PM:
edumacation wrote on Sep 16, 2009 3:44 PM:
Look at your watch and notice that 25-50% or more of programming is nothing more than ADVERTISEMENTS that YOU are paying for. Instead advertisers should be paying US to watch their propaganda.
I hope that enough people cancel so that Comcast will start listening to consumers instead of bullying them.
Ditto 0n HULU. There are many many more similar FREE SERVICES --and with no moronic and time wasting advertsing.
Vote for your pocketbook and cancel unnecessary expenses like cable TV. "
Inquisitor wrote on Sep 16, 2009 11:59 AM:
Observer wrote on Sep 16, 2009 10:14 AM:
wtf wrote on Sep 16, 2009 9:06 AM:
So....let me get this right. Comcast has added oodles of new customers and now, according to them, they need to raise their costs.
Just imagine what will happen if "health care" ever gets mandated by the feds. LOL! "
smokeater8 wrote on Sep 16, 2009 8:33 AM:
Giovanina wrote on Sep 16, 2009 6:57 AM:
Comments on this story are now closed.