Cablevision Systems said it would raise video rates an average of 3.7% in 2010, but added there would be no increase for voice or high-speed Internet service for the seventh consecutive year.
The increases will take place over the next few months depending on a customer's specific location and billing cycle.
Bethpage, N.Y.-based Cablevision provides service to about 3.1 million customers in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
The increase is slightly higher than in 2009, when video rates rose an average of 3.5%. But it is substantially below the 21% increase Cablevision rival Verizon Communications implemented for its legacy FiOS TV Premier Package earlier this month.
Cablevision has been busy so far this year rolling out new products and services — it continued to deploy its Optimum WiFi wireless Internet service free to subscribers of its Optimum Online high-speed data service; added new features like Web-enabled remote DVR scheduling and content management; launched 55 new free HD channels; and expanded its free VOD content to include programming from Bloomberg Your Money, Cartoon Network, SyFy, Shalom TV, Bravo, CNN, USA, Adult Swim, Martha Stewart, A&E Network, Boomerang and TruTV.
“Cablevision continues to deliver reliability, simplicity, advanced technology and unbeatable value across our full range of television, high-speed Internet and phone services,” said Cablevision senior vice president John Trierweiler in a statement. “We've been successful in a highly competitive market because our customers love our products, which we continue to enhance through new features and functionality. Whether it's more free HD, additional video on demand or broad access to free Wi-Fi, we work every day to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to quality and service.”
