Comcast, dealing with customer fallout from an expanding data-cap policy, is moving to increase a number of fees associated with double- and triple-play bundles.
The new fee structure is initially set to roll out to customers in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to DSLReports.
As for new fees, the average increase will be about 3.9%. Triple-play bundles will increase by $2.50 per month, while double-play TV and broadband packages will increase by between $3 and $4. Similarly, digital adapter fees will increase from $3 to $4 per month. The company is also increasing the “broadcast TV” fee from $3 to $5 per month.
On the upside, Comcast is looking to better compete with over-the-top video providers by cutting the cost of HBO from $21.95 per month to $15 per month, a 32% reduction.
The new fees kick in on Jan. 1.
Comcast spokesman Jeff Alexander told the Philadelphia Inquirer the fee increases will “give customers more for their money – like faster Internet service and more Wi-Fi hot spots, more video across viewing screens, better technology like X1 and a better customer experience.”
Back to the data caps, after trying out capping customer data use at 300 gigabytes per month, Comcast is expanding the practice to new markets in 12 states.
The data caps, which Comcast refers to as “trials,” are already in effect in the Orlando, Florida, and Atlanta areas. The new data cap markets are: Huntsville, Mobile and Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Tucson, Arizona; Little Rock, Arkansas; Fort Lauderdale, the Keys and Miami, Florida; Atlanta, Augusta and Savannah, Georgia; Central Kentucky; Houma, LaPlace and Shreveport, Louisiana; Maine; Jackson and Tupelo, Mississippi; Chattanooga, Greenville, Johnson City/Gray, Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Charleston, South Carolina; and Galax, Virginia.
According to a Comcast FAQ page, if you use more than the 300 GB, you’ll get an email notification and another 50 GB, with a $10 fee, will be allocated to your account; that also comes with an in-browser notification.
