Though it will offer a low-cost basic package, Cox Communications plans to raise cable TV rates for most customers. In the week since Cox Communications unveiled Wichita's first-ever economy package for cable TV service, some viewers have complained about an accompanying rate increase for subscribers who want more than just the basics. But the number of complaints has been small, a Cox spokesman said Wednesday, and Wichita Mayor Bob Knight said he does not expect the new rate plan to become a significant issue.
Some people are disappointed.
My sense is that everybody has a choice. I'm not going to spend any great time on the issue. Consumers who don't have cable now but would get better TV reception with it are expected to be among those benefiting most from the new low-cost package. Along with the higher rate would come 12 new channels. Jay Allbaugh, vice president of government affairs for Cox, said only 6 percent of the 151,000 Wichita cable subscribers currently have just the basic package.