Why is Cable Television and Internet rates rising?

• The Cable Television industry claims that broadcast fees and fees to carry sports programming have increased 61% and 90%, respectively, in the last few years. As a result, these increases are being passed on to consumers.
   

What can the NYS Department of Public Service do about these higher rates?

• The Department of Public Service is unable to intervene on behalf of consumers due to the FCC’s rules concerning “effective competition”. The FCC believes that customers have some choice(s) in how they receive Video and Internet service. Similar increases in fees are being passed on to consumers who subscribe to major carriers, such as Cablevision, Dish Network, FIOS, etc
   

How do you contact the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the NYS Department of Public Service?

FCC:

• Phone:  1-888-225-5322
• Internet:  www.fcc.gov

NYS Department of Public Service

• Phone:  1-800-342-3377
• Internet:  www.dps.ny.gov

Links to cost comparison tools for cable and internet services

Slate’s Calculator:

http://www.slate.com/articles/business/moneybox/2015/01/should_i_cut_the_cable_cord_decide_on_streaming_services_with_this_calculator.html

MarketWatch cord-cutting calculator:

interactive cord-cutting calculator

iGrad’s Internet TV Savings Calculator:

http://www.igrad.com/internet-tv-calculator-compare-costs-cable-tv-vs-best-internet-tv-boxes/