Charter Communications has a quasi monopoly in our town.

Two years ago, I paid a visit to the Charter Communication’s Newtown office and inquired about receiving the Tennis Channel. They promptly explained that since I was subscribing to Basic Cable and Expanded Cable, I was entitled to get a receiver box free of charge, which would allow me to get the Tennis Channel.

 Last month, without notice, Charter increased my rate for Basic and Expanded and then proceeded to charge me an additional $5 for Sports View, which includes the Tennis Channel. I cancelled the Sports View; ten days later I decided to add back Sports View, and I was informed that it would cost me $15/month. After arguing, Charter agreed to reduce the monthly charge to $10. Meanwhile, I found that the official Charter pricing guide shows a price of $5/month for Sports View.

 I believe that it is time to introduce some real competition for these services in Newtown, and fully agree with Stu Laub’s letter of February 6 to The Newtown Bee [“Why Protect Charter?”].

 I will be interested in your comments.

Sincerely,

Dominique J. Nocturne

36 Key Rock Road, Newtown                                     February 8, 2009