Rate changes in store for Cox subscribers

Kirk Baird

Friday, Jan. 31, 2003 | 9 a.m.

It's good news and bad news for Cox cable subscribers.

First the good news.

Rates for basic cable are going down -- from $9.70 to $8.91 per month, a decrease of 8.14 percent. This marks the second year in a row Cox Communications has lowered its service rate for basic cable, which includes channels 2 through 17 only. In 2002 the rates were lowered 51.1 percent from $11.42.

Now the bad news.

Subscribers to Cox's preferred basic package will be paying more monthly -- up from $34.95 to $37.50, marking an increase of 7.3 percent.

The preferred basic package includes channels 18 through 70 -- everything from ESPN and the Fox Sports networks to Galavision and Comedy Central.

The rate changes go into effect March 1.

Cox spokeswoman Stephanie Stallworth said the company has made efforts to keep basic cable service costs low.

"Cox really feels a commitment to service the needs of Southern Nevada, especially those on a fixed or limited income," she said. "We felt it was our responsibility to keep our prices as low as possible so that everyone can enjoy cable service."

Stallworth said the rate hike has been implemented primarily because of the increased costs the cable channels charge cable and satellite broadcasting companies to receive the programming.

"The increase is really fueled by the dramatic increase in programming cost," she said. "In 2003 those programming costs that we must pay are expected to increase as much as 12 percent."

Other monthly rate adjustments include an increase in the price of a cable rental box -- up from $3.75 to $3.95 -- and an additional 22 cents for the remote-control rental fee, an increase of two cents.

Additionally on March 1, Cox Communications will debut four channels.

The Outdoor Life Channel (ODL), which is geared to outdoor enthusiasts and is known for its coverage of the Tour de France, will air on preferred basic cable channel 73. Also, Cox is adding a second education channel (channel 71), which will feature additional programming from the University Nevada Las Vegas, the Clark County School District and the Community College of Southern Nevada.

"The Education Channel on channel 70 has exceeded all of their programming limits," Stallworth said. "We recognize the fact they need more room to service those Southern Nevada students and we are giving them the opportunity."

On the digital tier, the Do It Yourself (DIY) and Fine Living networks have been added, airing on channels 348 and 353, respectively.

Stallworth said DIY is aimed at home owners eager keen to home-improvement projects, while Fine Living focuses on inspirational lifestyle programming.

Cox Communications is the largest cable provider in Southern Nevada, with nearly 400,000 customers, and is the fourth-largest cable company in the United States.

The Greenspun family, owner of the Las Vegas Sun, is a minority owner of the Cox system in Las Vegas.