Well, keep in mind that TV quality is at an all time low, writers are on strike, taxes on cable in Illinois are at absurd levels and there is next to no competition throughout the state...so shouldn't our cable TV be cheaper?
The Illinois House discussed bringing more competition into the state because of average monthly costs hovering around $59 per household (not including Internet service)--it's a long way from when TV was free.
Comcast, the largest cable provider in the state, is essentially opposed to any competition. In fact, it is the only cable provider in many areas. Now that the bill was signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in July, more competitors will be allowed to come into the area.
But for now, most parts of the state, like DuPage County, cable TV remains a monopoly.
What's most unsettling, to make up for loss dollars, cable providers will be offering more services under heftier charges. NFL football has essentially become paper view, and for the next few months, re-runs will run amok on the free channels.
In fact, there is an organization that is trying to lobby for people who want a choice in their cable TV. Why pay for channels you don't watch, or more than likely will never watch?
I can't remember the last time I sat down for a 3-hour viewing of the Hallmark channel or the Travel channel. It's an all or nothing system.
Do you believe cable TV is overcharging its costumers? Has it become too expensive? Do you feel like you are paying for a diminishing product?
A good argument, however, it will take time for real competition to come into the state. It’s only a matter of time until more come in because the state is one of the biggest in the country and has plenty of opportunity. It might be just a matter of waiting.
Whoever thinkgs that cable isn’t too much money is nuts! My cable bill last month…$148! Who the hell should be paying this month for most tv that stinks?
I watch about 7 channels on cable and the other is network tv: $148! It needs to come down. There needs to be more options. And whoever doesn’t think so is in the cable tv industry
Cable is one of the biggest ripoffs out there next to cell phones. Credit cards are obviously a scam, but at least you know what you’re getting into nowawadays. Cable, there’s no other companies in our area, except for WOW.
Go to Europe or Tokyo, you wouldn’t believe how much more access there is on television. How much is actually provided for free. I’m embarrassed to see my bill in the mail. AND yes, the taxes are just as bad. We’re paying for a luxury and yet we’re being taxed on it even more. SHouldn’t the cable company pay those taxes?
From someone who has worked in the telecommunications industry for 15 years, I can tell you that it certainly should be less money, considering they make you pay for all the equipment when upgrading. To me, most of the cahnnels are not even worth having. That option for paying as you goo was good.
People know when they feel like they are being ripped off. Not the case here.
But we do feel like cable is expensive sort of like gas. It’s something that we need to control but appears out of our control.
MITCHELL RESPONDS: You really believe the oil industry isn't rigged? Record high gas prices, record high profits. There are some sophisticated explanations in Businessweek and The Econominst, but none seem to satisfy my curiousity. Cable TV has been a monopoly for some time now, and the customers are treated that way.