If You Use These Cable or Streaming Services, Prepare for Higher Prices on Your Next Bill
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Cable subscription services aren’t cheap, but as Americans watch about three hours of TV every day, they’re often considered a necessity. On average, cable TV plans will run you approximately $87 each month , according to CableTV.com, with costs ranging from $20 to $250 each month.
Now, those averages may be going up, as certain providers have announced price hikes.
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Cable modem rentals are also going up by $1.50, while a remote and TV box is up from $8.50 to $10, according to PennLive and TechHive.
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In a statement to PennLive, Comcast confirmed that broadcast television and sports were “the biggest drivers of increases on customers’ bills,” as networks and other programmers raise their prices.
“We’re continuing to work hard to manage these costs for our customers while investing in our broadband network to provide the best, most reliable Internet service in the country and give our customers more low-cost choices in video and connectivity so they can find a package that fits their lifestyle and budget,” the statement reads. “Our national average increase of 3.8% is about half of the most recent rate of inflation.”
If you haven’t noticed a spike in your monthly bill or automatic payment, be warned that it’s coming soon. According to PennLive, new rates are effective as of Dec. 20.
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The introduction of Disney+ in late 2019 was a game changer, giving viewers access to movies and content that was previously kept under lock and key in the “Disney Vault.” But as of today, Dec. 8, the streaming service is upping its fees , CNET reported. Customers paying $7.99 per month for basic Disney+, which offers ad-free shows and movies, will now have to shell out $11 to avoid ads.
Hulu, which is owned by Disney, will see a $2 bump for ad-free service (now $15), while service with ads is up by $1 (now $8). If you’re not willing to pay more, Disney is offering additional options.
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If you don’t mind a commercial break while streaming, you can stay at the $8 mark you’ve been paying for Disney+, according to CNET. Want both Disney+ and Hulu? Opt for a new bundle option that gets you both services with ads for $10. Add ESPN+ (also owned by Disney), and get all three with ads for $13.
Those who already have the premium trio bundle (no ads for Hulu and Disney+, but ads for ESPN+), your subscription remains at $20 per month. However, a new “Legacy Disney Bundle” is available for $15, with ads for ESPN+ (Disney doesn’t offer an option to avoid them) and Hulu, but not Disney+.
