Comcast rates will rise 3.2% in February

Comcast cable rates will rise in February, but most customers will see a smaller increase than in recent years.

The average cable bill will increase 3.2 percent when the new prices take effect in February, Comcast spokeswoman Cindy Parsons said. In past years, prices typically climbed about 4 percent.

Subscribers to Comcast's standard cable package, for instance, will see their monthly rate rise from $35.99 to $38.99. For Comcast's digital starter service, the rate will rise from $54.99 to $55.99. The premium packages will see the biggest increases, with the top-of-the-line premium digital package going from $119.99 to $127.99 a month.

Rates for Internet and phone service will remain unchanged.

Parsons said the increases are necessary because of rising programming prices and investments in technology and service improvements.

Cable is never alone in annual rate increases. A spokesman for the satellite television service DirecTV said that the 2009 increase hadn't been set yet, but that he expects it to be in line with past years. Last year, the cost of most of DirecTV's packages went up $3 a month, with the top packages rising by $5. Dish Network, the other major satellite TV company, didn't return calls on its plans. Last year, Dish's increases were similar to DirecTV's.

-

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0275 or awineke@gazette.com