Cable Rates To Rise

Time Warner Cable

is increasing the rate for basic and standard cable by$2.16 a month, bringing a monthly bill to $44.10.

Despite rising rates, many Triangle residents still pay for cable TV. Do you consider it a necessary expense? Yes No

Some people are responding by simply cutting that bill out of the budget.

"I just don't like the rates increasing and how much they're charging rightnow, and the service," cable customer Ron Tant said.

The company said it has to raise rates because the cost of giving customersthe channels they want keeps rising.

"Very popular things, particularly sports, ESPN, FOX Sports," said TomLawrence of Time Warner Cable.

For some customers who want cable in their homes, the rate increase is not abig deal.

"I don't think it's that big of a deal, I have my cable modem service withTime Warner Cable and for me to change it would just be too much of ahassle," cable customer Janni Cone said.

For others, it is enough to make them turn the cable off.

"I had satellite before and it was cheaper so I'll definitely be going back to the satellite," said Bobby Jones, cable customer.

Time Warner said it is keenly aware of the threat from satellite providers like DirectTV.

Right now, DirectTV's basic package is less expensive -- $39 a month for 115channels compared to about $44 a month for 77 cable channels.

Time Warner hopes it can convince most of its customers not to turn the cable off.

The rate increase takes effect Dec. 4.