SANTA ANA : Comcast to Raise Cable TV Charge 2%

Comcast Cablevision will increase its standard service rate by 2% and replace one of its channels with American Movie Classics beginning Feb. 1, a company spokesman said.

The monthly bill for a typical customer would increase from $26.35 to $26.95.

The rate increase will affect all 21,000 customers, except the small number who receive only basic service.

The rate hike will cover the rising costs of doing business, said company spokesman Steve Rosenthal.

He added that the increase “is less than inflation. We try to keep the cost really down to make sure cable is always affordable.”

Responding to requests from viewers, the company will also replace its Nostalgia Channel with American Movie Classics, Rosenthal said.

Councilwoman Patricia McGuigan criticized the rate increase, but noted that the City Council has no authority to regulate cable rates.

“Sixty cents doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s the principle of the thing,” she said.