It appears competition is starting to influence Comcast and other cable providers. It’s about time!

For years, telephone companies have been fighting to retain market share by lowering prices to remain competitive. New technology like voice over IP (VOIP) has put the heat on companies like AT&T, providing the same service at better rates through internet connectivity.

Comcast has come out and said they will raise rates next year by an average of 4.5%, which sure beats the 6% they raised my rate last year. While they are closing in on the rate of inflation, they still have a ways to go to keep this customer satisfied.

When I compare my monthly cable and internet bill (a non-essential service mind you) to an essential service like gas and electricity, something seems askew.

Why do I pay $100+ per month for cable and internet when I pay $60 per month for electricity? Financially (and economically) it seems, my priorities are out of line. So the next question is, what am I going to do about it?

The thought of putting a satellite dish on the side of my house still bothers me, but it’s starting to make more financial sense each month. The only way to straighten this mess out is through the pocketbook.

What really makes me mad is when asked why they must keep raising their rates, Comcast stated that network providers such as ESPN have been drastically increasing the costs of their programming feed.

While the man in me tells me I can’t live without my 6 reruns of ESPN, the personal finance demon inside says “screw Sports Center!, get with the Dish!”

Here’s an idea! Maybe Comcast should drop ESPN as a network provider? Or at least 6 of the different ESPN feeds I’m required to purchase with my basic cable service.

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