Readers contradict Press article on Spectrum prices

An Oct. 24 story prompted an outpouring of criticisms of both Spectrum and the Coeur d’Alene Press, as irate readers weighed in on what they describe as under-reported rate increases from the internet giant.

In the October story, Spectrum — a subsidiary of Charter Communications — announced they were doubling the speed of its internet customers on a base-rate plan to 200 Mbps (megabits per second). This plan, part of a Spectrum TV bundle, was announced as part of a nationwide campaign. While the company’s claims have proven technically accurate so far, Spectrum customers voiced displeasure in their dissent.

“What a load of equine excrement,” wrote Brandon Farr in a letter to the editor. “I can’t believe that the Press has the audacity to print this deceitful advertorial as an actual news article. Spectrum raises rates EVERY single month. My bill is up 41% over last year and the service just gets worse.”

Farr added he wasn’t alone in his disdain, saying that he would be joined by other unhappy customers in celebrating should Spectrum ever dissolve. He is not wrong.

“Just the other day I received my monthly statement from Spectrum showing an increase of $10.48 per month,” Joe Foti of Hayden wrote. “The itemized increases are for Spectrum TV Select, receivers, internet, broadcast surcharge, taxes, fees and charges. So, you can see that they raised fees across the board.”

Readers sent in digital photos of their bills alongside calls for retractions, explanations and refunds. Four different readers sent back-to-back bills, all showing increases ranging from $3 to more than $10.

Bret Picciolo, senior communications director at Spectrum, said customers on certain bundled television and internet plans did not see a rate change, but those coming off expiring promotional plans or operating without certain bundles could see price increases.

“There’s no change in price as a result of the speed increase that took place on October 22,” Picciolo said in a statement. “In early September, we notified some customers of a change in their subscription price to $69.99 [per month], but most customers aren’t affected by that change because they have Spectrum TV or are currently in promotional pricing for their internet service.”