TV Industry Overview

Ever Wonder About the Fees That Make Up Your Monthly TV Bill?

We strive to provide the best TV choices, at a value that makes sense for you and your family. With Network fees dramatically increasing and impacting your monthly bill, we wanted to give you a backstage pass to better understand the economics of the TV business.

#1 Programming Costs

All Cable and Satellite providers (TV providers) pay each Network owner (Programmer) a fee for every household that receives a particular Network - regardless of whether anyone in the household actually watches it.

These Network fees have increased dramatically at 3½ times the rate of inflation over the last 15 years¹. Eight media companies control 90% of the Networks, and while we strive to keep these costs under control, they continue to use their power to demand more money². Programmers are securing long-term contracts with significant guaranteed Network fee increases, regardless of how many people watch.

#2 Cost to Provide Service

This includes installation costs, maintaining and upgrading our network infrastructure and normal business expenses, such as employee salaries, rent and power. The bulk of this portion is used to build a better Internet and entertainment experience - including faster Internet speeds, superior reliability and more advanced services over our wholly owned, fiber-rich network.

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