For over 20 years, I have subscribed to Cablevision cable TV service on Long Island. Since I am not a huge TV nut, I have only Family/Basic cable which gets all the broadcast networks and a decent variety of cable stations. I have no use for any of the premium packages and many of the channels that come with my basic subscription, I never watch. All of my TVs are older and not HD compatable. I was very happy with my set up and not interested in any of the promotions and decline all mailings and marketing calls from Cablevision to upgrade to another package.
So imagine my anger when I received a letter the other day stating that 10 of the channels that I do enjoy watching will no longer be available under my basic plan without renting digital converter boxes for each of my TV's for a monthly fee (plus remotes which will have separate monthly fee) AND I must purchase the IO Navigation package to the tune of $10.95 a month...just to be able to view these 10 stations that I have received for years. Additionally, my old, non-HD TVs probably render most of the fancy features with the IO Navigation package that I must buy, unusable.
Of course, if I do not rent the boxes or upgrade to the Navigation package, I suspect I will not receive a credit for the 10 less stations on my current package.
I feel that Cablevision is forcing people who have refused in the past to upgrade, to purchase equipment and services they do not want by moving channels from basic cable to a format that is not viewable without an upgrade. In addition, those of us who do not choose this forced upgrade are effectively then getting 10 less channels for the same monthly fee.
This is another example of corporate bullies pushing the little guy around and forcing unwanted services down our throats. I am currently looking into DISH and Verizon TV services.
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