Comcast slashes installation fees in several markets

While Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is raising the rates on its programming packages on some local systems, the nation's largest cable MSO is also slashing the installation fees in Jacksonville, Fla., and several other markets.

Beginning in February, the installation fee for a single product in Jacksonville will drop from $50 to $20, while the installation fee for customers who order a triple-play of digital cable, high-speed Internet and phone service will drop from $99 to $60.

Comcast spokeswoman Jenni Moyer said the FCC requires Comcast to adjust installation fees in markets where it conforms to the FCC's formula for maximum permitted cable rates. "In some of our nonregulated markets, we are making changes to installation charges to simplify the model and create consistency," Moyer told FierceCable.

The FCC stops regulating cable rates in local markets once it has found that an operator faces "effective competition." In Jacksonville, Comcast faces competition from AT&T's (NYSE: T) U-verse TV, in addition to DirecTV (Nasdaq: DTV) and Dish Network (Nasdaq: DISH).

For more:
- The Florida Times-Union has this story

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