Cable rates increased

Following meetings with cable television operators, today Belize Broadcasting Authority announced it has authorized a rate increase for cable operators who offer at least fifty-five channels to their subscribers. The maximum which can be charged is forty dollars, including tax. Earlier this month the B.B.A. had advised consumers that some operators had been illegally charging more than the thirty dollars plus VAT per month allowed by the authority and that it would be meeting with cable companies to discuss the issue. At that time Robert Reich of Channel Broadcasting Company told News Five that he would never have knowingly violated the conditions of his license and that the rate ceiling had never been put in writing. Reich says he hoped to be given an opportunity to present his reasons for charging a higher rate. Apparently the B.B.A. did entertain Reich’s request. He told News Five today that he is pleased the authority gave him the opportunity to state his case which he says rests on C.B.C.’s superior service record. Reich says while he has not expanded his company in the last four years, the rate increase was justified by his heavy investment in quality customer care, line installation and servicing. The B.B.A. says that while those operators offering over fifty-five channels will be permitted to charge higher rates, the terms and conditions for cable operators will be reviewed again when the Copyright Bill becomes law.