Cable Bills Are Too High, Berkeley's Seniors Say

BERKELEY, NJ — The price of a monthly cable bill is an annoyingly high expense to many, but especially those on fixed incomes. And as Berkeley looks to renew cable company contracts, many of its senior residents are asking officials to do something about those fees that seem to get higher and higher each month.

"I'm on social security, living on my savings," one resident told Township Council at hearing on the contract renewals. He asked that they protect seniors, because for many, television is all they have for entertainment.

In Berkeley, Cablevision (Optimum) and Comcast (Xfinity) service the mainland and South Seaside Park. Those with a Toms River zip code on the west side of town also have the option of Verizon. But most use Comcast, the cost of which was the primary complaint of the audience packed with seniors.

"They need to do better for our retired residents," said Mayor Carmen Amato, who spoke at the podium as a Berkeley resident.

"Comcast has been a disappointment," resident Mary Curtis said. She got rid of cable TV and just has internet now - which should not be a luxury but a right, she said.

However, it wasn't clear what exactly the township could do to change the fees.

Township Attorney Lauren Staiger said that they were limited in what they could do, as cable franchises are overseen by the Board of Public Utilities.

Residents asked about inviting other companies to the area, but Business Administrator John Camera said that the township has always been open to other companies, and none have come.

"These are economic choices," he said.

Council President John Bacchione said that he would contact the state to help and that the Council was there to work for its residents.

"We'll do everything in our power to get these rates down," Bacchione said.