Comcast Proposes Hike in Basic Cable Rate Maximum Charge in Hazlet

Comcast of Monmouth County is proposing an increase in the maximum rate it could charge residents of Hazlet Township beginning January 1. 

In its annal petition filed with the NJ Board of Public Utilities, Comcast said it needs to charge more to adjust for inflation and changes in costs related to programming, retransmission and copyright fees. 

Under Comcast's proposal, the maximum permitted rate for the basic service tier would be $21.08 per month, exclusive of franchise and regulatory fees -- or $21.64 including FCC fees.  Actual rates charged for the basic service tier may be lower than the maximum permitted rate.

The current Maximum Permitted Rate (“MPR”) for Comcast of Monmouth County is $17.66.  However, the company chose to charge $16.10 per month.

Because the increase is more than 19%, the filing is being considered by the Office of Administrative Law. 

The proposed change also affects residents of Monmouth Beach Borough, Shrewsbury Township, Hazlet Township, Allenhurst Borough, Highlands Borough and Loch Arbor Village. 

Anyone who wishes to comment can address a letter to The Acting Director of the Office of Cable Television, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, 44 South Clinton Avenue 9th Floor P. O. Box 350 Trenton, New Jersey 08625-0350 Comments must be submitted by January 15.