Move follows hikes by other cable television service providers. Phone, Web fees not rising.

By ANTHONY SALAMONE - The Express-Times

Cable television customers of RCN will see at least a $3 increase beginning next month.

The company's rate for cable service including about 80 channels will rise from $53.95 to $56.99, a 5.6 percent increase, according to John Filipowicz, president and general manager of RCN of Pennsylvania

The total increase will be more for customers who carry additional options. The cost of digital and high-definition converter boxes, certain phone features and premium channels will also rise starting in July.

RCN provides cable TV, telephone and Internet services. Fees for basic phone and Web services are not increasing.

RCN's last rate hike took place in December 2006, according to Filipowicz. He blamed rising programming costs and increases from equipment vendors for the latest increase.

RCN is not alone in hiking rates, it's just later than most. Among other area cable providers, Comcast and Service Electric Cable TV & Communications raised customers' bills between 3.7 percent and 6 percent in January for standard cable packages.

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