Deregulation of the cable industry did not result in lower rates for customers after all.
The revelation comes from a state audit of cable rates over the past two years, which looked at data from ten video service providers on basic and expanded basic rates. Auditor Paul Stuiber says the review found rates for basic cable service went up nearly 21-percent and the cost of expanded basic service went up almost 12-percent.
AUDIO: Auditor Paul Stuiber (:16)
State Representative Gary Hebl (D-Sun Prairie) says he’s not surprised by the findings, although he says it’s unfortunate. Hebl says one of the big selling points of the Cable Competition Act approved by lawmakers two years ago is that it would drive prices down for consumers. The Sun Prairie Democrat says that has clearly not been the case.
AUDIO: State Rep. Gary Hebl (:22)
Hebl is proposing legislation that would roll back some of the changes to the cable industry made by the Cable Competition Act.
Audio courtesy of John Colbert, WIBA