The Tribune

A TOWN centre meeting is due to be held tonight to discuss a proposed hike in cable charges.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) is holding the meeting to discuss Cable Bahamas’ application to increase its SuperBasic REV TV cable television package fees.

Cable Bahamas wants to increase its price for residential customers from $30 to $38, a 27 per cent hike, and from $50 to $63.50 for business customers.

Cable Bahamas says the increases are necessary in order to keep up with rising costs.

Since 1995, it hasn’t increased its prices for the SuperBasic package, while the cost of living has gone up by 37 per cent over the same period.

URCA must provide written approval before Cable Bahamas can increase its prices.

URCA has already held meetings to discuss the proposals in Exuma, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Marsh Harbour, Abaco and Deadman’s Cay, Long Island.

The deadline for public consultation on the proposal is Friday, October 19.

Today’s meeting, which is open to anyone, takes place at 6.30pm at the Town Centre Mall.