The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The Bad: Atlantic Broadband is already charging CV internet customers $5.15 “Hi-Speed Internet Recovery Fee”, a fee not mentioned in the ABB – CV “Installation and Distribution Agreement”, and found illegal by Washington and Oregon: “Washington And Oregon Fine CenturyLink For Completely Bogus Broadband Fees”
[https://www.techdirt.com/articles/20200107/07425643691/washington-oregon-fine-centurylink-completely-bogus-broadband-fees.shtml
(See my article on the Our Village blog, August 31st)]
The Ugly: Atlantic Broadband now plans to add $3.89 to the $5.25, totaling $9.14, more than half the $17.99 basic Internet rate for CV'ers.
According to Atlantic Broadband: “We are dedicated to keeping you connected to everything you love online and onscreen...Fee Changes Effective 9/1/21 ….High-Speed Network Recovery Fee increase of $3.89. This supports critical maintenance activities and updates to our network infrastructure to deliver vital connectivity for homes and businesses.
(https://atlanticbb.com/sites/default/files/abb-rate-increase-002.pdf)
But according to the ten-year contract between ABB and CV , the stated rates we select ($18, $22, $44 for fast, faster, and fastest speeds) already guarantee us maintenance and connectivity.
As the Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson stated: “"CenturyLink deceived consumers by telling them they would pay one price and then charging them more.....Companies must clearly disclose all added fees and charges to Washingtonians."
In December, 2018, the Network Recovery Fee was $2.75: Offer expires 3/15/2018. Additional services, such as the High Speed Network Recovery Fee currently at $2.75, are subject to increases.
That's a $6.39 increase in two and one-half years. Our contract Atlantic Broadband has eight years remaining – if we renew in June of each year.
Richard Handelsman
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