The cable and internet bills of Flow customers are set to rise by next month.
The company has been sending out notices to customers, explaining that based on their subscriptions there would be price increases.
In one email to customers, the company announced rates were set to increase by 3.5 per cent by May 1, 2023.
The email stated, “During the past three years we kept our prices the same throughout the pandemic, our commitment to keeping you connected when you needed it the most. However, the current external economic pressures are now such that as a business we must unfortunately slightly increase our prices by 3.5 per cent per month, with effect from May 1, 2023.”
Flow closed, “We know these times are challenging; and we truly value your business and hope that you will continue to allow us to be your service provider.”
Flow issued another email, curated for customers with multiple cable boxes.
In that email, Flow told its customers, “The current external economic pressures are now such that as a business we must unfortunately slightly increase our prices. Therefore, from May 1,2023, there will be a nominal increase in your cable box monthly rental fee if you have 3 or more cable boxes at your home. Rental for the first box remains free.
The email continued, “The new rental price for your 3rd cable box and other subsequent cable boxes will be $50.63.”
This rate increase will come into effect just three months after Flow’s main competitor, Digicel raised its rates in February.
Digicel phased out its Variety 100 and 150 Bundles, two of its cheapest bundles, and set its base bundle as the Variety 200.
Digicel said then, “As we continue our improvements, it has become necessary to make some adjustments to our existing rates in order to meet the increased costs that come with providing these enhancements. As a result, we advise that effective February 1, 2023 your new base subscription will be $550.”
It was Digicel’s second rate increase in less than a year.
Digicel said the decision to adopt this new package was based on changing needs of customers following the transition to hybrid working models and continued online schooling with most seeking bundles that give the best value, a wider range of entertainment, and more powerful and reliable internet with even faster speeds.
On March 31, 2023, another local cable operator Airlink Communications discontinued its Freeview services which it had used to promote its pre-paid and OTT services.
The Princes Town-based service provider said it had to discontinue the service, which allowed customers to view local channels and a handful cable channels on mobile phones and Amazon Firesticks, due to a significant rise in operational costs.
