Has anyone noticed the creation of the new "Sports Pass" package? A lot of the channels in this new package used to be included in the Extreme HD level but now it costs an additional $20. When I called to complain I was told by a supervisor that it was the channels that caused this rate increase. I've contacted all the channels in the new package and I have already received a response from two of them (The Outdoor Channel and HRTV) and both have denied having anything to do with the creation of this package or the rate increase. Yes, I'm mad, a rate increase is one thing but being lied to is unacceptable.
Plus I don't see how Verizon can ask us to commit to a package level with X amount of channels and X amount of HD channels and then pull some out to create a special package that we then have to pay more to receive. Now you may not watch these sport channels but what is stopping Verizon from taking a few of the channels you do like, package them together and then charge you more for something that used to be in the level of service you agreed to? And then blaming the channels for the increase. Can they change your internet speed? Your phone service?
I have e-mailed Verizon and I'm waiting for a response. I'll keep you posted if anything develops but don't hold your breath.
I'm guessing the channels will vary by location in the package, but I'm really honestly not surprised they starting doing this. A lot of your cable companies have sports packages which are add on's. I know Brighthouse/Time Warner does at least where I live. Comcast does it, Directv, Dish, etc.. so honestly Verizon is last to do it. I personally have the Ultimate package so everything is included in my price.
Not all of the channels caused the rate increase, but unfortunatly no matter what one says NESN and ESPN are a big part of why this happened. They increased the amount they demand per subscriber from Verizon. I know I read in some article NESN is now charging around $16-$17 per subscriber for their channel. Higher then before. This is also partially why Verizon now has the "Regional Sports Fee". Rather then drop the networks or increase bundle rates which you know would tick a lot of people off they kept them and are passing on a small portion of the rates to the customers.
This is another reason why all of these cable compaines including Verizon always have that clause in their terms saying programming can change at anytime. Only thing we can do if we don't like it is not be a customer, but even if you switch you're still going to have to get a sports package with the other companies if you want certain channels.
I'm pretty sure your wrong about the $16 or $17 .00 fee per subscriber you say NESN charges,ESPN charges the most at around $ 5.00 per subsriber ,and theres no way any cable company would pay that much for the new england spots network,espeicially when they dont even carry the boston red sox or boston bruins games on the national feed of that channel,(ony the new england area gets the games televised in their area!)
The article I read it on could be wrong or a typo. I'm sure they meant both together. I just did some more digging and as of 2013 ESPN is charging $5.54 per subscriber and is expected to be up to $7 by 2017. Either way we are still paying part of it and is a big reason the sports pass now exsists.
Here's a calculator I found that tells you how much you pay for sports.
NESN actually charges $3.50/month to subscribers up in New England. Outside of that area, of course, it costs a lot less, but it's part of a number of different services' Sports Packs.
Here's an article that goes into a bit more detail about Regional Sports Network prices, at least in bigger markets:
http://www.awfulannouncing.com/2013/may/how-you-pay-for-mlb-s-billion-dollar-deals.html
Also, I don't entirely buy that $5.54 number that SNL Kagan has been throwing out there lately. The most accurate report I've seen has TWC paying ESPN $5.40/month through August -- http://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/193856/espn-set-to-pass-7-sub-fee-in-2017.html#axzz2Oi... -- and any cable company getting Most Favored Nation status (including Comcast) won't pay more than that.
That said, it's not exactly that big difference, is it?
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