Larsen Sends Letter to Frontier Communications Calling for Better Options for Consumers in Northwest Washington
Washington, DC,
January 19, 2011
Today, U.S. Representative Rick Larsen (WA-02) sent a letter to Frontier Communications, calling on them to offer a better alternative for customers in Northwest Washington that use their cable service. Frontier recently announced that it will alter the existing framework of its fiber-optic television service. Specifically, Frontier’s decision to offer its customers a choice between continuing with their current FIOS television service—with a rate increase of 46 percent or switching their cable television service to the satellite provider DirecTV. “Folks in Northwest Washington are concerned about the future of cable service offered through Frontier Communications- and rightly so. I am calling on Frontier to offer consumers better and more affordable options for cable service in the region,” said Rep. Larsen. The text of the letter follows: Dear Mr. Mason: I am writing to express concerns that I share with many of my constituents in Northwest Washington about Frontier’s plans for cable service in our region. The Everett Herald recently published an article, “Switch to a Dish or pay more, Frontier tells FIOS customers,” that highlights some of the problems that people in Northwest Washington have with Frontier’s announcement that it will alter the existing framework of its fiber-optic television service. Specifically, Frontier’s decision to offer its customers a choice between continuing with their current FIOS television service—with a rate increase of 46 percent or switching their cable television service to the satellite provider DirecTV. I am concerned with Frontier’s decision to substantially raise its cable television rates for its existing customers in the Pacific Northwest. Last September, Frontier Communications Chief Executive Maggie Wilderotter was quoted in The Oregonian newspaper stating that Frontier would distinguish itself from larger cable companies by holding down prices for its customers. I find it troubling that less than six months later Frontier is dramatically raising its cable television rates. Additionally, it is problematic that Frontier has not offered an adequate alternative to those customers who live in apartment complexes where the installation of satellite dishes is prohibited and therefore cannot take advantage of the option to switch their cable service to DirecTV. Thank you for your timely consideration of my concerns. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, Rick Larsen ### |