Netflix Followed by Comcast Raising Prices in the US

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Following Netflix, Comcast, the largest cable operator and internet service provider in the United States, has also decided to raise viewing fees nationwide.

According to IT foreign media such as The Verge on the 26th, Comcast will increase broadcast TV fees and regional sports network fees starting January 1 next year. Broadcast TV fees will increase by $4.5 per month, and regional sports network fees will increase by $2 per month. For internet-only services, the fee will increase by $3 per month, and TV boxes will also increase by up to $2.5.

The flat-rate system for home internet data limits will also change. In more than 12 states in the U.S., a monthly limit of 1.2 terabytes will be imposed, and if the quota is exceeded, $10 will be charged for every 50 gigabytes (GB). Regarding the reason for the price increase, Comcast explained, "Due to rising costs for all content distributors and sports TV broadcasting program operations, we had no choice but to raise prices."

However, the U.S. IT media Ars Technica mentioned, "Since Comcast owns NBCUniversal itself and determines the content prices for national channels and major regions, it is difficult to blame program costs as the reason for the price increase."

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Netflix also implemented a price increase in the U.S. region. The monthly fee for the U.S. standard plan was raised from $12.99 to $13.99, and the premium plan was increased from $15 to $17.99.