Television Service Providers
Compared with wireless phone service or Internet access, television seems a cruelly monopolistic business. Only in a few parts of the Washington area can customers choose between competing cable operators. More: Choices for TV Service Still Limited.
| Provider | Type | Where Available | Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADELPHIA Phone: 888-683-1000 Web: www.adelphia.com | Cable | Frederick, Loudoun, Stafford | Basic: $19.95 Expanded basic: $49.95 Each premium channel: $15.95 (digital cable service required) HDTV: $12.95 extra Digital video recorder: $12.90 extra |
| COMCAST Phone: 800-266-2278 Web: www.comcast.com | Cable | Washington, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax (Reston only), Prince William | Basic: $14.75 Expanded basic: $49.82 Each premium channel: $13.50 each HDTV: $5 extra Digital video recorder: $9.95 extra(digital cable service required) |
| COX Phone: Fairfax: 703-378-8400 Stafford: 540-373-6343 Web: www.cox.com | Cable | Fairfax (excluding Reston, parts of Alexandria), Stafford (southern portion, including Fredericksburg) | Basic: $21.49 Expanded basic: $45.49 Each premium channel: $13.99 (digital cable service required) HDTV: $6.49 extra (digital cable service required) Digital video recorder: $9.99 extra (digital cable service required) |
| DIRECTV Phone: 888-777-2454 Web: www.directv.com | Satellite | Entire region, but requires clear view of southern sky | Basic: Not available Expanded basic: $41.99 Each premium channel: $12 HDTV: $10.99 extra, networks not included Digital video recorder: $4.99 extra |
| DISH NETWORK Phone: 888-732-6402 Web: www.dishnetwork.com | Satellite | Entire region, but requires clear view of southern sky | Basic: Not available Expanded basic: $31.99 Each premium channel: $11.99 to $13.99 HDTV: $9.99 extra, networks not included Digital video recorder: $5 extra |
| GMP COMMUNICATIONS Phone: 800-427-0705 Web: www.gmpcommunications.net | Cable | Calvert (Chesapeake Beach, North Beach), St. Mary's | Basic: $15.55 Expanded basic: $43.25 Each premium channel: $12.95 HDTV: $15 extra (requires digital-cable service) Digital video recorder: $15 extra (requires digital-cable and high-definition service) |
| MILLENNIUM DIGITAL MEDIA Phone: 410-987-9300 Web: www.mdm.net/md/ | Cable | Anne Arundel (northern part) | Basic: $10 Expanded basic: $45.15 Each premium channel: $12 HDTV: $5.95 extra (digital cable service required) Digital video recorder: $5.95 extra (digital cable service required) |
| RCN/STARPOWER Phone: 800-746-4726 Web: www.rcn.com | Cable | Washington, Montgomery County, Falls Church | Basic: Not available Expanded basic: $43.00 Each premium channel: $13.95 HDTV: $9.95 extra Digital video recorder: $14.95 extra |
| NOTES: Fees are monthly. Where service rates differ across jurisdictions, we list the rates offered in the jurisdiction with the most residents. Rates include equipment rental fees where applicable; cable HD services can, however, be reduced by use of a CableCard in compatible HDTVs. "Basic" refers to a minimum service package of just local network affiliates, educational,k government and public-access channels. "Expanded Basic" means the cheapest service package that offers all major networks, CNN, ESPN and non-premium movie channels. Premium channel rates don't reflect any discounts offered for subscribing to more than one such channel. | |||
The Washington Post
