Cable Television Rates Will Fall Next Month

After the resolution of a three-year rate dispute between the city and Century Communications, Santa Monica’s 24,000 cable television subscribers will see reductions in their bills starting in November, a city official said Tuesday.

The $1.7-million settlement means subscribers to basic service will receive a net reduction of $11.58 monthly over the next year, said Kate Vernez, senior management analyst for the city.

Premium-service subscribers will receive monthly net reductions of $7.91, she said. She said $6.05 of all net reductions is refund money, with the balance reflecting rate reductions that become effective in November.

The city was authorized to regulate basic cable rates after passage of the federal Cable Act of 1992. The rate dispute arose because city officials thought Century’s rates for basic service were unreasonably high, Vernez said.

“We’re grateful that finally subscribers are getting refunds and they’re getting them now,” Vernez said.

Joseph DiBacco, divisional vice president for Century Communications, said he was glad to have concluded the settlement with the city and trusted that customers would be pleased with the rate reductions.