Debt

Tacked On

Chris O'Shea
May. 31, 2017
2 min read

How cable, wireless and Internet companies tack on fees


Chances are, at some point in your life, you’ve been bewildered by a bill from a cable, wireless or Internet company. “They said my monthly bill would be $80,” you mutter to yourself as you stare at an invoice for $98. How does this happen? It’s all in the details. Below are three common, slightly sneaky charges from cable, wireless or Internet companies that could end up costing you.

  • Cable modem rental fee. Many cable companies charge consumers a monthly fee — from $6 to $10 — for using a modem. What you might not realize is that you can buy your own instead of renting, which ends up being much cheaper. A cable modem usually runs around $100, reports USA TODAY — all you have to do is search for the one that is compatible to your service.
  • Broadcast network tax. This fee is exactly what it sounds like: Cable companies charging you between $2 and $5 a month in order to recover the cost of the company broadcasting ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX. This fee is almost never included in the advertised price.
  • Overage fees. This charge comes courtesy of your wireless companies. If you use more than your allotted data in any given month, your wireless company could charge you an overage fee. At an average of $15, those charges can add up. If you’re constantly getting hit with overages, check your plan to see how much data you typically use and adjust things accordingly. You should shop around to other wireless companies too, just to make sure you’re getting the best plan according to your usage habits.

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    Chris O'Shea

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