Century Cable Triples Charge for Hookups

Century Cable, which has 36,000 television subscribers in the Sherman Oaks area, is more than tripling its hookup rate to $84, the highest in Los Angeles.

The increase is effective March 1 under a notice sent to the city’s Department of Telecommunications.

Ann Black, a Century Cable spokeswoman, declined comment on the rate increase.

Hookup rates for all cable franchises in the city average $37, said David Hankin, the department’s acting general manager.

The installation rate for Century Cables’ Sherman Oaks and Eagle Rock franchise areas is now $26.25, but it charges $20 to its West Los Angeles subscribers.

The company is also raising to $84 its rate for reconnecting service to a customer or for transferring service to another residence within the service area.

Under a 1984 federal law, cable franchise holders have complete freedom to set rates, Hankin said.

Members of the city’s Telecommunications Commission, which awards franchises, “certainly have their concerns” about the higher hookup rate, said Hankin, “but there is nothing they can do.”

He predicted that few new customers would pay the full fee because Century Cable, like other franchise holders, uses discount coupons and other incentives to lure customers.

“But I expect that high rate will discourage some customers,” he said.

According to city records, the company has 40,000 subscribers in Eagle Rock and 38,000 in West Los Angeles.