Recently, Cox released a lower-cost cable package that, surprisingly, does not include ESPN. For those sports lovers out there, ESPN is a must-have. However, for those people who spend their time watching other stations like the Travel Channel or Food Network, ESPN is an unnecessary channel. As it turns out, ESPN is one of the most expensive cable channels that cable companies offer to its customers. Does Cox’s unbundling of this expensive channel mean that it is finally moving towards an a la carte pricing method? Read more after the jump.

If you are a Cox subscriber, you will probably receive an email from Cox explaining a nifty new tool for its customers. Called the Data Usage Meter, Cox believes this tool will help its customers make informed decisions about their internet data consumption. And here at UCAN we're all for giving customers information and tools to help them make informed decisions. But tacked at the end of the second paragraph of the e-mail (see the PDF copy attached at the bottom of this post) was a startling piece of information: Cox gives you a data alottment that depends on your Internet package. Surprise!

I spoke to a consumer today who received a cold call from Cox offering an upgrade to a bundle package. Currently this Cox customer only has internet through the company and doesn’t subscribe to any other services. The sales representative told her on the phone that it is the deal of the lifetime and she had to accept right away. When she told the rep that she wanted some time to think about it (and talk to UCAN about the issue) he said that normally they don’t keep offers open like this, but he’d make an exception in this case. What is a consumer to do? Read on to find out.

While the phone you use may not be changing the network you are connecting to may no longer be the Plain Old Telephone System.

Some of you Cox subscribers may have received a notice in a recent bill about Cox’s Residential Price Lock Guarantee (or PLG for those in the biz). But what is it and is it good for consumers? Hit the jump to find out more.

Cox phone service is regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).  Many Cox customers who filed complaints with the CPUC received letters from the Consumer Affairs Branch of the PUC stating Cox is not under the jurisdiction of the CPUC because it has digital service.  UCAN addressed the regulation issue with the CPUC and received confirmation that the phone service is indeed regulated.  

Learn the magic phrase that can lower your cable bill.  

Starting January 1, 2010, Cox customers will see a slight increase in their monthly bill. Cox is both charging a new fee, the Regulatory Cost Recovery fee, and raising an existing fee, the Universal Service Fund fee