More Channels, But Higher Rates

In the same breath, Cablevision of the East End has announced the addition of several new channels and a rate hike for its basic Family Cable package.

Family Cable subscribers in East Hampton will see another $1.45 on their bills starting next month, bringing the cost of that tier to $22.79 per month. The rate change, which affects all of Suffolk, goes into effect March 1.

The new rate, said the Woodbury-based company in a press release last week, "covers inflation and increases in programming and operating costs." It explained that large cable networks are charging more for their channels to be carried. The rate hike is in line with the Federal Communications Commission's regulatory formulas.

The newest additions to the Family Cable lineup are the 24-hour FoxNews channel (Channel 47) and Q2, a new home-shopping network on Channel 56. In the past eight months, Cablevision has also added the MSNBC network (44), America's Health Network (55), the History Channel (59), and ESPN2 (63).

Cablevision also announced that it is again offering a $2,000 college scholarship to a graduating East End high school student. The company offers the scholarship each year to a student planning to major in business, communications, or engineering.

To be eligible, students must show financial need and involvement in extracurricular activities and/or community activities. Interested students can pick up an application at their high school guidance office or one of Cablevision's walk-in offices. The deadline for entries is April 18. The winner will be announced in May.