Starting with January 1, 2010 bills, Bresnan customers may notice a "Broadcast TV Surcharge" of $0.25. That surcharge reflects a portion of the costs Bresnan must pay to the broadcast stations to carry their networks on Bresnan's cable service.

Unlike cable TV networks, broadcast TV stations distribute their network signals over the air, using free spectrum granted to them by the federal government. In effect, taxpayers subsidize the distribution of broadcast TV signals. These same broadcast TV stations are then allowed by the government to charge Bresnan for their network signals - and if we don't agree to pay, broadcasters can force us to drop their channels.

It's all part of a process known as "retransmission consent."

Unfortunately local broadcast television stations are pressing for increasingly larger commitments from Bresnan which has resulted in the addition of a Broadcast TV Surcharge on customer bills. This surcharge represents a portion of the costs that we pay to the owners of broadcast TV stations.

If you are currently in a promotion or contract with Bresnan, this surcharge will be applied only after the promotion or contract period ends.

Please be assured that we remain committed to delivering the best possible services at the best possible prices and, as always if you have any questions regarding this or any other cable related matter, please don't hesitate to call 1.877.BRESNAN.