HELLO SUN SPOTS: The new billing from the local cable company has a nearly 300 percent increase for digital adapters along with increases in “taxes and fees and surcharges.” How do we know who gets these increases?

I would like to hear from Sunspots’ vast readership of their experiences with the local dish companies. It is difficult to decipher their advertisements let alone be able to read the disclaimers. — Gary in Auburn, 207-783-2780.

ANSWER: Sun Spots searched many news articles and did not find any that stated the local cable company was hiking its fees by 300 percent. Instead, Sun Spots read some articles that stated the hikes are 30 percent. An article from GoErie.com stated: “Several equipment and service fees will increase beginning with the Jan. 19-Feb. 18 billing cycle. The monthly fee for a digital adapter will increase from $1.50 to $2.75, and the monthly fee for an Internet modem lease will increase from $5.99 to $8.

“A monthly broadcast TV surcharge will increase from $2.25 to $2.75, and a new sports programming surcharge of $2.75 will be added.

“The monthly cost for HBO programming will increase from $14.99 to $16.99. Movie Pass will increase from $5.95 to $7.99 per month.

“Seventy-five percent of customers are currently in a promotional period and will not see any increase until that period expires.” Most of the articles Sun Spots read stated these same figures.

BuffaloNews.com stated: “The Federal Communications Commission is expected early next year to review a proposed controversial $45 billion merger between Time Warner and Comcast that would unite the two largest cable operators in the country.”

As you can imagine, public interest groups want the merger to be rejected. Stay tuned.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Friends of Greene Central School (Parent-Teacher Group) will be sponsoring an indoor yard sale at Greene Central School from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, May 2. Spaces are available to rent for individuals to sell their own yard sale items or craft items. Vendors are welcome as well (one vendor per product type). Spaces are limited. Please email friendsofgcs@gmail.com if you are interested in renting a space.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The Dixfield High School class of 1965 is planning its 50th class reunion to be held June 27, 2015. We are looking for class members. If anyone is interested in attending and or helping with plans, please send contact information to Donna Towle, P.O. Box 823, Dixfield, ME 04224; call 207-562-7595; or email donna.towle@myfairpoint.net. Looking forward to hearing from all class members. — Donna Towle.

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