Optimum Online, Paul Meltzer, V.P. ripoff rates raised 50% victimized many consumers What a shock the new customers will get when it goes from $19.95 to $49.95! Bethpage New York

July 15, 2003

Paul Meltzer
Vice President
Optimum Online
1111 Stewart Avenue
Bethpage, NY 11714


Dear Mr. Meltzer:

I must say that I was astonished to receive a letter from you just the other day, informing me that my OPTIMUM ONLINE rate would rise from $29.95 per month to $44.95 per month. This is a 50% increase in service fees. I might have expected an increase in the 5% to 10% range but this amount is absurd. I have paid many increases from Cablevision over the years, one just a month or so ago, as I recall. Not only that but I had to pay extra for the YES channel and just last month you dropped MSG and FSNY from my service. Pay more for less! Is this what Cablevision is promoting?

I was about to upgrade my service to your new IO but I dont think I can afford it now. I guess I have to research the cost of Satellite service and DSL. It is unfortunate that you do not have a direct cable competitor in the area. I also notice your new advertising campaign on television. It tells NEW customers that it will cost $19.95 for the first three months of Optimum Online. What a shock they will get when it goes from there to $49.95.

I think, as a loyal customer, who has been shelling out about $100 a month for all my service for quite some time, should be getting a better break on Optimum Online.

Alan
Norwalk, Connecticut
U.S.A.