There was a great offer from Cox. You too it. You were happy with the service quality. But when the bill arrives, you find it was higher than you anticipated. Now you’re over your budget and that’s causing problems. How did Cox hidden fees find their way onto your bill? That is what this blog discusses in detail.
Everything You Need to Know About Cox Hidden Fees
Costs can go up very quickly. From add-on fees to local and state taxes to federal charges, all of these add on to your bill. There can be a large number of costs that can make your bill soar. But understanding them is important if you don’t want a nasty surprise at the end of the billing cycle. This blog explores the following Cox hidden costs subscribers often miss out on because of the fine print:
Let’s examine these in more detail below.
1. TV Fees
Many subscribers see confusing fees on their bills in addition to the cost of their TV services. These can range from FCC charges to regional network fees. And all of them together increases your bill significantly. Here are the most common fees and what they mean:
Broadcast Surcharge
The provider charges this fee for broadcasting local stations. The surcharge includes fees from broadcast stations to broadcast their channels. The broadcast surcharge can increase over time.
Regional Sports Surcharge
Providers also charge you for offering regional sports networks on your subscription. The amount of this surcharge varies from location to location. The amount can increase during the term of your agreement with the provider.
Installation Charges
This is a one-time cost for installing your equipment. It can vary based on the plan you choose and is different for Cox Business and Residental customers. It can also vary based on whether you opt for a professional installation or a self-installation.
HD Receiver Fees
The HD receiver is a piece of equipment that allows you to access HD channels with your TV plan. The provider charges a monthly fee for its use.
CableCARD Charges
In case you don’t need an HD receiver, you will have a CableCARD to access HD content. The provider will charge you a monthly CableCARD fee for its use.
Activation Fees
The activation fee is a one-time cost. It can vary based on the plan you choose.
State and Local Communication Service Sales Taxes
These are local or state-imposed taxes on TV services in the area.
State and Local Gross Recipients and Utility Taxes
These can be local or state-assessed taxes. They vary based on your location.
FCC Regulatory Charges
The Federal Communications Commission charges this amount to meet their costs.
Cable TV Franchise Charges
Local governments charge providers for this fee in return for letting them use public facilities and right-of-way.
Public Access Fees
This fee is associated with public access channels.
2. Internet Fees
When you subscribe to the provider’s internet services, you may see the following Cox hidden costs as well:
Equipment Rental
Your internet subscription usually comes with an internet modem and aa panoramic Wi-Fi modem. The provider will charge you a monthly rental for their use.
Installation Charges
This is a one time Cox hidden fee. It can vary if you choose to either have a professional installation or do it yourself.
State and Local Taxes
These are local or state taxes imposed on data communication, varying by location. They do not vary based on your plan type, such as Cox Gigablast.
3. Voice Fees
When trying Cox Bill Pay services, you may also notice certain charges on your voice service bill. With voice services, most of the hidden charges are the same with all providers. They include the following:
Installation Charges
This is a one time fee. You can opt for a professional installation or a self-installation.
International and Long-Distance Calling
Additional monthly charges apply to long-distance and international calls. Local calls do not carry hidden fees.
Carrier Cost Recovery
This is a fee that federal, state or local governments assess to businesses offering voice services. It can change during your agreement.
State and Local Taxes
These are local or state-imposed taxes on voice services in your area.
911 Emergency Fees
Local and state governments impose these fees to offer emergency 911 services.
Federal Excise Duties
These are federal taxes on certain voice services.
4. Additional Fees
The charges we discuss above apply to all plans. However, several charges may apply to you based on additional services and features. They include the following:
TV Paks
The provider offers customized channel paks for additional monthly fees. These paks may include movies, Latino programs, sports, etc.
DVR Service Fees
This equipment rental fee applies if you opt for a Cox DVR. It can vary based on whether you have a 2-channel or 6-channel DVR.
Premium Channels
If you have added on premium channels like HBO, SHOWTIME, and Starz to your subscription, this fee will apply every month.
Mini Box
A mini box is an additional receiver, and you will be charged for each one you add to your plan. One mini box only works with one additional TV.
5. Conditional Fees
The above fees may appear on your bills every month. Others might appear only if you have added additional services or features to your plan. But the following fees only apply on the happening of certain conditions:
Complete Care Fee
This fee only applies if you have subscribed to Complete Care. This is different from the provider’s Customer Care services. Complete Care offers 24/7 technical support and includes repairs and in-home work.
Late Payment Charges
You may be charged this fee if you are late when paying your monthly bill. The late payment fee can vary from location to location.
Early Cancellation Fees
If you decide to cancel your agreement before the term has expired, Cox may charge you this fee. This only applies if you had a contract with the provider in the first place, like in bundle offers.
