Re: Response to the Dec. 15 letter to the editor, "Streets Chopped but Not Cable Rates."
Regarding the comment that GTE offers 28 channels on its basic service for $10.95, while TCI offers 21 channels on its basic service for $10.51, please be advised that among GTE's 28 channels are 25 channels which are either "federally mandated must-carry" or local franchise required. This means that GTE has been forced to carry channels such as UPN/Paramount--KCOP (13), Independent--KWHY (22), etc. without regard to the preferences of their viewers and despite a very low subscriber demand. TCI is also subject to federally mandated must-carry and to franchise requirements. It is this sort of regulation which adds to the cost of cable service without providing corresponding value.
