Cable TV has recently changed its programme guide's publication date. It used to be published monthly, but now comes out every week. Cable has reduced the price from $10 to $8. However, this is no reduction at all, because Cable subscribers now have to pay $32 instead of $10 a month, which is an actual increase of $22. This is simply for a list of TV programmes, which, in my view, should be included in the monthly subscription fee. This is unreasonable. Would a restaurant charge its customers for asking to see a menu? I complained to Cable and requested a free monthly programme list. I said I was quite happy to get it by fax or with my monthly bill. However, the company's response was suitably vague, that the 'suggestions would be recorded for future consideration'. I sought the help of the Consumer Council, but its reply to me was equally unsatisfactory. The reason I have not cancelled my subscription is that there is, as yet, no other pay TV service in my building. I can assure Cable that if an alternative did become available, I would switch as I find this kind of blatant profiteering intolerable. LAU HOK-KEUNG Sha Tin
