NORFOLK (WVEC) - Changes are on the way for Cox customers. The cable company is moving away from analog television to an all-digital platform.
That means Cox customers without a converter box will have to pay an additional monthly charge, or they will lose their signal. Soon, subscribers won't be able to plug their TVs directly into the wall. Instead, they will have to get a mini box in order to continue service.
"We're replacing it with better, more efficient digital technology, so it will improve our customers' viewing experience," Cox Public Relations Manager Jessica Dawley said.
For those who live in Virginia, the mini box comes with a cost of $2.99 each month. If you have more than one TV in your house, you will need a separate mini box for each one.
"There are markets across the country where the digital transition started with a $1.99 price point for the mini box. The price of the mini boxes in Virginia are $2.99, because of operational costs and market considerations," Dawley said.
We spoke with several locals about their thoughts on the new converter box.
"It's just another charge. It seems like every time you turn around, all the cable companies find yet another charge," Eddie Crank said.
"A lot of people are going to be very disturbed about this," said Rosalie Styron.
"It's a strong-arm tactic," added Lavell Perkins.
Cox claims the transition is necessary to free up bandwidth and offer better services.
"More HD channels, gig speed, internet, and service enhancements... they'll get clearer pictures. They may have more channels added to line up, they'll be able to access our channel guide rather than having to flip through the channels to find a station," Dawley said.
In Hampton Roads, subscribers will begin to see the change starting January 26, 2016, and everyone in the area will be phased in by April.
Cox says it began notifying people in Hampton Roads in September. The company is making note of the change on your monthly bill, in fine print.
"No one reads the fine print," Perkins said.
"It doesn't sound like they're being up-front and transparent. Seems like they're trying to come through the back door," Crank said.
Cox is also notifying customers through newsletters, but it is not sending notifications via email.
You can pick up your mini box at any Cox retail store or have it shipped to you by mail. Customers can get the service for free for up to a year.
