Mediacom cable television customers will see basic and expanded basic package costs rise starting in mid-November.

Phyllis Peters, Mediacom communications director, said subscribers with channels 2 through 22 will see monthly costs go from $20.95 to $23.95, while the expanded basic (the Family Package), wll go from $54.95 to $58.95.

Ms. Peters blamed the increase to several factors, including programming costs. Channels such as the new Big Ten Network added to its costs, she said, and some new contracts for Mediacom's use channels have increased.

"We don't own the programming," Ms. Peters said. "We resell it in effect."

Mediacom has spent more than a $1 million for new equipment for the mandated digital transition Feb. 17, 2009, she said. Health care and fuel costs also were factored into the rates.

"We are informing mayors and city managers as well as customers in the area where we added the Big Ten Network," Ms. Peters said.

People with existing packages, such as Internet and telephone service or other cable promotional or introductory specials, won't see increases until the contracts expire. More than half of Mediacom's customers get high-speed Internet, she said, which has had its speed booster four times over the past seven years.

"People may be dismayed for the charges in getting ESPN, Home and Garden and all channels 2 through 78," she said. "At the same time, they've never had an increase in Mediacom Internet service since 2001."