Telecommunication companies are businesses, often very large corporations, with many expenses. Even when technology advances, as it has exponentially with 10G coaxial-fiber networks now under development, the cost of research, development, and dissemination to the consumer can force prices up.

Optimum is owned and operated by Altice USA, a public company. Shareholder values take high priority in public companies because the company may be using money raised from a stock offering to develop new products or to expand operations or pay off debt. Investor funding is critical. Companies must balance customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and investor relations. When macroeconomic forces cause supplier costs to increase along with rising fuel costs there can be pressure to raise prices.

Will prices go down at some point? That’s a great question. When companies can reduce prices, they tend to create brand loyalty, even if those reductions are in the form of sales and clearances rather than permanent reductions.

When the overall economy is inflating, prices can go up faster. Overall, labor costs have gone up (even if you personally have not seen a raise recently), fuel has gone up, the costs of materials have gone up, and so it goes like a chain reaction.

Optimum is the fourth-largest cable provider in the United States. Optimum Internet is a broadband and cable company that offers internet, TV, mobile and home phone service. Cable and fiber-optic internet plans are available depending on location.

Optimum serves about 11.9 million customers in the Northeast. Optimum is known for competitive rates initially and no contracts.

Optimum plans don’t have a data cap. Plans start with a 2-year price lock after which they go up about $10 per month. Introductory promotional pricing for the internet lasts for 24 months after which your bill will go up at least $10 per month. Ideally, take the difference each month from the get-go and put it toward any equipment upgrades you’re thinking about, like a new laptop, tablet or smart TV, and make those purchases before your monthly utility bill increases.

Here are some Optimum Internet plans. Prices require autopay and paperless bill:

These plans have details that are worth looking into. Additional fees apply.

If you feel your Optimum bill is simply too high for you, call Customer Service and ask to speak with the Customer Retention department. This should initiate a discussion on what the company can do to retain you as a customer.