From the earlier story this week on new and old TV options in Orange County (and earlier blog entry), the most feedback I received from readers dealt with the “Cheapskate” package, which included the lowest prices available from the six local TV services.

But one in particular — Time Warner’s $9.50 a month for it’s cheapest package — caused the most confusion because it’s not available to everyone in Time Warner territory. So, I finally got the scoop on the number: This price is only available in parts of Costa Mesa.

The explanation: It’s a city-by-city issue. …

Since cities charge their own cable franchise fees, the rates can differ from one place to another, says Fred Stefany, president of OC’s Time Warner Cable. At the high end of the budget package, the rates are around $14. But $9.50 is the company’s lowest in OC, even though it’s limited to one area.

For many of the prices posted in the story (which all came directly from the companies), you won’t find those prices on the Web. You’ve got to call in. Jack Edmondson, a reader from Huntington Beach, questioned the $12.99 for Verizon FiOS TV. I told him to call Verizon and he got the price. Jack’s comment:

Your right Tamara, you have to use the phone to find they do offer channels 2 through 48 for $12.99 – you won’t easily find that info (if at all) on their web site. That means if you put up an antenna you can get the same broadcast channels for free. That $12.99 does not, however, include any cable channels.

So, astute readers, please let me know if you can’t get the prices and I’ll try to hunt down any discrepancies. Just send me an e-mail. Thanks!

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