By ANNA WILLARD

Charter Communications announced rate increases for Umatilla County cable and Internet customers that take effect in March.

Monthly cable rates are going up by $2 per month, while Internet prices will increase between $3 and $5 per month. 

Hermiston recently extended its cable franchise agreement with the company until Jan. 31. The city is expected to complete the necessary updates on the existing franchise agreement, which was drafted in September 2001. 

Stanfield also extended its agreement with Charter to last until July. 

The price hike has no effect on Hermistons agreement with Charter, said City Manager Ed Brookshier.

Charter is required to notify city and county governments of upcoming changes, but the government body does not typically review or approve the changes, said Kevin Allen, Charter spokesman. 

The city has no authority over that … it is outside the scope of what we regulate, Brookshier said. 

The biggest increase is $5 per month bringing the price of Charters Lite Internet service up from $19.99 per month to $24.99 per month. All other Internet services are set to increase by only $3.

Like many other businesses, Charter has experienced an increase in our overall cost of doing business, including the costs we pay for programming and equipment, Allen said. Our ongoing commitment to our customers is to provide the best experience with Charter products and services at reasonable, competitive prices.

Customers receiving a price guarantee promotional package are exempt from the increases until their promotional period ends. Charter serves 100,000 customers in the state but does not disclose local subscriber numbers, Allen said.