Frontier charts new territory with reported $500 FiOS install fee

If a 50 percent rate hike couldn't drive subscribers away, a $500 install fee for new FiOS TV services for Frontier Communications customers should at least keep the FiOS-phobic telco from having to worry about adding any new ones. The company, which acquired some 100,000 FiOS customers from Verizon (NYSE:VZ) when it bought Verizon's landline business last year, has been trying to shed subscribers like a Golden Retriever sheds hair in the middle of June ever since.

The company had been charging $79 per install.

Frontier has been playing games with the former Verizon subscribers from the get-go, and also has files with Oregon regulators to opt out of franchise agreements in four Oregon communities, questioning the FiOS TV business model it inherited and seemingly less-than enthused about signing for another 12 years.

A Frontier spokesman said the rate increases, made public in January, haven't taken effect, yet, but added they were likely on the way. As to the increased install fee and opt-out rumors, he said the company was still weighing its options.

Frontier has been suggesting subscribers sign up for DirecTV services in lieu of FiOS.

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