Experiencing a higher bill.

WOW!, formerly WideOpenWest, is informing many of its customers it is raising rates $8-9 a month — $5 for bundled customers and a new $3-4 a month “Broadcast TV Surcharge” the company claims covers the increasing amount of fees charged by local broadcasters in return for permission to carry their signals on the cable system. The amount of the surcharge varies depending on costs in a particular market.

The excuse for the increase: increased programming costs.

WOW! equipment fees have also increased. The HD-DVR box that used to cost $9.99 will now be priced at $13 a month. A standard HD set top box is only increasing a penny — $4.99 to $5.

Customers complain WOW!’s prices are now approaching parity with competitors including Time Warner Cable and AT&T U-verse. Both competing providers have increased promotional mailings in areas where WOW! is increasing prices.