8 Cable and Internet Price Jumps That Often Start in Month 13

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We have all been in this situation: we sign up for a great introductory deal, enjoy 12 months of blissful pricing, and then—right on schedule—month 13 arrives like a plot twist in a thriller.

Suddenly, the bill jumps, eyebrows raise, and blood pressure jumps. We scroll through the charges, hunting for clues, but all we find are vague line items and a cheerful reminder that your “promotional period has ended.”

Telecom companies aren’t hiding anything illegal. Promotional pricing is standard practice, and the terms are usually spelled out somewhere in the fine print. But let’s be honest: most people don’t memorize the expiration date of their discount, and companies rarely send a friendly reminder.

So let’s break down the eight price jumps that commonly kick in after the first 12 months—so you can spot them, prepare for them, and maybe even negotiate your way out of them.

1. The “Promotional Rate Expired” Jump: The Classic Month-13 Surprise

This is the big one—the price increase everyone warns you about but still somehow sneaks up on you. Promotional rates are designed to be attractive, and they usually last exactly 12 months. When month 13 hits, the discount disappears, and your bill reverts to the standard rate.

The tricky part is that the standard rate isn’t always obvious when you sign up. It might be buried in the fine print or listed on a separate page. That’s why the jump feels so dramatic. If you want to avoid the shock, set a reminder on your phone for 11 months after signing up. That gives you time to call your provider and ask about new promotions.

2. Equipment Rental Fee Increases: The Modem That Gets More Expensive Every Year

Many providers charge a monthly fee for renting a modem or router. These fees can increase over time, even if you’re using the exact same equipment. Month 13 is a common moment for these increases because they often coincide with the end of your promotional period.

The fee itself is real, but the timing can feel suspiciously convenient. If you want to avoid this jump entirely, consider buying your own compatible modem. Just make sure it works with your provider’s network before you invest.

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3. Regional Sports Fees: The Charge That Creeps Up Quietly

If you have a cable package that includes sports channels, you may see a “regional sports fee” on your bill. These fees can increase annually, and month 13 is a common moment for the adjustment to kick in. Providers often cite rising programming costs, which is accurate—sports broadcasting rights are expensive.

The challenge is that these fees are usually mandatory if your package includes certain channels. You can sometimes lower the fee by switching to a package without regional sports networks, but that depends on your provider’s offerings.

4. Broadcast TV Fees: The Line Item That Never Stops Growing

Broadcast TV fees cover the cost of carrying local channels. These fees have been rising for years, and they often increase at the same time promotional pricing ends. Month 13 becomes a double whammy: your base rate goes up, and your broadcast fee goes up, too.

Providers typically explain these increases as the result of higher retransmission costs. That’s true—local stations negotiate fees with cable companies—but the timing can still feel like a surprise. If you want to avoid this fee entirely, consider switching to a streaming service or using an over-the-air antenna.

5. “Network Maintenance” or “Infrastructure” Fees: The Vague but Persistent Increase

Some providers include a monthly fee for network maintenance or infrastructure upgrades. These fees can rise periodically, and month 13 is a common moment for the adjustment. The explanation is usually broad—upgrades, repairs, system improvements—but the details aren’t always spelled out.

These fees aren’t optional, so the best strategy is awareness. If you see this fee increase, check your provider’s website for rate updates. They often publish explanations there, even if they don’t highlight them on the bill.

6. Internet Speed Tier Increases: The Upgrade You Didn’t Ask For

Some providers automatically shift customers to a higher speed tier after the promotional period ends. This can be framed as an “upgrade,” but it also comes with a higher price. Month 13 is a common moment for this shift, especially if your original plan was tied to a promotional speed.

If you notice your bill jump and your speed increase, call your provider and ask whether you can switch back to your original tier. Many companies will allow it if you request it directly.

7. Bundle Discount Expiration: When the Package Deal Stops Being a Deal

Bundle discounts—like combining internet, cable, and phone—often come with a promotional price that lasts 12 months. When month 13 arrives, the discount disappears, and each service reverts to its standard rate. The result can be a surprisingly large increase, especially if you have multiple services bundled together.

If you want to keep your bill manageable, ask your provider whether new bundle promotions are available. Companies often have unadvertised deals for existing customers who call in.

8. Taxes and Regulatory Fees: The Small Charges That Add Up Fast

Taxes and regulatory fees can change annually, and month 13 is a common moment for those adjustments to appear on your bill. These fees are set by government agencies, not providers, but the timing can still feel confusing when they coincide with other increases.

While you can’t negotiate taxes, you can review your bill to make sure you’re not being charged for services you don’t use. Sometimes trimming or even completely changing your package can offset the impact of rising fees.

Month 13 Isn’t a Mystery — It’s a Business Model

Cable and internet companies rely on promotional pricing to attract new customers. Month 13 isn’t a glitch or a conspiracy—it’s the moment when the real price kicks in. The key is knowing it’s coming so you can prepare, negotiate, or switch providers if needed.

Have you ever been hit with a month-13 price jump, or did one of these surprise you the most? Share all of your helpful thoughts in the comments.