What's your market? And did they add them as HD or SD? In most regions, the QAM is basically frozen - no new anything is getting added. Locals will stay if they change affiliation (from one sub-channel network to another) but we haven't had a "new" add sub-channel in awhile.
If these are additional subchannels of existing transmitters, or out-of-market channels (rather than the primary subchannel of new transmitter (which is extremely unlikely)) Comcast has been quite clear that new(er) channels are highly likely to be added as IP-only [Only the primary subchannel of an OTA transmitter in the DMA gets any special dispensation under the existing regulations]. If the bill that announced these new channels used wording such as X1 or IP equipment required (it is in the small print of the bill) than that was Comcast's explicit statement that your TiVo will not be getting these channels. Your option(s) are to move to an X1 STB, use a streaming solution (such as a Roku or (some) TV apps), view the channels on your mobile app via the Stream app, put up your own OTA antenna for your TV, or do without.
Not really surprising, as CableCARD users are now somewhat less than 1% of the total customer base(*). The scripts that reps follow to fix channel issues are intended for the 99%, not the outlier(s). Anything more complex may result in a truck roll if you continue to have issues. And while there may have been a notice sent to the reps about IP channels at some point a long time ago when it was first a thing, and it might be in the training binder(**) of hundreds of details about all Comcast offerings, few reps are going to remember something that they in practice never need to deal with.
Does that even include build in cable cards in cable boxes?
The number(s) were from the data that the operators provided to the FCC of issued CableCARDs (how many were still in actual use is unknown, but it is presumed most). As with all such numbers, they are trailing (what was, not what is), and the FCC has cancelled the order that requires reports to be submitted, so we really will be working off of data that will loose accuracy rather fast with the TV subscriber losses that are being reported by all operators.
They can, as it is part of the (very) fine print in the full contract (which essentially says that programming may change). However, for material changes (and Comcast tends to be a bit liberal in what a material change is, to your advantage) you can terminate your contract without any contract ETF penalty for 30 days or so, so if you don't like the current offering now that programming tiers have changed, contact Comcast and terminate your existing contract.
That phrase (or something to that effect) is usually included as an asterisk on any bill/notice that includes a programming change that might take away a channel. Although in reality it amounts to "If you feel these changes in violation of our contract you are more than welcome to consider the option of a $3 refund this month, after which we can discontinue your service and you can go pound sand". I distinctly remember it on the bill that moved the Cartoon Network. I don't think it has appeared on bills that just say "We're adding new channels, that you can't get, tough noogies".
It is always more than you want to pay. If you want the "rack rate" difference you can go to Local services and pricing (you may need to login) and note the difference between your current TV package and the step up they stated in the legalese (if you are on a legacy plan which no longer exists it can be somewhat difficult to compare the rates). However, it is reportedly not unusual that if you contact Comcast and discuss the removal of the Cartoon network they may offer a better deal than the rack rate difference (at least for a year).
Entirely? Only provider I'm aware of that's done that is little FuboTV, a streaming cable TV service. I suspect that any mainstream cable operator who eliminated CNN, TBS, TNT and HBO from their line-up would see their customer base plummet.
go to www.xfinity.com/CTN. there you will find the $10 /mnth for 1 year offer. offer ends tomorrow
