Even before deregulation, cable rates are on the rise.

Reports that cable-television rates are going up in 1996, just as they did after Congress deregulated the industry in the mid-1980s. Increases from five percent to 20 percent; The 13 percent increase by Tele-Communications Inc., the United States' largest cable operator; Statements from cable operators, on the need for the increases; Index of average consumer cable-television rates from 1986 to 1995.