Time Warner Promises No Waiting for the Cable Guy, for a Price

Time Warner Cable Inc. is set to try a new pitch for customers: No more waiting for the cable guy. There is a price, however. The second-largest U.S. cable operator will set a specific service appointment time for customers who pay $189.95 a month for a new premium package. The plan, dubbed "Signature Home," is being tested in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will roll out nationally within a few weeks, Chief Executive Officer Glenn Britt said.

Time Warner Cable plans to introduce several custom bundles geared at different customer bases within the next two years to lure and retain subscribers. The premium package includes two whole-home digital video recorders and wideband Internet, as well as higher-end service. The company is testing a lower- priced service called "TV Essentials" in New York City for $39.99 aimed at economically strapped consumers.