criticised by the Consumer Affairs Bureau.

And the Bureau has told subscribers that they should not feel obligated in any way to pay for additional channels they do not want.

The warning was issued after complaints from Cablevision subscribers who found their bills increased by $4.95, for the new "Super Tier''.

Cablevision began running adverts late last year informing viewers of the new channels in the cable.

Subscribers were warned that they would be automatically billed for the channels if they did not telephone Cablevision for disconnection.

But a spokesman for the Bureau said they had explained to Cablevision management in December that the advertisements constituted an "unsolicited offer'' and was not binding if the subscriber chooses not to respond.

He said: "We advised Cablevision that we were concerned about the scheme and that we considered it to be unacceptable.'' "There have been complaints from subscribers who were also billed for the extra channels in spite of having telephoned Cablevision to say that they did not want the service.

"People should be aware that even though Cablevision had said subscribers who did not want the extra service should inform them, subscribers are under no obligation to do so.

"Persons who find themselves being charged for a service they did not ask for should resist paying the additional charge.

"Subscribers are not bound to pay for anything that is not in the initial contract and not properly agreed to.''