Need Help Understanding LOGIC

For the past several years we exit the summer heat about 1 June and return about 1 October. 

Upon leaving we put services on vacation and re-activate upon return. That has involved newspaper, internet and cable TV. There may be a small fee for this vacation privilege. 

There has never been a problem prior to this years return. Newspaper – no problem, internet – no problem, cable (DirecTV) – no problem. 

Last year I changed my cable TV over to Cox. But this year when I called to re-activate internet and cable TV, I was told that my cable bill would be greatly increased, but that they would attempt to get me the latest best deal available. I stated that I had just put it on vacation, not canceled. 

I was informed that the system basically cancels, it doesn't know how to just lapse service. 

I find this totally non-logical.

The obvious question would be, why wasn't I told that this would happen and then why would I want to pay a $6/month TV and $9.99/month internet vacation fees to hold my service for the summer. I should be told “Just cancel, save yourself the money, because your service is terminated!”  

I sent in a complaint letter and received a call back stating "That is the way we run our business!"

What did the $15.99/month fee buy me??