We hope you’ve got your office’s WCIA pool all set, because it’s time for the bloodshed to begin. First up in the Worst Company Dodecahedron Of Doom — two cable and Internet providers that aren’t as big as Comcast, but which customers hate anyway.

Time Warner Cable makes regular appearances on the pages of Consumerist due to bizarre billing and questionable customer service, but this past year has seen a particularly large amount of hate being tossed TWC’s way because of its attempt to bring back metered broadband, and the new monthly modem rental fees charged for equipment that had previously been included in the price of service.

Cablevision may only be a regional player in the industry, but its billing and customer service — along with some very public carriage fee disputes — landed the Long Island-based company in an underdog slot in this year’s tournament.

One unknown factor that may work in Cablevision’s favor is its Optimum West operations, which had been regularly criticized by Consumerist readers west of the Rockies. Cablevision had acquired these customers through its acquisition of Bresnan Communications, but it’s since declared its intent to sell these operations off to Charter. If enough of these 300,000+ customers are sick of being passed around like a hot potato, it could swing things Cablevision’s way.

Of course, Cablevision is the only notable player in the cable industry attempting to end broadcasters’ attempts at forcing bundles of unwanted channels on cable providers. Problem is, Cablevision isn’t saying this will result in customers being able to do the same.

Enough of this jibber-jabber. Let’s vote!

VOTING FOR THIS POLL IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO TIME WARNER CABLE AS IT MOVES ON TO THE NEXT ROUND!

This is a post in our Worst Company In America 2013 series. The companies competing for this honor were chosen by you, the readers. See the entire WCIA 2013 bracket HERE.

Want more consumer news? Visit our parent organization, Consumer Reports, for the latest on scams, recalls, and other consumer issues.