comcast cable bulls@#$

[JohnWester]

okay, so direct TV is finally offering free HD/DVRs, that's what I was waiting for, not one or the other, but both... so I sign up, they come, install, everything is great. (and cheaper)
So I call comcast and tell them I want to drop from what I have to just basic level 1 (I keep that so internet isn't $60 a month, it's only $43).  we'll after their little speech to try and get me to stay, blah, blah...  she says, okay I'll schedule someone to come out and pickup the box and change out the filters so you just get basic 1 cable.  that will be a $11 charge..  I said **Cough** bullsh$t***
you are going to charge me to do what?  she says, well it's a change in service and someone needs to come out, so there is a charge.  I said, so if I was changing from basic to everything service, would you charge me $11 then too??  (i think I heard crickets chirping in the back ground)
then I said, so if I just cancel everything, would there be a charge then?  she says... No.  well then why to do this?

So is this BS or what... are there really filters or is this just one last chance for them to stick it to me?

[22lex]

I've heard this happening to other people by our local cable company, and I asked my low voltage buddy about this situation (he sets up all the computers, t.v.'s, etc. at the Mayo Clinic) and he pretty much said it's B.S.

I tried knocking our cable bill down for the spring/summer months internet + cable = 110 dollars a month.

I told the lady we were just going to have ten channels (lowest possible) and internet. It was like 89 after taxes. I then told her to cancel our cable altogether, and the internet then jumped from 40 a month to 75 a month after taxes. Any way you go they will try to get it out of you.

Around here we only have one decent internet service so we are kind of backed into a corner as my wife and I have to have it for school.

[UncleDave]

They did this to me a few years ago.  I went with satelite.  When I called to cancel the cable, the gal told me the high speed was about doubling.  I told her if that happens I will then cancel the internet.  To this day it's still $40.

[UncleDave]

P.S.  If the government would get rid of the cable monopoly like they did with the phone companies 30 years ago this would change because they would have competition.  I remember my parents LEASED their crappy phone on the wall for like $3-$4 a month.  As soon as the monopoly was broken they bought a phone for $20 and never paid again.  You know the cable companies must have lobbyists down at the capitol greasing some palms not to get rid of their sweet monopolies.   

[Randy Kaar]

we got the next step up from basic with comcast. for one year
we got a deal from them for broadband internet, phone with
free long distance. i will cancel after they raise the prices except
for the internet and go to basic cable. it is pricey even with this
year long deal!

randy

[Ryan]

I would follow the guy around and make him show you what exactly he is doing.  You should just be able to drop your box off at the local office and be done with it.  Any other changes that have to be done are all on their end.

[mopho]

okay, so direct TV is finally offering free HD/DVRs, that's what I was waiting for, not one or the other, but both... so I sign up, they come, install, everything is great. (and cheaper)
So I call comcast and tell them I want to drop from what I have to just basic level 1 (I keep that so internet isn't $60 a month, it's only $43).  we'll after their little speech to try and get me to stay, blah, blah...  she says, okay I'll schedule someone to come out and pickup the box and change out the filters so you just get basic 1 cable.  that will be a $11 charge..  I said **Cough** bullsh$t***
you are going to charge me to do what?  she says, well it's a change in service and someone needs to come out, so there is a charge.  I said, so if I was changing from basic to everything service, would you charge me $11 then too??  (i think I heard crickets chirping in the back ground)
then I said, so if I just cancel everything, would there be a charge then?  she says... No.  well then why to do this?

So is this BS or what... are there really filters or is this just one last chance for them to stick it to me?

there  are filters and  they do need to be installed..   this is why comcast is such a suck ass company   time warner did not charge for  this   baloney

[mopho]

I would follow the guy around and make him show you what exactly he is doing.  You should just be able to drop your box off at the local office and be done with it.  Any other changes that have to be done are all on their end.

its not the techs issue that   its policy to charge  people for downgrades
 and once agin there are filters   that  do need installing 

[mopho]

P.S.  If the government would get rid of the cable monopoly like they did with the phone companies 30 years ago this would change because they would have competition.  I remember my parents LEASED their crappy phone on the wall for like $3-$4 a month.  As soon as the monopoly was broken they bought a phone for $20 and never paid again.  You know the cable companies must have lobbyists down at the capitol greasing some palms not to get rid of their sweet monopolies.   

 you have no idea what your talking about. there is no such thing as a " cable monopoly "
i would   like to hear how you think there is 
 really...please... 

[22lex]

 

I would definately have to agree that there is a partial monopoly in the SE area of Minnesota where I live, especially on the internet aspect.

Not quite a "full monopoly" but pretty close because the next best thing is dial-up (sh##y!).

[deadeye]

I guess they are all pretty much the same.  Several years ago I installed Charter cable for internet service.  At the time it was cheaper to get both internet and basic cable tv that just the internet acess.  I still have the cable tv (I have dish network also) connected to a desktop pc.  Every three months or so they call and want me to upgrade my tv package.   P.S. On a side note I use ATT Voip for my phone service so I need a cable and Charter was the only one avaible where I live.  Monopoly? maybe. 

[mopho]

I would definately have to agree that there is a partial monopoly in the SE area of Minnesota where I live, especially on the internet aspect.

Not quite a "full monopoly" but pretty close because the next best thing is dial-up (sh##y!).

I guess they are all pretty much the same.  Several years ago I installed Charter cable for internet service.  At the time it was cheaper to get both internet and basic cable tv that just the internet acess.  I still have the cable tv (I have dish network also) connected to a desktop pc.  Every three months or so they call and want me to upgrade my tv package.   P.S. On a side note I use ATT Voip for my phone service so I need a cable and Charter was the only one avaible where I live.  Monopoly? maybe. 

 this is not a monopoly  this  is a lack of  participating compilation  any cable company is able to overbuild   another city. the cost is imperative and the projected return ( fighting over the same existing customers ) makes the project  not worth the  return.

 there are many citys with  multiple cable company's  ( saint  cloud  being one of them  astound and charter  and it failed miserably ) 

[22lex]

The point of this whole thread is you pay for what you get.

We are all backed into a corner of sorts because we want the best available service for the best price. It obviously doesn't work that way due to the lack of competition, and sunk costs of underground cables/etc. that would go with it.

I know if I had a dollar for all the trickery, b.s., and hocus-pocus I've been fed from Charter over the years I would have IRA's in the bank. The thing for us around here is that they know they can provide horsesh#% service because they are the only viable internet/tv/phone dealer in the area. However, when making the determination of whether or not the cable/internet companies need to be regulated, we should consider how "free" our internet services are. We can literally do anything we want online (movies, t.v. shows, forums, schoolwork) without incurring time costs/constraints.

[ku-tech]

P.S.  If the government would get rid of the cable monopoly like they did with the phone companies 30 years ago this would change because they would have competition.  I remember my parents LEASED their crappy phone on the wall for like $3-$4 a month.  As soon as the monopoly was broken they bought a phone for $20 and never paid again.  You know the cable companies must have lobbyists down at the capitol greasing some palms not to get rid of their sweet monopolies.   

there's no monopoly here. cable and satellite (dish/direct tv) are the same.they provide the same services.  you had a choice and you went with comcast . i work for comcast as for a field tech. yes its b.s. to charge $11 for a change of service but did you know that it cost comcast 80 bucks just to roll out a truck to your house!? so i said 11 bucks is not back for a change.im not saying comcast is the best, i know comcast need to work on there customer service more, but the quality of the service is good. faster internet speed!

[Randy Kaar]

geez  your trucks must get bad gas mileage. we charge
90 to go to pine city.

randy

[ku-tech]

geez  your trucks must get bad gas mileage. we charge
90 to go to pine city.

randy

bad mileage but comcast cover all of that for us!

[Randy Kaar]

one thing i can say about comcast, since they took over we
havent had any problems with the cable tv or internet.

randy

[UncleDave]

Unless Wikipedia is wrong, there are monopolies in place (at least in some counties/cities).  I had a couple of people call me out for saying they had a monopoly and that they are greasing palms in St. Paul.  Wikipedia seems to confirm both unless they are wrong. 


Straight from Wikipedia:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis,_Minnesota

Health and utilities

Utility providers are regulated monopolies: Xcel Energy supplies electricity, CenterPoint Energy supplies gas, Qwest is the landline telephone provider, and Comcast is the cable service.[160]


Another Wikipedia Search:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast


Reputation for poor customer satisfaction

In 2004 and 2007, the American Customer Satisfaction Index survey found that Comcast had the worst customer satisfaction rating of any company or government agency in the country, including the Internal Revenue Service.[23]


Lobbying efforts

Comcast spends millions of dollars annually on government relationships.[43][44] Regularly Comcast employs the spouses, sons and daughters of influential mayors, councilmen, commissioners, and other officials to assure its continued preferred market allocations.[45][46][47][48]

Comcast strongly lobbies against "a la carte" bills that would give consumers the option to purchase individual channels rather than a broad tier of programming. These issues continue to garner attention from state governments, Congress and FCC Chairman Martin.[49]

[22lex]

Excellent post UncleDave,

I can't wait for the reply on this one.

[UncleDave]

22, don't hold your breath...

[UncleDave]

P.S.  If the government would get rid of the cable monopoly like they did with the phone companies 30 years ago this would change because they would have competition.  I remember my parents LEASED their crappy phone on the wall for like $3-$4 a month.  As soon as the monopoly was broken they bought a phone for $20 and never paid again.  You know the cable companies must have lobbyists down at the capitol greasing some palms not to get rid of their sweet monopolies.   

 you have no idea what your talking about. there is no such thing as a " cable monopoly "
i would   like to hear how you think there is 
 really...please... 

Mopho...anyone...Mopho...LOL

[UncleDave]

Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo?  Mo Mo?  Mo?  I'm all Mo'd out.  When attacking in the future, please be prepared with facts or be nice when pointing out what you feel is incorrect.  Taking shots only makes you look like an  .   

[Auggie]

 When attacking in the future, please be prepared with facts or be nice when pointing out what you feel is incorrect.  Taking shots only makes you look like an  .   


Ain't that calling the kettle black.........

[UncleDave]

Augster, I just back it.     Your words cut like a butter knife. 

[mopho]

Unless Wikipedia is wrong, there are monopolies in place (at least in some counties/cities).  I had a couple of people call me out for saying they had a monopoly and that they are greasing palms in St. Paul.  Wikipedia seems to confirm both unless they are wrong. 


Straight from Wikipedia:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minneapolis,_Minnesota

Health and utilities

Utility providers are regulated monopolies: Xcel Energy supplies electricity, CenterPoint Energy supplies gas, Qwest is the landline telephone provider, and Comcast is the cable service.[160]


Another Wikipedia Search:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comcast


Reputation for poor customer satisfaction

In 2004 and 2007, the American Customer Satisfaction Index survey found that Comcast had the worst customer satisfaction rating of any company or government agency in the country, including the Internal Revenue Service.[23]


Lobbying efforts

Comcast spends millions of dollars annually on government relationships.[43][44] Regularly Comcast employs the spouses, sons and daughters of influential mayors, councilmen, commissioners, and other officials to assure its continued preferred market allocations.[45][46][47][48]

Comcast strongly lobbies against "a la carte" bills that would give consumers the option to purchase individual channels rather than a broad tier of programming. These issues continue to garner attention from state governments, Congress and FCC Chairman Martin.[49]

there  is no monopoly here  xcel has contracts that it must fulfill with the state/city or they will loose the right to provide  power service to the  city. as is the same with Qwest. Qwest defenatly is not a monopoly once again,    Minneapolis for example is about to be over built by verizon telecom. Comcast can be over built  by anyone who has the funds. i think you have no idea of what a  real monopoly is. for example  shakopee   has its on   private  power.  and so  does  the western side of  town  ( wright hennipn) and that an imaginary line exists in  brooklyn park where  qwest ends and sprint ( embarq) starts.  
 Also  as far as   phone service   you have multiple carriers that must be provided by qwest( for the same price as  it internally costs  Qwest )  . Yes i can have att covad  megapath  at&t  verizon space monkeys phone company . etc etc .  All over  qwest lines!  With no difference for me.  Does that  still leave qwest  in the  monopoly department? NO! In Minneapolis you also have the choice of  us internet( u.s.i.w.)   city wide wireless( this  proves that comcast  can be over built an have direct competition!). also  the city of saint loiuis park  had plans on providing  internet as well  going into direct compilation  with Qwest and Comcast !


Now  something you can complain about having a monopoly is your city sewer service since you have absolutely no choice   in that.


so,  tell me what service  that any one company has a  monopoly  on at your house.  ( please provide  city)  


also i really really hope  you  don't expect me to believe   everything that comes out of wikki  

[mopho]

Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo Mo?  Mo Mo?  Mo?  I'm all Mo'd out.  When attacking in the future, please be prepared with facts or be nice when pointing out what you feel is incorrect.  Taking shots only makes you look like an  .   

 i'd like to know how i am taking un informed shot here  I  HAVE SPENT 10 YEARS IN THE TELECOM/CABLE  INDUSTRY  i think i my be a little better versed on this subject then  you..   


 but you will argue anyways 

[mopho]

i also saw this sweet uncle dave  nugget :


"P.S.  If the government would get rid of the cable monopoly like they did with the phone companies 30 years ago this would change because they would have competition.  I remember my parents LEASED their crappy phone on the wall for like $3-$4 a month.  As soon as the monopoly was broken they bought a phone for $20 and never paid again.  You know the cable companies must have lobbyists down at the capitol greasing some palms not to get rid of their sweet monopolies.   puke"


 what  equipment can you not get yourself. that  you need  to get from  the cable company?

analog cable? check
digital cable? check
cable box?  check
DVR?        check
phones?     check
cable card?  check

I can't think of one singe item that i cannot get personally,  without buying it from  the cable company.

  just more proof  that  you have no idea what you are talking about dave and you will grip and pull to any argument to try and save what little face you have.

[mopho]

i  will  stop this  one right here

Lobbying efforts

Comcast spends millions of dollars annually on government relationships.[43][44] Regularly Comcast employs the spouses, sons and daughters of influential mayors, councilmen, commissioners, and other officials to assure its continued preferred market allocations.[45][46][47][48]

Comcast strongly lobbies against "a la carte" bills that would give consumers the option to purchase individual channels rather than a broad tier of programming. These issues continue to garner attention from state governments, Congress and FCC Chairman Martin.[49]

The main reason  ala carte would be cost prohbitive for the CUSTOMER   is  the contracts  that the  actual  networks have signed  have so many  i need to come with this and that   EXAMPLE:   ABC ( Disney  abc family  ESPN  and afillated networks ) all come bundled  as in that why they are on the same tier   its a all or nothing  deal is that comcasts fault ? nope blame ABC


 same goes for the  FSN   and victory sports  bamboozle..     that was  the cable companies  protecting the customers

"hey why did  they have it on satellite"?   direct tv untill very recently  operated at a loss for  most of its  big name   programs  NFL  TICKET  etc.   They spent  about all of their  money  on  that.  Forcing the cable companies out  so they would have guaranteed  market ( what a monopoly!)

[mopho]

 i guess i will have to wait another  7 + days  to hear  daves response then  after i don't notice the bump  he'll call me a coward once again 

[Auggie]

When attacking in the future, please be prepared with facts or be nice when pointing out what you feel is incorrect.  Taking shots only makes you look like an  .   


Ain't that calling the kettle black.........

Just playing Dave Hey it looks like you have some answers to give Dave. You better get to work.