The ads for our mammoth cable carrier, Comcast, always feature cheezy compaigns like, "everyone loves to save money" and "That's Comcastic!" Yeah. Idiot proof ads.
Here in the States, analogue TV went digital on June 12th. Last week, while relaxing after 14hrs of taking care of my child, I realized that half our channels were snowy. I figured, "some sort of upgrade... give it a few days." As of yesterday, the channels were still snowy. I know you might be thinking, "who watches TV during the summer, anyway??" Well, we do. We are suckers for movies and documentaries. And it's not like we can just take a walk around the block while our child sleeps alone at home.
I called Comcast and told them our problem. So much for help... they said our basic package now only went up to a certain channel, and we'd have to pay $12 more (plus taxes) to get back our other original channels. Not Comcastic. I asked why we should stay with them and if they had any insentive deals. "Not for existing customers," she said. I declined their offer.
The problem is, we are stuck with Comcast (for high-speed internet) and I hate spotty TV reception. Those years are behind me. AT&T doesn't serve internet in our area (near a population center of a few million) because we are out of the 5-mile radius of their internet servers. Grrr.
I don't mind paying the companies their prices when I know there is a contract of what we'll receive. What I don't like is getting stiffed in the deal when the companies decide to change their mind, cut service and add fees. Two years ago when our cell phone contract ended, we decided to get a pay-per-minute plan. Until then, 25% of our bill was fees and 'government' charges.
We may be one of the few backwards people in this high-tech area but that's okay. We're not stuck with $140/month iPhone bills, $150/month Comcast package 'deals,' and certainly not any other tech deal.
And life is still worth living!
6 years ago
8 comments:
I am sorry that you were not presented with the current deals that we have. I would of course like for you to watch the channels you enjoy. I can make a few phone calls to see available deals in your area. Please contact me and provide the phone number on the account.
Mark Casem
Comcast Corp.
National Customer Operations
We_Can_Help@cable.comcast.com
Wow, Comcast employees trolling blogs? Surprising.
I wish they came to my aid last month when we had our meltdown with them.
btw, congrats on 25 weeks!!!
If you whine loud enough... hope you get some better service. The same thing happened to my parents. Seems like there should be some little guys out there who would provide internet, like I get here in the boonies.
How annoying...looks like maybe they'll make it better. Glad you decided to post about it!
I'm so disappointed about the loss of our extra channels too. We don't watch enough TV to justify upgrading our service but I do love my Food Network.
I'm so shocked that they responded on your blog! That's kinda cool. Keep us updated on whether they make it better for you!
Wow, that was strange that someone from Comcast replied to your blog, lol. Kind of awesome timing don't you think?
I find it a bit scary that Comcast commented on your blog - which tells me that their PR budget (the people that search blogs) is HUGE and they can afford to cut you the $12/month.
When I recently got a better deal on our service, I called the number and talked to someone in the cancellation department - if you talk to them, they are authorized to offer you the deals that are "only reserved for new customers" in order to keep you as a current customer. If you haven't already resolved it or gotten a fair deal, call them back and negotiate - there is enough competition that they should come through.
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