Comcast has come under a lot of fire recently.
Last week I reported that the cable company was removing two channels from it's expanded basic service and requiring customers to get digital converter boxes if they wanted to continue to have access to those channels (Game Show Network and Turner Classic Movies.)
In the YDR this morning there was an article about Comcast hiring "seat-warmers" to attend a federal hearing at Harvard Law School regarding the company's treatment of Internet subscribers.
I've received numerous calls from customers who are upset about the service from Comcast and are seriously considering switching to dish service.
One of the most frequent things I've been told is that it is next to impossible to get through to a real person when calling 1-800-COMCAST. Even people who have been told they would be assisted in a few hours waited more than a day or two.
The folks over at Comcast told me all the changes they were making were to benefit their customers. When you add the digital converter box, you get a whole bunch of extra features including OnDemand and parental control options.
So what do you think? I've heard from some of you, but I'd like to hear from more. Leave a comment to sound off on what you think about Comcast.
The concept of changing the channel line up doesn't upset me as much as requiring me to pay for a card for my brand new digital ready tv! Yes, Comcast will provide the card for 12 months for free. After that, it's $2/month. If Comcast wants to raise our rates (again) then do it! Don't insult me by charging me to use a tv I purchased to be ready for the ditital conversion!
Quite honestly, the recent legislation to bring Comcast within public utility regulation should be passed or the current rules related to franchising agreements must be changed so as to allow consumers a choice in the cable provider. As it stands now, cable providers enjoy a monopoly in their service territories and without proper oversight, are free to increase rates at will, decrease services and get away with poor customer service. Ever since Comcast bought out Suscom, customers in York County have experienced all of this.
While a theoretical argument exists that cable is not a "necessity" and therefore, should not be regulated, it nonetheless is a virtual monopoly. Moreover, Comcast has recently expanded into additonal services that are, in fact, necessities, i.e. phone service. All phone provider in Pennsylvania are subject to strict regulation regarding customer service, terminations and provision of "lifeline" service...but Comcast as a cable provider, is not.
Unfortunately, with our current Phildelphia based administration and the large amount of money that Comcast has available (paid by us of course) to throw at the crisis, the proposed legislation will never pass.
This is one of the main reasons I have Direct TV.
I only kept comcast for internet service, but am now going to go with verizon. Don't need comcast since Direct now has local channels.
As did many others from York County, I went to the Comcast office on Philadelphia St. the other day, to make the switch to digital. Comcast was happy to sign me up, but then told me that they were out of cable boxes. My name was added to a huge list of others who wanted a box as well. They said it's going to be two weeks, (more or less) until the new cable boxes arrive. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. We'll see.
The entire situation irritates me. As Karen said in an earlier post, why should I have to get a box in order to use my brand new digital TV? Yes, Comcast does "give" us the local broadcasters in HD, but there is an FCC rule requiring them to do so. This is yet another way for them to increase their profit margin.
Granted, I will get the first year for free, and the $2 a month after that certainly won't break the bank. In this case, it's the principal of the thing, not the money. And as Robert points out, Comcast is a monopoly, and they can do pretty much what they want.
Comcast technicians did install expanded services, but did not inform me that HBO was then available,or demonstrate how to use it.
I received a bill for two weeks of comcast service which I hadn't realized until I received the bill for it which was $ 60.00 plus tax.
My complaint to Comcast fell on very deaf ears !
They took the channels and we are still paying the same monthly price. I was one of the fortunate ones to get a box, but I did wait 2 weeks for it. Now I have to install it myself or pay comcast $19.00. The directions are provided but even a person with excelent eyesight would have a problem reading the small print. What about the elderly who can not get through on the phone or have transportation to pick the box up and definetely could not install it there self,now they have to wait months for comcast to install it for them, $19,00 does not seem like much but to some it is. Greed will be comcast's downfall, how can the so called ceo's that make these decisions look thereselves in the mirror and sleep at night, the one's they hurt the most are the elderly in my opinion. Mr. ceo all our money will not make you happy, as the saying goes. Health is your major source of wealth, without it happiness is impossible. Do not equate money with success, there are many successful moneymakers who are miserable failures as human beings. So Mr. comcast I hope just maybe you will read this. Another little passage I have tried to live by, Be tender with the young, compssionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and wrong, sometime in life you will have been all of these.
Comcast enjoys a fabulous monopoly in the York area, and because it does ----raises its rates each and every year. Internet service is poor, especially during inclement weather, when it is just as slow as dial-up. Since it introduced its dot 6 version, operability is worse - not better. Calls to the technical service center bring different responses ... the usual ... "it is not us" ... or "we're working on it", which leads you to believe that they did not do proper beta-testing before the launch of dot6. In my area, Comcast has a lock ... Verizon does not seem to be able to offer its high speed version .... which would be $14.99 instead of Comcast's $42.99 ... a vast savings. Comcast has poor customer service, continuous outages/interruptions (tv and internet) and predatory pricing. It truly takes advantage of its customers. Hopefully, some regulatory changes will evolve to give customers a choice. It is only when there is a choice of service providers that these companies will do their best to offer quality service at a fair price. Right now Comcast lacks that stimulus to do right by its customers.
I just switched to direct TV and cut my cable bill down to 1/3 of what it was.I have all the same services I had with Comcast. Comcast would not work with me to lower my cable bill just wanted me to add on. I am very happy now and with the service Direct TV has given me.
I am also totally fed up with Comcast. I also have a complaint for Verizon. If they would provide me with DSL service, I would be out of Comcast in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I am being victimized by two monopolies.
What Comcast did recently in their "new lineup changes" amount to nothing more than corporate financial rape of it customers. Why do I say that?
First, since they are completely "unregulated" thay can do anything at any time to their customer base without any consequences since there really isn't any other cable competition. Yes, you can buy a "dish" but they apparently do not care if you do that. It really show their arrogance.
Secondly, you are paying for a product on the extended basic (TCM and Gameshow) but can not receive it until you get a digital box which they do not presently have to distribute. I personally went to their West Phila. offices twice to get one within the last week and they were all gone. The first time they stated what they would be getting a new shipment and they would call by March 3. Today it's, "we have none and can not tell you when we are even expecting to get them". Meanwhile all customers on the "extended plan" are paying for these "moved channels". Trying being late with their monthly fees and see how quickly they respond and cut your service. Its not a "level playing field". They can switch shows to channels you can not receive but have to boxs to give you. That's just not right.
Finally, I feel the only thing you really can do is to contact your local state government representatives or the FCC and lodge a complaint. I believe that if enough people do that and long enough something may change. I would not, however, hold my breath.
Comcast is just another example a monopoly with no regulations and the ability to do what they want, when they want, and all without consequences.
If that's not corporate "rape" what is?
What I can't stand is their arrogance and "if you don't like it, tough" attitude. They say the box is free for a year (if you can get one) and then 2 dollars to rent. Gee, what will it be a month or 2 later. This is nothing more than another rate hike they are trying to hide. I have cut my expanded basic and don't miss it a bit. With the money I will save each month, I can buy or rent a couple of movies each week. I live in an apartment so I can not get satelite tv or use an antenna (other than rabbit ears). When the change over finally occurs I hope to get rid of cable completely. I grew up in the 50s with, what, 3 or 4 channels and I don't have a problem with going back to that. I don't even mind watching B&W. We all have a choice and Comcast is not mine. Comcast can take their boxes and high fees and plug them you know where.
I am really disappointed that we have to get the converter box for free for 1 year and then you have to pay $2 after that. If a family has more than one TV then are going to be that $2 for every TV you have in your house. I also have the internet from Comcast and very disappointed when ever I called about my internet service. If there is something wrong inside you have to pay $50 for them to come into your house to check where the problem is. If you have a service fee on your bill then you don't pay the $50. That is another one of their extrax fees and my bill is high enough and then have to pay $2 more a month for the converter boxes you need. I don't think you should have to go into the office to get the converter box, they should be giving everyone a converter box free. Also people on fixed incomes have a hard time keeping up with everything else and now it is another way to get more money from the consumers. I am upset they fot rid of channel 71 because I liked to watch the game shows, but no we have to convert to whatever Comcast decides to do!!!
already switched to direct tv in dec and couldn't be happier. still have cable internet service, until verizon can install fios, then it will be adios comcast..no money from me for your record profits. SWITCH to DIRECT TV
I agree with the serious issues others have noted. I also have something relatively minor and yet.... I told the installer I needed to be able to tape a program every day. I cannot. I called Comcast. I tried several things suggested....I have been pleased with the customer service reps, btw, but nothing worked so I have a service call scheduled. For which I must pay!!! Yes, Comcast is basically requiring me to get their cable box and features I'm really not interested in,and at the same time they deprived me of a feature I count on daily. AND I must pay to have them fix what they "broke".
I don't know which monopoly irritates me more, Comcast or Verizon. I would like very much to switch to a VOIP service like Vonage and get rid of my Verizon land lines but, if I do that, I'm married to Comcast since Direct TV or Dish Network require a land line. If I want to switch to Direct TV or Dish Network, I'm married to Verizon.
If satellite TV service didn't require a land line, I would keep Comcast's internet service, get a VOIP phone service and satellite TV. I could then kiss Verizon good-bye and not worry any longer about what games Comcast plays with channel line-ups.
If the cable companies were required to offer true consumer choice by allowing us to select only those channels we want to receive instead of being forced to take a lot of channels we don't want in order to get a few that we do want, they might have more trouble making across the board rate increases. I object to my rates rising when channels are added that, while they may be popular with many people, I will never watch.
I suggest that everyone write to both their state and federal representatives as well as the FCC to demand that consumers be given more control over the choices we are being given by Comcast. The cable industry claims that it has to bundle channels together to spread the cost out evenly. I believe that if I don't watch a channel, I shouldn't have to pay for it!
I too am in the same situation as Jim - we have no other option for high speed internet service. We were told it is the responsibility of our town home complex to upgrade the existing lines, and that will likely never happen. Unfortunately, satellite internet is either too expensive to setup or requires the ability to install a dish on the roof, which we cannot do. We still may switch to Dish Network and keep Comcast internet, but of course the price for internet will then jump up $17 because we will not be getting cable.
As for this new channel change, I never wanted a box before simply because I have a perfectly good TV and do not want to add another remote control to my current setup, and also because when I know I’m going to miss my show, I like to set my VCR. I would love to get DVR service, but according to Comcast’s website, it is an additional $14 a month, where as with Dish Network and DirecTV, it is included in the prices of some packages. Some people say “well, it’s only another $2 a month for a box”, but they miss the point. Comcast is going to keep doing this until almost all of the cable subscribers have to get a box, then they will raise the price – you know they will. I seem to remember when they first bought Suscom they said they wouldn’t raise rates or change services, but two of the first things they did were remove channels and raise rates.
I did not realize they charge $19 to hook up a box, like Ceil said, and that is just another example of the greedy cable monopoly. It is a simple thing to do, but for those who are not the least bit tech savvy, it may be confusing. Here again, as far as I know, Dish Network and DirecTV setup your system for free. I am tired of paying money to this monopoly every month, but I can’t see not having TV. I like to watch my NASCAR races occasionally, and TV is a nice filler for when I’m doing something else that doesn’t require full attention (playing a pc game, work for my job, doing anything in the kitchen, typing this opinion, etc). I really miss my Toon Disney and ESPN News, which is no where on any of the Comcast lineups, except for the occasion when TV Guide Channel is a sports station. I am also getting very tired of that. I did not know satellite required a land phone service (thank you Rich), and we currently are planning to get rid of our phone service. I still hope to switch to satellite, but the two other people I currently live with seem to be okay with the money eating cable monopoly company.
I can't believe everyone sits around complaining about a few changed channels. Big Deal! My husband works at comcast in tech support and he is constantly getting phone calls from people screaming at him for the changes. It makes no sense to call someone names who works for a company that doesn't have control over such things. It's the FCC people NOT COMCAST!
I had Comcast out to my home 4 times to fixes things. It all started when I went with that 99.00 deal the phone keeps going out then that kicks me off line when I'm online It's getting old. They think giving me 20.00 off my bill is going make happy sorry to say "NO"
Noone seems to mention the service in the other locations. We pay the same prices and do not have the same services. Old style cable boxes, slower internet services, no on-demand, but we pay for all this anyway because some day it may come to our area. SOME DAY
The Comcast problems isn't only the dropping of the channels. They can't seem to answers the phone or get things straight about appts. to send a tech. out to help with any problems you may have. I didn't get much help on line with a live chat either. My husband went to the office in York and they weren't much help either, their answer is to call 1-800-COMCAST. Ya right and be put on hold for 1-2 hours till you get tired of waiting and hang up because you can't stand the music. They will answer if you are calling to set up a new service, but if you say you need help with a problem they transfer you to hold. There are too many options like satelite to choose and no not Verizon they don't want to bring service to people in the country. Yes I too am being victimized by two monopilies. I can do without cable TV. My life doesn't revolve around the boob tube.
Comcast you will fall like Enron, the sooner the better.Greed will bring you down.
Liz: It is not right that people yell at the workers of Comcast, they are just doing their jobs and we all need a job. Unfortunately the workers like your husband are on the front line and taking the brunt of the anger, which is totally unfair. The problem is that the management of Comcast has not given anyone an outlet to voice their frustration nor does management of Comcast listen to our opinions. Management does not care about anything except collecting more money from people who are less and less able to afford it. It is not about losing a channel or 2. It is about the rates that keep rising without any regard to the people that have no other choices. All we want is more choice about how we spend our entertainment money. I was paying for those lost channels and was not able to recieve them. That is a hidden rate increase. It is very sad that my Cable bill was higher than my electric bill. You notice I said WAS!
Comcast is horrible. One word of advice, if you have Verizon DSL available, make the switch. I went with them 3 weeks ago and took the higher service. There is NO difference actually even a little better than Comcast and it only costs 29.99/month for the first year, plus you get first month free and after faxing a copy of your Comcast bill they even give you a 75.00 account credit plus a 20.00 Target gift card. After the first year it goes to 33.99. Still 12.00 cheaper than crappy Comcast. And I was fortunate enough to get through to them and told them I was cancelling my Cable service too and switching to DISH, they told me that they would give me my Cable service for 29.99/month through the end of September, (which I am now paying 65.00/month for). So I took there free box for a year and when my 29.99 offer is up I will call again and if I don't get satisfaction I will switch at that time. My friend unfortunatly just signed up for the Cable Modem service, they are charging her 50.00 to have the tech come out to hook it up. He got there yesterday, told her flat out he didn't know what he was doing cause he was never trained on installing cable for modem service. Took him 2 hours to do it and 3 phone calls. I told her to call and complain and tell them she isn't paying the 50.00 since she even had to help him pull wires through the floor and such. I can't wait till Comcast is out of the York area.
"converter boxes"? Didn't they go out with dinosaurs? After 24 odd years of cable we are done. Too much of inching up your bill by a few cents a month and getting less each time for the price. When they switched to Comcast they tried to charge us monthly for a "converter box remote" from 17 years ago. I can still remember returning it to them ......some of my kids were in diapers. It took some real talking to get that little bit of money back. Time to move on to better TV services with the paying customer in mind. (Taking Turner Classic Movies off my "package" 2 weeks ago really was the last nail!)
Comcast is terrible, I would give anything to have Suscom back. I am director of a very small non-profit youth center. When with Suscom, we were charged $17 for TV service, since Comcast took over we are now charged triple ($51). When I called about adding internet service, I was informed they do not have rates for non-profits. Supposingly, that is why our TV rates tripled. They want to charge us as a small business for internet service, which includes multiple email boxes, file sharing with employees, and webhosting; none of which we will use. All we want is to have service so when the kids are with us on Saturday evenings (for only 3 hours) they can have online access. I asked why we have to pay for something we are not going to use. Why must we pay $40, when we could pay $19. Answer: we don't have rates for non-profits, they are treated as businesses. So much for that commercial they run about helping their communities.
I have been able to talk with someone in chat, comments and someone called me back. Though each time I receive worse news. I purchased from an advertisement that offered basic cable with local channels, govn't, buying, PBS, Discovery, Hallmark and Disney. Last week half these channels disappeared. When I contacted them, they first said that I needed to upgrade to Digital Basic; then they called and said that I was mistaken and should have never received the extra channels no matter what an advertisement might have said...I still have the recording of their voice mail. I think in legal terms this is call bait and switch.
I have been able to talk with someone in chat, comments and someone called me back. Though each time I receive worse news. I purchased from an advertisement that offered basic cable with local channels, govn't, buying, PBS, Discovery, Hallmark and Disney. Last week half these channels disappeared. When I contacted them, they first said that I needed to upgrade to Digital Basic; then they called and said that I was mistaken and should have never received the extra channels no matter what an advertisement might have said...I still have the recording of their voice mail. I think in legal terms this is called bait and switch.