Eliminating Comcast from my HT & life

[mtbkr]

first i heard of this....i got all excited so i looked it up to download it and its not OSx compatible..... i want it

[obiwopkenobi62]

I just got rid of Dish Network. Not because I didn't like it, but because I was paying them 125.00 per month. I had internet and basic cable with Brighthouse and upgraded to the digital and HD package using mu Tivo HD. My cable bill went from 60 bucks a month toright at about 100.00. Now I have almost all the same channels with the cable and chopped the 125.00 per month.

[jc480]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

This will sound like a PS3 fanboy thing, but it's really not. If you get a PS3, coupled with the PlayOn media server, or if you use a PC media server, you can use supplement your over-the-air programming with on-demand type programming from Netflix, Hulu, or direct from network sites. It's really cool, and it's all done without the charges from Comcast, DirectTv, Dish, etc. I use my PS3 for this, and get full-screen streaming almost instantly. Just adding a DVR or Tivo would have all the bases covered.

Thanks for the info. I looked at Netflix, Hulu etc and internet viewing just isn't at a point where it's interesting to me (vis a vie YouTube etc). Preciate the input, though.

[statikcat]

Originally Posted by jc480

Alternatives
AT&T U-Verse - You must be a video subscriber to get their internet - same problem as Comcast

You do not need the Uverse cable for the internet .. at least not here. It is only required if you get the higher FIOS connection 18mbit which is not even available everywhere. Even then you can cancel the cable after a month or two and keep the FIOS. Sounds like basic is good enough for you anyway.

[jc480]

They just rolled out Uverse in my area. And they will not sell me the internet package (slowest one) unless I buy their video package as well. They're matching Comcast policy I guess.

[MrBogey]

Originally Posted by jc480

They just rolled out Uverse in my area. And they will not sell me the internet package (slowest one) unless I buy their video package as well. They're matching Comcast policy I guess.

You can drop the TV but keep the internet if you wish. They just refuse to sell it outright it if DSL is an option.

[Steve]

The internet is where they get you. I went through the same thing when I dropped Comcast. I ended up going with AT&T for DSL. It's pretty solid, but not quite as fast IMO. But since that's not available in your area I don't know what to tell you.

[Stoudman]

Well, Comcast used to be the only reliable internet service in the area, which is why everyone got it and as early as 6 months ago I had issues with connection, period, just due to the amount of people sharing from the same pool -- make no mistake, COMCAST DOES THIS.

However, they just installed FiOS in our complex, so now there's another option. Hmm...it sure has made the pool less full, giving me a better connection.

[naturephoto1]

Is Verizon DSL available in your area? I have had good luck with this service certainly probably at least 95% of the time.

Rich

[jc480]

Originally Posted by MrBogey

You can drop the TV but keep the internet if you wish. They just refuse to sell it outright it if DSL is an option.

If AT&T has the same policy as Comcast (which I think they do) you CAN drop the TV service and keep the internet service. But they will CONTINUE to bill you for the TV service in addition to the internet.

Having internet service alone by either company appears to be a loss leader (in their eyes).

Verizon Fios is 44.95 and more expensive than Comcast.

[mtbkr]

wow thats news to me. must be a regional thing because in the greater seattle area you can have only internet or only phone or tv and not have to pay for anything else.

[Steve]

Originally Posted by mtbkr

wow thats news to me. must be a regional thing because in the greater seattle area you can have only internet or only phone or tv and not have to pay for anything else.

It's the same way here in Jacksonville, FL where I live. But they do discount each service if you bundle more than one together.

[jc480]

Originally Posted by mtbkr

wow thats news to me. must be a regional thing because in the greater seattle area you can have only internet or only phone or tv and not have to pay for anything else.

When I lost my job I called back in January and the CS I talked to on the phone said they were running a non-advertised promotion and could offer me free basic cable with my internet.

As I had a big credit on my account due to downscaling my service from the primo plan, I didn't notice my bills until this month. They were still charging me 16.95 for the basic cable and 24.95 for internet.

I called and, of course, the customer rep could see where I called in to change my service in January but did not see anything about free basic cable. This has happened to me several times with Comcast...they call me because some 6-month promo expired, get me on a new plan...then the bill comes and it never matches (and I'm not an idiot who doesn't understand math)...which I know they have to deal with from time to time.

So I said cancel my TV service, I'll keep my internet. The customer retention person (where you go when you downgrade/cancel) said my bill would remain the same. My 24.95 internet is now 39.95 + 3.00/modem.

It seems like everytime I call Comcast I get a different answer from every person. It's so frustrating. Dealing with Comcast is like going to buy a used car. Instead of having simple pricing, the deal you get depends on who you talk to. And you have to MAKE SURE to ask them to key the conversation into the computer because there doesn't seem to be an ability for continuity between two Comcast representatives and their customer.

I've spent alot of money with Comcast over the years in monthly subscription (150-200/month) and they have really turned me off hardcore over the past year.

[MrBogey]

Originally Posted by jc480

If AT&T has the same policy as Comcast (which I think they do) you CAN drop the TV service and keep the internet service. But they will CONTINUE to bill you for the TV service in addition to the internet.

They won't. You just lose the bundling discount AFAIK.