Comcast customers say billing tied to digital upgrade was 'deceptive'
Weeks after Comcast initiated digital network upgrades in the Ann Arbor region, several cable customers said they were deceived about the costs associated with the switchover.
Comcast officials adamantly denied that they failed to properly communicate the details about the costs to consumers.
But several customers told AnnArbor.com that they were surprised to find an extra $1.99-per-month charge on their monthly bills after Comcast completed upgrading its cable network from analog to digital.
“To tell you the truth, I don’t understand Comcast,” said Tom Flanagan, a retired Ann Arbor resident who spends 10 percent of his income - $171.64 a month - on cable, phone and Internet services. “They’re making a ton of money, they’re going to buy NBC. Why are they nickeling and diming their customers? Really it’s ridiculous.”
Comcast this month completed the digital upgrade of its network in Washtenaw County. Due to the upgrade, customers were told to install a digital cable box or digital adapter on their TVs to ensure uninterrupted service. Customers were offered free equipment to make the transition. An official Comcast blogger in May said analog cable customers would receive "digital equipment for three TVs at no charge" and that "digital customers also get some free equipment."
Comcast, interviewed several times Thursday, now says that customers who already had a digital cable box were only eligible for two free digital adapters. They were not offered an additional cable box for free, Comcast spokesman Patrick Paterno said. Customers who did not previously have a cable box were offered a free cable box and two free digital adapters.
Flanagan said a Comcast representative told him that he would receive three pieces of equipment for free. But when he got his bill, a $1.99-per-month charge had been added.
"I said, 'I'm trying to reduce my cable bill, not expand it,'" Flanagan said.
Ypsilanti resident Jeff Smith said he has four TVs - one that
already had a cable box and three that were receiving an analog signal.
Believing that he would receive free equipment for three TVs, Smith requested a cable box and two adapters. When he opened up his bill this week, he was surprised to find an extra $1.99 charge.
After contacting the cable company about the extra charge, a Comcast representative
told Smith in an e-mail provided to AnnArbor.com that he “would have
access to the two free digital adapters only” because he was already a
digital cable customer. “Any additional equipment would involve a
monthly charge," the representative wrote.
Smith said he plans to return the cable box to Comcast, because his
fourth TV is housed in his basement and is used only occasionally by his
children. But he said he was still annoyed.
“I think it was deceptive. I’m not going to lose sleep over it. It’s just the principle of the thing,” Smith said. “We’ve just had issues with these people forever. They can’t just seem to run their business.”
Roger Sutton, chair of Ann Arbor Cable Communications Commission, said he was not aware of any complaints filed directed to the commission about the digital upgrade billing situation. But he said that legislation approved by Lansing lawmakers a few years ago shifts influence on the cable operators from the city to the state.
"There’s nothing we can do about it," Sutton said. "We’ve had our legs cut out from under us by the state legislature."
The billing confusion comes after customers complained that they were not given enough time to acquire new equipment and that their digital video recorders no longer work properly due to the upgrade.
About 84 percent of Comcast cable customers statewide have at least one TV using digital equipment, Paterno said.
Paterno said customers who have only one cable box and two adapters “should not be charged $1.99 for equipment.”
“It’s a pretty straight forward network enhancement that we’re doing,” he said.
Comcast officials have repeatedly said the company is investing in digital upgrades to free up network capability to provide customers with faster Internet and more cable channels.
Comcast announced Thursday that it is now providing access to 44 new high-definition channels, such as CNBC HD and MTV HD, to customers who pay a monthly fee for HDTV service.
Comcast, which has about 100,000 employees, including about 4,200 in Michigan, reports annual revenue of about $35.34 billion. The company, whose Michigan operation is based in Southfield, has 1.2 million customers in the state.
The upgrades come as Comcast increased its monthly rates as of Nov. 1. Nationally, the average Comcast customer is paying an additional 1.4 percent, Paterno said.
"The process of migrating a market to all digital service is not related to this (price) increase," Paterno said in a statement issued in response to an AnnArbor.com request. "We have made an investment in our customers’ future with the promise of an all-digital experience and we intend to continue to deliver on that in the simplest and easy way possible for the consumer. The increase for video service is linked to the cost of doing business, which includes programming increases."
Customers with questions about the digital upgrades can visit
www.comcast.com/digitalnow.
Customers who had limited basic cable are still being offered analog service. Expanded basic cable customers, however, are impacted by the upgrades.
Contact AnnArbor.com’s Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter.
Comments
wendy
Fri, Jul 2, 2010 : 8:54 a.m.
I am Dishnetwork customer, and I have been a comcast customer. All I can say is that Dishnetwork rules in rural areas, along with DirectTV, and if your service is rotten then so be it. They know you have no choice, so they do nothing to fight for you as a customer because they know you have no choice. Atleast Comcast tries to give on time guarantees to their customers or complementary services for extended periods, so I don't know, this site seems sort of stepfordish to me, who paid you guys to say all this, I wish I did have comcast in my area.
Paul
Wed, May 12, 2010 : 8:44 a.m.
We need to do something about Comcast. They just started pushing a scrolling margque across the top of the TV for anyone on basic cable who doesn't currently use one of their cable boxes. It stays there across the top of the screen and just repeats endlessly.... The message says, "If you can see this message, the TV you're watching isn't yet ready for Comcast's digital network enhancements. To order the necessary equipment, call 1-877-634-4434 or go to www.comcast.com/digitalnow to avoid service interruptions. Once you have digital equipment connected to your TV you will no longer see this message." I obviously don't appreciate Comcast's heavy handed approach at FORCING people to use their cable boxes. What I really don't appreciate, however, is Comcast's back door attempt at trying to get people to subscribe to their "digital" offerings so they can soak consumers for more money. Someone needs to call them to the carpet! Call Comcast and ask to speak with SVP Rick Germano about the issue, file a complaint with the FCC, send a note to ALL of your senators & congressmen, send a note to the governor's office, contact media outlets, post comments on social networking pages. Create some NOISE!
YpsiArbor39
Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 11:31 p.m.
Comcast is horrible. The customer service is the worst I ever experienced. When I had AT&T Uverse installed almost two years ago in my new home it was the best choice I could have made. No mystery increases on the monthly bill and the service has been excellent. I've not had one issue since I switched. To put it in simple terms...Comcast sucks!
OverTaxed
Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 9:05 p.m.
I do not understand the switch to digital as being "better for us" as advertised. I currently have limited basic cable (the cheaper package). I am losing most of my channels due to the digital upgrade. I tried the digital box for my tv with terrible results, 2 channels, only one is good to watch. So the government is helping me how? Either I get way more expensive cable or way more expensive antennas to watch tv. Does anyone see how the government operates here? Let them run and control everything, are you nuts? They can't even give me promised better tv...Dump Comcast, the monopoly must end!
goblue7182
Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 12:45 p.m.
Comcast is the absolute worst! I live in Willis MI and they are the only option for cable internet and TV. Horrible company that profits off of it's monopoly. They provide very poor customer service because they CAN.
SueZQ
Tue, Nov 24, 2009 : 11:19 a.m.
Comcast wants me to pay them to keep me as their customer. The other companies are willing to install the infastructure free of additional charges. That's the difference. Comcast doesn't supply an adequate signal to my house and they blame me and say I need to pay to fix it. BTW - I've had comcast out to my house three times in the past year. I think we've only had them (or media one) three times in the previous 15 years. All the techs were good. I think it is company policy not the technicians to blame for these issues. Just by the number of posts, I can see a lot of folks are very unhappy with Comcast at the moment. The other competing companies are smart to take advantage and show what they are willing to do to get and retain customers. Comcast is not accustomed to NOT being a monopoly. They will figure it out and adjust - in the mean time, they will be bleeding customers.
CommonThought
Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:50 p.m.
-I felt that Comcast was very outright in their billing whether to was posted online, in the mailing, or over the phone. -The digital signal is way more sensitive that the analog signal. With analog if the signal got to low, you would just see some snow on the tv. With the digital signal, if it got to low you would see those little squares on the tv or that One Moment Please message. -people complain about comcast saying they need to replace wires, or add a booster, and threaten to switch companies. The new company comes and fixes the same wires (or replaces them), and may add a booster anyway. So whats the diff?
Sealed
Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 12:59 p.m.
I am speaking from a different perspective than all of you I am sure. I feel for all of the customers and the employees of Comcast. You want to really know why they have crappy customer service and service at times? It is because the people in the corporate offices give the "new demands" to the guy below him and the guy below him pushes this new idea to be implemented ont the guy below him,etc until it gets down to the last guy "The Tech" well sorry to say this but he's the low man/woman on the pole and he's the one that they dump on. The most is expected of the techs and not enough scheduled time to get things done. The corporate people also are very bad to create some cool new concept without ever having been a tech and which never seems to work and is a major problem and the way they have the techs doing things it only is one big mess. Why? Because these pencil pushers who brainstorm don't have a clue as to what it really takes to run their business. They need to talk to their techs and supervisors and get real imput at what would help the business run better but they never do. How do I know all of this? Well I happened to be married to a wonderful Comcast Tech that goes waaaaaaay out of his way for his customers and once use to love his job very much and loved helping his people but now the demands are so rediculous on the techs that they can't possibly keep up with the jobs on time and keep their quota (of which they are penaltized for, ie lower pay raises, written up,etc) It's just unfair for everyone involved expect the corporate people of course. I'm sorry that you all feel the brunt of what my husband feels everyday. He has literally been forced to not be so customer oriented even though he would love nothing more.
SueZQ
Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 12:56 p.m.
--I am also beyond frustrated with Comcast at this point. We received two DTAs and one box. It took many hours to get them all set up but none worked. After multiple calls with Comcast, each taking an hour or more, then sent a service rep to our house. He showed up 1.5 hrs after his appointment window was up. I could tell just by looking at him that he was beyond exausted and although he left at 7:30 pm he said he still had two more appointments that evening - which shows Comcast did nothing to prepare for this transition and it working it's staff to death. --Even with his visit, they failed to get the service working. They blamed it on a weak signal coming to the house - which gets even weaker after it is split to the various outlets inside the house. --His solutions? Comcast can install a booster ($50) or rewire the house ($20 per outlet). So, basically, Comcast wants to charge ME money because their signal is too weak to be split after it reaches the house.??????? I've split the cable signal every place I've ever lived - why not now? It's crazy that Comcast will only provide signal strenth for a single televsion. --I've had cable at this house for over 20 years. It worked just fine until Comcast took over Media One. After that, our signal started showing a little snow. We bought a booster at Comcast's suggestion - it helped but we've always had a little snow. Now, it doesn't work at all with digital. (BTW - why does digital need a better signal than analog?? I thought the whole point of digital was that it was simpler than analog and took up less space in the bandwidth. It just doesn't make much sense that it needs a STRONGER signal than analog. I'm not a techie... So, maybe I'm mistaken.) --Also, the technician said, we can only have 2 or 3 outlets active at any time. So, if we decide to move a TV to another room, we need to have Comcast visit ($$$) and reconfigure the splitters in their locked box on the side of our house. --Top it all off - their new digital signal is not very compatible with TiVo. Nor, can I watch TV on another channel while TiVo is recording. All of which was perfectly possible before they 'imporved' their service. --At this point, I'm not buying anything more from Comcast. I'm researching U-Verse now. Comcast is just driving away customers but asking US to pay to imporve the weak signal THEY PROVIDE. Every other company I've researched (U-Verse, Direct TV, Dish TV) pays for everything to be set up. Not Comcast. I'm generally a path of least resistence consumer but Comcast is pushing me right out of using them. Ugh!!!
Jim Walker
Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 10:04 a.m.
Comcast has been a viciously predatory company from day one, and their predecessors were not much better. Comcast has what is for all practical purposes a monopoly and they use that in the most financially predatory ways possible. Even before the changes in state law, the local Ann Arbor Cable Commission was a useless entity that refused to put any pressure on Comcast or their predecessors to reduce their predatory practices. Comcast and all the legal entities that should control them are a total disgrace. Regards, Jim Walker, Ann Arbor, MI
onevalleyguy
Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 9:35 a.m.
No surprise here. Last summer, someone from Comcast called me with a "special offer." When our contract was up in October (internet, phone, cable), sign up for a two-year package and it would be 99.00 per month. Called in October. Guess what. First they knew nothing about the offer, and then when they admitted they record all calls (first denied it), said it could not be honored. We settled for 117.00 per month.
Cash
Mon, Nov 23, 2009 : 7:03 a.m.
I received a survey emailed from Comcrap. At the end, they asked what they could do to improve my opinion of the service....OTHER THAN LOWER THEIR PRICES. I'm serious. I guess they already knew what people really want.
The Walkin Dude
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:04 p.m.
Tru2blu76, I understand what you're saying and concur. I am just waiting for them to start charging for the "free" over-the-air broadcast stuff we get now. I am also afraid they are going to make all our radios obsolete because the gov't needs that airspace also. On another note, I tried buying a dvr with a digital tuner and they would not let me apply my "government coupon". What a load of bull caca!
CSH
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:45 p.m.
I lost two Comcast channels. Called and was told that I should be receiving them, a tech would be sent out. After he spent 45 min playing with the cabling, he called the office and found that the channels are now part of the digital package. Later I got a bill for $50 for the service call. They said, "but we had to send a tech out". It is YOUR problem, not mine. They dropped the charge. I have switched to Direct TV
The Walkin Dude
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:11 p.m.
Dropped Limited Basic. All i have is bunny ear antennas and Digital Converter boxes on old tvs. I was surprised at the amount of "broadcast" channels I get ( I heard A2 has to many trees- LIE) I almost wanted to call Comcast and thank them for giving me an excuse to drop them. I would like to see them get screwed by people dropping them but I would hate to see more people lose jobs ( because you know they will still make their profit)As far as someone saying its only $1.99- I hope they have to raise it even more to make up for all the people that drop them, then maybe somebody will cut something in their budget that costs you your job.
Homeland Conspiracy
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:03 p.m.
Why is ConCrap able to do all this underhanded stuff? ConCrap or AT&T gee what a choice...
Robad1
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:39 p.m.
I spent almost two hours in line to get my boxes. It's Comcraptic!
julieswhimsies
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:28 p.m.
This is EXACTLY why in the coming months, WE are cutting off Comcast. We may keep the internet service, but we will switch to internet TV. Yes, you can connect your TV to your computer, and receive FREE digital programs and movies streamed from your computer. Millions of people nation-wide have, or are planning to do just this. That Comcast bill keeps going up and up. Ridiculous...almost like extortion.
Marvin Face
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:45 p.m.
We switched from Comcast to ATT U-Verse about 6 months ago. I was pretty happy with Comcast but the prices for combined high speed internet, VOIP phone, and digital cable were FAR lower. The guy hooked us up and we have had nothing but smooth sailing ever since.
bunnyabbot
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 7:50 p.m.
I had comcast for 3 years (previous to that I had no tv at all for 2 years. The first year I only had cable and internet. The bill was $85 a month (and every 4 months my bill would be funny and it would have to be corrected). The second year I wanted the triple play for $99. But I was not a new customer (thats' the NEW customer price)so it was $118 ($128 after taxes etc). The thrid year my bill would have been $180 a month for triple play, I called customer service and was told $180 is what it would cost to continue my triple play, ok I said, drop the phone, I am sorry she said, but you can not downgrade your service. I said renew me for $118 a month or I am walking. AFTER 45 MINS arguing on the phone with customer service I got my way. However. YEAR four I canceled. Comcast has the worst service ever. I have now been without any tv for 6 months. With winter coming and the treadmill used more I will be getting dish service locked in for $30 a month. I got verizon wireless for my lap top for $60 a month. and I only use my cellphone anyway. So I actually saved over comcast. I am soooooo happy without comcast.
Shankar
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 7:26 p.m.
Same here Hans...except I went with Dish network... I was one of the first to get Comcast digital when the first came around 11 years ago.... they were so bad with the signal (piped digitized analog signal over cable) and they kept raising the price and customer support was terrible... I have been happy with Dish... I get many many more HD channels than my friends with Comcast, for much much less money... I also dumped their HSI & digital phone.. Remember the power black out a few years ago? My home phone did not work since it was with Comcast digital... and it needed power...
Hans Masing
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 6:47 p.m.
I've been a more than happy DirecTV customer for... (checks calendar)...13 years. In that time, my bills have only gone up a relatively small amount, and they are constantly adding channels. Satellite TV is full of win, and there is plenty of bandwidth for more channels. What I would like is REAL competition to Scamcost, errr Comcasts Internet service. When we asked them about installation of high speed internet at our toy store, we were presented with an estimate of $22,000 for the installation - which comprised running a cable from the pole on Plymouth Road to our store. No, thanks.
gibby76
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 3:49 p.m.
bah just goes to show cable is a waste of money. just get the basic with the best internet. that's where media is going anyways. Comcast is behind the times. NETFLIX FOR THE WIN!!!
gibby76
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 3:45 p.m.
o! i was told we only got 2 free adapters not 3. WTH, I can't believe they offer a service we're paying for and then only when they upgrade THEIR end all of a sudden we have to pay additional fees. HECK, I should have an option to have a TV that doesn't need their stupid box. It's all bells and whistles and comcast trying to control everything.
rosewater
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 3:09 p.m.
DUMP COMCAST- THEY HAVE NO CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY ARE ALWAYS RAISING PRICES.I'M HAPPY WITH DISH NETWORK. GREAT SERVICE WITH VERY FEW INCREASES OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS!
a2resident
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:07 p.m.
The solution is simple. Don't watch cable. You don't need it. The only service worth purchasing from Comcast is high speed internet.
David Cahill
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 2:05 p.m.
Comcast successfully made our TiVo work with the new digital system. It took three service calls, the last two involving a supervisor. We have two minor problems: On SyFy, channel 54, a shadow passes over the screen from right to left every 5 seconds or so. And on ABC, channel 7, we have a form of snow. These are not mission-critical. I haven't asked for service call yet about these things; I figure I wore out my welcome for a while with those three service calls.
YpsiLivin
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 1:32 p.m.
We dropped Comcast earlier this year in favor of AT&T U-Verse. (Better service, solid Internet performance, more channels, built in PVRs, same price, plus a $200 rebate up front.) We've seen none of the FUD that Comcast predicted, and our bill has been pleasingly predictable - absent of all of the "$1 here and $2 there" surprise increases that Comcast is irritatingly famous for. What were the straws that broke the camel's back? A $6 increase in our bill one month for no clear reason, and a $2 charge for paying our bill in person. When we disconnected, they wanted to charge us an extra $25 so they could come out to our house to add line filters to the Comcast connection. See ya, Comcast.
lw
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:14 p.m.
I also feel it's a Comcast monopoly. We should all call the Better Business Bureau. I just did-1-248-223-9400. Please call now....
Steve Johgart
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:13 p.m.
What's up with folks complaining about the monopoly? I've had AT&T's U-Verse service for over a year now, and it's terrific. In contrast to my and many other folks' experience with AT&T's other services, the customer service for U-Verse has been terrific, the Internet speed is plenty fast, the TV is just fine (for standard definition...when I can afford HDTVs to replace my old CRTs, I'll know if the HD is as good). I know that U-Verse isn't available everywhere in Ann Arbor (don't understand why...it's been available in my neighborhood for a good long time), but where it's available, it's a fine alternative to Comcast.
Connecting the Dots
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 12:05 p.m.
The only company worse than Comcast is Att&t. What I spend at Comcast for telephone including long distance, TV including HBO, and computer, I spent for just telephone service excluding long distance at Att&t. I would NEVER use that company again! At&t are experts at ripping people off--they have more years of experience.
Peg
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : noon
When we installed our two "free" adapters, it took forever because of constant problems. The Comcast-supplied remote controls still only change channels but won't power on/off the TV or adjust volume. Comcast says it must be an incompatibility with our two TVs (one Panasonic, one Sharp) so there's nothing they can do since the provided "codes" don't help. We kept reading that we could get a 3rd free adapter but that's not true; it's $1.99 per month for now. Oh, and this month's Comcast bill has a monthly increase in our Internet modum rental of $2 - it went from $3 per month to $5. We've had the modem for years, and I'm sure have paid much more than it's worth and yet we now will pay $24 more per year. So Comcast is making up income in other ways and telling us the TV conversion is "free". I've had it with Comcast and really want an alternative. Since the digital conversion, TV shows often freeze for several seconds from time to time. Does everyone else have this problem? Also, at times the sound disappears from some channels and has to be retrieved by pressing the "lang" button on Comcast's remote control. I thought we were supposed to get better TV, not worse. Is there anyone locally or at the state level where one can complain?
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:57 a.m.
While I'm whining I'll add that I think I'm on my third cable provider in 25 years without personally making any changes. I'm on my third bank too even though I go in to the same physical building.
Craig Lounsbury
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:52 a.m.
add me to the list of people who feel lied to by Comcast. I too saw a monthly increase after being told my digital box and two additional adapters would be free.
treelover
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:41 a.m.
Comcast dropped the package that we had, and the next one up was over $50 more. The one under it had nothing. They schemed us into spending a lot more money. We dropped it entirely and even though it's only been two weeks, I think I'm actually happier without it.
Technojunkie
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:35 a.m.
Want competition? We need a Fiber To The Home (FTTH) company, separate from Internet and TV service providers like Comcast. The FTTH company maintains the dark fiber optic cable, utility vaults, colocation facilities, things that don't change much. Service providers hook up their equipment to the fiber and light it up. AT&T, Comcast and startups would share capital intensive fiber plant, making the cost of building that plant practical. It doesn't matter if a private company or municipal utility builds the plant. When the city traffic light network was overhauled years ago they put in conduit to facilitate such a FTTH network so you wouldn't have to tear up the streets much. Having such a network would be a godsend for Ann Arbor's tech community. Is there anyone left with the money and ambition to build it? Would the city cooperate if they tried?
jns131
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:16 a.m.
We got totally screwed by comcast 3 or more years ago when they said O if you get this we will reduce your bill by this. Guess what? They increased it and when we fought it? They told us that they were canceling us because we were bad customers. I remember calling them so much? That they hung up on us. We went with Dish Network. Never had a problem since. When we had a problem? They took a percentage off our bill. I am telling everyone right now, get rid of Comcast. They will increase you to the point of where you will be thinking to yourself, is this the heating bill or the phone bill? Boycott Comcast. We are and telling everyone to as well.
old65
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:15 a.m.
comcast cable is the only service I can name that raises prices faster than health care. my service has remained the same for 6 years while cost has doubled. that is why in my neighborhood it's known as "COMSCREW"
Terrin
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 11:07 a.m.
The only reason I stick with Comcast is Internet. There is little competition here. If I could get reasonable broadband from somewhere else (e.g. naked DSL), I would drop Comcast in a heart beat. The only options I am aware of is AT&T, but it's customer service reviews on the Internet are frightening. I think there is also a company called Speak Easy, but it charges over $50 a month not including taxes. Any other options out there?
jgjones
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 10:05 a.m.
For the past 4 months, I have been billed $1.99 for an upgrade that was not implemented or even needed. Every month, I call Comcast, have that baseless charge and another one rescinded, and plead with the billing representative to permanently correct my bill. If this was an isolated problem, I would not have posted, but this issue is but a drop in a stream, with this poorly managed company.
lejeunehall
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:56 a.m.
We refused the digital equipment because we already have built-in digital receivers. Yes, they work with the new digital switch over. And guess what? We still got charged $2.99/month. For what? We have NO Comcast equipment whatsoever.
The Picker
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:52 a.m.
Two things: Why should we have to buy equipment,so we can pay for their service? We're the customer if they want us to use the service, give us the means to receive it! If the city's cable Czar is impetient, Why do we still fund that position? I thought the city was going bankrupt. Eliminate this commission tomorrow!
sittin here
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:05 a.m.
It's $1.99 if you don't like it stop using comcast go with another provider. I have had comcast for 15 years and never had a problem you only hear from the ones with problems.
John
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 9:02 a.m.
We received the dta's and spent over 15 hours trying to activate. One was finally activated but channels were intermittant, some still not able to receive. Other DTA never worked. Comcast solution, pay about $45 for a tech to install. Wasn't sure what to do about the other 3 TV's in household so switched to Dish Network. No problems so far.
auntiemmmm
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:44 a.m.
I dumped Comcast in 2002 for Directv. I haven't had any of the customer service issues Comcast is known for. When the change-over happened there was no need for any additional equipment and no price hike.
a2phiggy
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:39 a.m.
Comcast does have the monopoly on high-speed internet in Ann Arbor and shouldn't - their customer service is horrid, and their deceptive practices are now habit. Why won't the city allow AT&T or other hard-wired high speed internet providers to expand?
mjohnkeir
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:19 a.m.
We need to end Comcast's monopoly on the provision of cable service in ann arbor.
Moose
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:18 a.m.
Kill your television.
Sandy Castle
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8:06 a.m.
I am dumping comcast. We have been with Comcast for 18+ years and I am tired of the games they play. To save money I called them and we dropped our home phone service and were given a rate for internet and digital television. Now, a year later, the bill has gone up over $25. per month. When I called to address it they refused to speak with me about it since the account is in my husband's name. It's been in his name the whole time, but they have never dealt with him, it's always me when there's an issue, an upgrade, a payment. This isn't rocket science and it's not a bank account so why the high security? It was a bad move on their part. They'll be coming to get my service when the bill doesn't get paid since they refused to remove the service. We are switching to ATT. They are upfront about the increases they assess since you sign a 2-year contract for service. Do I think it will come without issue? No, I'm not that naive, but I've had it with the game playing at Comcast and I will save money with ATT, the difference between the two companies, when the rates go up after one year at ATT is about $30. a month less than Comcast for the same services.
MaisysMom
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 8 a.m.
I have been waging war with Comcast since digital migration in my area-Oct. 27. In the Pittsburgh area standard cable channels migrated to digital and dtas(the free of charge adapters noted on the website) are not available! Can't wait until verizon fios is available on my street...
K2 from A2
Sun, Nov 22, 2009 : 7:57 a.m.
When I called Comcast to order my 2 adapters, I was told that they are free for the first year. After this period, I will be charged $1.99 per box. Go figure. Incidentally, I noticed that all the channels do still exist on my televisions. Most start at channel 77. I guess you could create your own guide for the channels, ie. 77-1 Lifetime, 77-2 CNN, etc.