internet provider deals make no sense

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CrysisComa

CrysisComa

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Sorry if im posting in the wrong section, wasnt sure where to go.

So basically im looking for an internet plan for my new house, i like comcast so i decided to go with them. What confuses me is there is a 50mbps plan for 60$, and then a 50mbps plan + cable tv with hbo for 50$. How does this work? Is there something im missing?

http://www.comcast.com/internet-service.html
 
Solution
USAFRet


" After first 6 months, monthly service charge goes to $69.99 for months 7-12. After 12 months, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for Blast Plus with HBO® is $89.95."

So, after 12 months, it is $90. Plus taxes, fees, any DVRs, modem rental...
That could easily be $120 after 12 months.
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CrysisComa

CrysisComa

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so essentially the little letters that say this applies for 6 months only. Now if i threaten to leave after that period i have heard they generally let you continue paying your normal price. Would you agree with this?
 
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chugot9218

chugot9218

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The bundled package is naturally going to be cheaper, mainly so they have more "hooks" in you. Cable companies pricing schemes are very deceptive if you ask me, although legally they provide all the information they have to. That 60$ just for internet may only be according to the deal period, many of them list "For the first 6 months", that means you are getting the discount rate for 6 months and it will go up substantially after that. Had a buddy bragging about how cheap his TV and internet was and all the premium stuff he got for like 60-70 a month, after 3 months, his bill was over 140. I would inquire with them and find out the exact pricing for your situation, for example, you might get a better rate if you sign a 2 year contract over a 6 month, however, if you cancel service before that period they will add a fee. Some providers will actually let you bring your service with you, Charter for example, so if you move and it is available at your new address, you just move the equipment and give them a call. If your new location does not offer Charter service, they will cancel your contract without the associated fee. Make sure you find out what the price will be after any promotional periods end. So that 60 dollar plan may go up to 80-90 after the period, the TV and internet is cheaper because after the promotional period, they get to jack up the prices on 2 services instead of one.
 
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chugot9218

chugot9218

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Some cable companies will respond to threats of departure with freebies, usually something like free premium channels for a certain period. I wouldn't say for certain that they will give you the discount rate for the rest of your contract, they might as they are getting more desperate to keep customers, I'd say it can't hurt to try as long as you are prepared to switch providers (they probably won't cut you off, you would have to specifically cancel yourself, the threat shouldn't be enough to deactivate your service).
 
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CrysisComa

CrysisComa

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ok well after the first 6 months it goes to 70$ a month. I found this out by going to the details tab under each rate and then the Terms and restrictions on the right.

It seems like the same deal for all of them, and im not seeing anything anywhere in regards to how long i have to commit to the internet deal. I will only need it from now until may, so like 8-9 months.

So if i threaten to leave if my rate goes up do you think they will let us keep it at the original rate?
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Not necessarily. When I had Cox cable, after the promo period it eventually went up to double what it was. After while, I called, begged, threatened to switch....they came down a whole $5.
Very soon after that I moved to where FiOS was available. When returning the Cox equipment, she asked why I was cancelling:
"Switching to FiOS, because you are just to expensive"
She did not seem surprised.

Depending on your location and how many other options you have is directly related to how much they will cut a deal. If you have no other real options, they may not be to amenable to dropping the post-promo price.
 
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chugot9218

chugot9218

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They might also be reluctant because of your contract, they probably would make more money from taking your cancellation fee than from reducing your rate for another 3 months. And as USAFRet mentioned, they can hold you over the coals a bit if they know (and they will know) you have few to no other options.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Depends on what you need. The $60 internet only price is 12 months.
The $50 internet + TV price is 6 months.

Do you need cable TV?
And find out exactly what the post-promo price will be.
 
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ssddx

ssddx

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typically its a promotional price only.

that $50 could easily turn into $140 (ie the $60 internet + $80 which is a common price for tv).

if you signed a contract no amount of complaining is going to let you continue paying the cheaper rate. you would have better luck getting water from a stone.

i agree... if you cancel you can often get charged a very large fee. it can be a few hundred dollars.

i'm suprised you actually like comcast. from what i've heard they were rated the number 1 worst company in america on more than one occassion. in any case... if things look to good to be true they often are.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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" After first 6 months, monthly service charge goes to $69.99 for months 7-12. After 12 months, or if any service is cancelled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s current monthly service charge for Blast Plus with HBO® is $89.95."

So, after 12 months, it is $90. Plus taxes, fees, any DVRs, modem rental...
That could easily be $120 after 12 months.
 
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Solution
CrysisComa

CrysisComa

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good catch. I will only be using it for 12 months max though, as ill be moving out of country at that time....
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Well then. If you only need it for 12 months, the price is a wash. But with one, you get free TV. Sounds like a winner.

Where are you moving to?
 
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CrysisComa

CrysisComa

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Hawaii :) Thanks for the help, much appreciated.
 
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