Sometime earlier in the year, a lady at our table was telling us how she had suddenly lost Turner Classic Movies on Comcast. What has been part of their upgraded package for decades was now going to be part of a package with shtick dreck sports channels. She declined. This afternoon, it suddenly disappeared on my line up too, after several minutes of a frozen cable service. Comcast is going to find out that I am not going to be pushed any further by thieving bastards. If I have to find another provider, I will.
Comcast Screws Us Over Again
- Thread starter tomturbomatic
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They cut our TCM too about 4 mo ago, with no warning other than some hidden fine print on the e-bill, which I missed. It now costs an additional $9.99 a mo for the “sports and entertainment” package, which the only entertainment offering is TCM and the Country Music Channel, plus a bunch of sports channels. The only channel we watch from this package is TCM. Seems to me that we should have been offered the option of paying for TCM ONLY, and not be forced into financing a bunch of crap we’ll never watch.
We also have to pay an $8.00 “franchise fee” for sports channels every month too. If viewers want to watch sports, then they should pay for this and those of us that don’t partake of these channels shouldn’t be forced into financing the entertainment of others. Fair is fair, but then look at where we are right now as a nation, not much is fair anymore.
Eddie
We also have to pay an $8.00 “franchise fee” for sports channels every month too. If viewers want to watch sports, then they should pay for this and those of us that don’t partake of these channels shouldn’t be forced into financing the entertainment of others. Fair is fair, but then look at where we are right now as a nation, not much is fair anymore.
Eddie
I just reduced by cable bill by $50 a month and got a DVR in the package; I just have to take my current cable box in and swap it for the one with the DVR capability. Yes, the sports and religious stations don't really bring in enough dollars so, like the blue states have to support the red states, you have to have their charges included in everyone's package. I am not getting the TCM. There is an APP if I cannot live without it. I doubt I will miss any of what I was scrolling thru--mostly clutter. At least I keep my Music Choice Hits of the 60s.[this post was last edited: 12/13/2019-18:54]
I have had Total Choice since 2000 with Directv. They added sports fee and took away Sirus radio and replaced it with that crap Music Choice. I originally had Primestar and you rented the dish and paid for just the stations you wanted and the original Directv bought them out. Now with AT&T, Directv will do what it wants, no more discounts and more crap channels for more $. They either wipe out that stupid sports fee and give me back my discounts or I switch to another provider.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
I don't have cable TV. I don't have the $$$, and even when I did, I was too cheap. I can't say I miss it, either. My local library has a good collection of DVDs. And I prefer other sources for news and--particularly--commentary. I'm not interested in watching "news" on a channel that is little more than a PR arm for a political party.
That said... I've noted a lot of people really, really, really hate Comcast. Indeed, a few months ago, I saw some on-line ranting about a cable provider, and wishing that Comcast served the area. My immediate reaction: that cable provider must be really frustrating if that person wants Comcast!
That said... I've noted a lot of people really, really, really hate Comcast. Indeed, a few months ago, I saw some on-line ranting about a cable provider, and wishing that Comcast served the area. My immediate reaction: that cable provider must be really frustrating if that person wants Comcast!
lordkenmore
Well-known member
Seems to me that we should have been offered the option of paying for TCM ONLY, and not be forced into financing a bunch of crap we’ll never watch.
Yes. I've seen this point mentioned elsewhere before, particularly with expensive packages. Of course, it's good for a cable company--if they can make someone cough up $$$ extra month just to get one channel they really want. And, unfortunately in today's world, the corporate bottom line seems to matter more than the best interests of ordinary people.
Yes. I've seen this point mentioned elsewhere before, particularly with expensive packages. Of course, it's good for a cable company--if they can make someone cough up $$$ extra month just to get one channel they really want. And, unfortunately in today's world, the corporate bottom line seems to matter more than the best interests of ordinary people.
arbilab
Well-known member
Lest we forget, TCM was originally a BASIC channel like CNN. But, hoho, everybody watched it so natcherly the guys in the mahogany underwear went "hey we can gouge for that!" to offset the jacking they get from the sports franchisers fewer and fewer subscribers want.
Spectrum just flat raised the price of almost the same package by $30. The 'almost' being that AT&T bought Cinemax and withdrew it from the package, to be sold separately for another $10, for an overall increase of $40. Oh, and that's the BUNDLE price. IINM, you can now drop phone or internet and the price does <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> go down.
I thought this industry was supposed to be at least somewhat regulated? How's that working for you?
Spectrum just flat raised the price of almost the same package by $30. The 'almost' being that AT&T bought Cinemax and withdrew it from the package, to be sold separately for another $10, for an overall increase of $40. Oh, and that's the BUNDLE price. IINM, you can now drop phone or internet and the price does <span style="text-decoration: underline;">not</span> go down.
I thought this industry was supposed to be at least somewhat regulated? How's that working for you?
I have Comcast for Internet
The only choice I have is Comcast in the condo complex I am in. I only use them for High speed internet. I get 600Mbps for just under $70 with taxes included. I use the building roof antenna for TV as well as I stream ATT Now on my Firestick. My house phone is from Ooma for about $14/month. I don't think this is any cheaper this way but it allows me more choice. I use my own cable modem and router so I don't pay any fees. I would have signed up for Comcast tripple play but they were insisting I use their telephony modem/router when in fact you can get a Telephony router that supports comcast. Only problem is comcast will not support it. Not sure if that was a marketing ploy. They do support the cable modem I have now (Arris SB8200 1gig) that is they configure it and can issue resets. I can do updates as needed if they don't do them.
Only problem is with my set-up I have to be the admin for some of this stuff. So maybe you get what you pay for? I dunno.
The only choice I have is Comcast in the condo complex I am in. I only use them for High speed internet. I get 600Mbps for just under $70 with taxes included. I use the building roof antenna for TV as well as I stream ATT Now on my Firestick. My house phone is from Ooma for about $14/month. I don't think this is any cheaper this way but it allows me more choice. I use my own cable modem and router so I don't pay any fees. I would have signed up for Comcast tripple play but they were insisting I use their telephony modem/router when in fact you can get a Telephony router that supports comcast. Only problem is comcast will not support it. Not sure if that was a marketing ploy. They do support the cable modem I have now (Arris SB8200 1gig) that is they configure it and can issue resets. I can do updates as needed if they don't do them.
Only problem is with my set-up I have to be the admin for some of this stuff. So maybe you get what you pay for? I dunno.
I got a Roku stick a while back and am seriously considering quitting AT&T U-verse TV service. Once you've experienced commercial-free viewing and all of its perks, it's difficult to put up with regular TV anymore.
I agree that sports should be a separate package. Make the wife beaters that are into watching men who refuse to grow up pay for the access. They will, regardless of price. They already pay well into the three figures to attend games in person.
I agree that sports should be a separate package. Make the wife beaters that are into watching men who refuse to grow up pay for the access. They will, regardless of price. They already pay well into the three figures to attend games in person.
I got my Spectrum bill today! Shocker! last bill was $124. plus change. New bill $153.00!!! OUCH! No explanation or anything! Now comes the dickering!
gusherb
Well-known member
Don't have cable TV, never missed it. Used to watch OTA but have pretty much completely abandoned that for streaming. Have 300/20 internet from Comcast for $60.
lordkenmore
Well-known member
I got my Spectrum bill today! Shocker! last bill was $124. plus change. New bill $153.00!!! OUCH! No explanation or anything!
So much "fun" when that happens... I'm pretty sure I've seen situations where the price goes up with no real warning with my ISP. There have been explanations, but it still irritates me. Particularly when it's a new fee that suddenly gets invented. Or the time when I was "upgraded" to a new level service. It was promoted with a line of: how wonderful this is--better than you had--and oh, by the way, the rate will got up slightly!
So much "fun" when that happens... I'm pretty sure I've seen situations where the price goes up with no real warning with my ISP. There have been explanations, but it still irritates me. Particularly when it's a new fee that suddenly gets invented. Or the time when I was "upgraded" to a new level service. It was promoted with a line of: how wonderful this is--better than you had--and oh, by the way, the rate will got up slightly!
lordkenmore
Well-known member
One thing I've thought is that cable companies in general have probably come to a conclusion that their future is less and less rosy with every passing day, thanks to streaming services and cell phone Internet service. So...they might figure "get the money while we can!" by rate increases, cute tricks like forcing one to buy an expensive package to get one desirable channel, etc.
justjunque
Well-known member
We still haven't forgiven Comcast for taking away our Weatherscan channel a few years ago.
For us, there is nothing that even comes close.
Of course, we still have their service, because we don't have a practical alternative.
Barry
For us, there is nothing that even comes close.
Of course, we still have their service, because we don't have a practical alternative.
Barry
vacerator
Well-known member
Ditched Scamcast
years ago, now use streaming service. Was having reception issues even after upgrading to basic digital, and 2 service calls. They were shocked we cancelled after so many years. A big shot even pulled up in our then badly broekn up driveway and rang the door bell, asking why. I said I guess you didn't feel how badly I need a new driveway over your expensive cable tv driving up in that.
Prior tot hat, I was disapointed they quit having the DW channel, as I enjoyed the news from Berlin, and the Deutsche language program.
These compoanies all use the same marketing schemes of bait and switching after a year or so of a good deal, then thy hike the costs. IGS energy, etc. do the very same with public utilities. "If it sounds too good to be, it usually is". Excess greed causes excess infaltion.
years ago, now use streaming service. Was having reception issues even after upgrading to basic digital, and 2 service calls. They were shocked we cancelled after so many years. A big shot even pulled up in our then badly broekn up driveway and rang the door bell, asking why. I said I guess you didn't feel how badly I need a new driveway over your expensive cable tv driving up in that.
Prior tot hat, I was disapointed they quit having the DW channel, as I enjoyed the news from Berlin, and the Deutsche language program.
These compoanies all use the same marketing schemes of bait and switching after a year or so of a good deal, then thy hike the costs. IGS energy, etc. do the very same with public utilities. "If it sounds too good to be, it usually is". Excess greed causes excess infaltion.
I miss our Weatherscan Channel, too. Often at 3:30 AM, the Weather Channel does not have the local conditions at the bottom of the screen, but has their shitty national scan like in hotels and airports. It helps me not a bit. And, of course, the main program on the channel at that hour is not weather unless the world is ending and is some weather porn about storm chasers, truckers or pilots in icy condition and planes crashing. AND the local on the 8s is not running except maybe once or twice an hour.
I canceled cable TV in July 2006. Wasn't watching much, and (accidentally) ran the mower over the coax coming down at the utility pole where it wasn't fully buried.
They ran a new cable and properly buried it in April 2007 when I needed Internet service after we shut down the dial-up ISP where I'd worked since Nov 1998. DSL wasn't available at the outskirts of town, and I wouldn't have touched SWB/ATT/XYZ with a 30' pole anyway.
I have only Internet service. I thought the local cable outfit is a Comcast reseller but recently noticed the bank statement description for the bill-pay transaction references Cable One. Maybe that's a recent change, haven't checked statement back-history.
Except a service guy some years ago took the filter off at the pole that blocks the TV part. It had gone bad, and he said they always cause trouble so he removed it and didn't install another. So basic channels slip through. I told him at the time that all the jacks in the house are disconnected except the one in the office room for the computers, which was true then and still now.
I can use RJ's DirecTV password to valid streaming on the network web sites. Only show I watch anyway is General Hospital. Have an ancient Roku in the MBR, haven't used it in several years.
justjunque
Well-known member
Tom,
Exactly!
Weatherscan was your local forecast, 24 hours a day.
They suggest your local news, or The Weather Channel.
Neither one is giving you the current local conditions, as they happen.
Any time there was severe weather, we would just leave Weatherscan on.
We even enjoyed the background music!
As far as I'm concerned, there is no equal.
I think it came down to, Weatherscan has no commercials, so Goliath Comcast wasn't making any money off of it.
Aww...poor Comcast.
Barry
Exactly!
Weatherscan was your local forecast, 24 hours a day.
They suggest your local news, or The Weather Channel.
Neither one is giving you the current local conditions, as they happen.
Any time there was severe weather, we would just leave Weatherscan on.
We even enjoyed the background music!
As far as I'm concerned, there is no equal.
I think it came down to, Weatherscan has no commercials, so Goliath Comcast wasn't making any money off of it.
Aww...poor Comcast.
Barry
fan-of-fans
Well-known member
I miss WeatherScan too!
It was great having Weather Channel 24/7 on that channel. Local on the 8s is no longer, only on the 48s or so. And at night sometimes not at all. Just the small bar at the bottom of screen, which helps some, but hard to read from any distance.
I'd get rid of cable myself. Not enough on worth watching and too many repeats. Get many secondary channels on it though, but could get those without even having cable.
Just wish there was a better price for internet only. I do most TV watching online on YouTube anyway. More interesting than just having to watch whatever TV is on. Could do home phone service through Google Voice or Ooma and avoid having to pay for triple services.
It was great having Weather Channel 24/7 on that channel. Local on the 8s is no longer, only on the 48s or so. And at night sometimes not at all. Just the small bar at the bottom of screen, which helps some, but hard to read from any distance.
I'd get rid of cable myself. Not enough on worth watching and too many repeats. Get many secondary channels on it though, but could get those without even having cable.
Just wish there was a better price for internet only. I do most TV watching online on YouTube anyway. More interesting than just having to watch whatever TV is on. Could do home phone service through Google Voice or Ooma and avoid having to pay for triple services.
