Under the cable plan that I've "enjoyed" for years, I've had access to 49 channels. One week ago I left on vacation and everything was fine. Upon my return I discovered that I no longer was able to access 10 of my original channels, because my equipment lacked the necessary "digital enhancements."
When I contacted Comcast about this I was informed that I should have received written notification of this change in policy. I explained that I hadn't, but that I wasn't interested in the company's digital enhancements. I was informed that they were optional.
I said that I was choosing to opt-out, but felt that since I had lost one fifth of the channels I originally had access to, my monthly bill should be proportionately reduced. I spoke to two representatives (Jane and Joy) and a supervisor (Heather) and was told that there is no provision for reducing my monthly cable charge below its current amount.
About 4 months ago my cable/internet monthly bill was increased roughly $10.00 without explanation and now the company wants to reduce my available programming without reducing my monthly bill. How is that fair or even legal?
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Rob
United States of AmericaWhy does it have to be Comcast's Equipment
#3General Comment
Sun, February 13, 2011
Out of everything that I have seen in regards to this situation, the debate seems a little "Black and White" and skips the "Grey" area in between.
What about the people who have Digital TV's or other digital equipment already.
As for myself, I have a Digital TV, no I have not seen the scrolling message on any of my channels, so one would believe that I would be alright during the change over, but I still have no clue about how my service will be affected in the end. Anybody, from what I understand, that uses a DVR device can not use them with a Comcast box and has to pay an additional fee for one of their DVR devices.
What about those who are already are using a Digital or HD box from Comcast and currently have to pay for their equipment. I have not seen any discussion on about a credit for them or "reduced amount for HD box users" since every one else will get a digital box and up to two digital adapters for no additional monthly service charge.
Finally, IF everyone is already on digital and working fine as they are now, why should they need to get anything in addition or change what they have now?
I can name a couple of services a person can receive with out the REQUIREMENT! of additional equipment from the provider beyond what is already outside my home. Comcast is outside and inside!
I do not have to buy a phone from a land line provider to use my land line service.
I do not have to buy a cell phone from my cell provider to use my cell service, though I may have to pay a fee to activate. Even if I bought my phone from my cell provider, I don't have to put a "Cell Top Device" on top of my phone to be able to use my service.
I do not have to buy my electric outlets or anything additional from my electric company for my electrical outlets to work or the devices I plug into them.
It’s the same with my water and sewer, trash, etc
I believe what ever Comcast wishes to do to better their services for their customers needs to be done on their end…outside! By the way, FREE does not exists. With my bill alone the past 4 years with out a change in service…and I imagine more to come with the new “Enhancements”
07/08 Raised $0.01 (Why)
08/08 Raised $1.01
01/09 Dropped $0.08 (Why)
02/09 Raised $0.01 (Why)
03/10 Raised $3.17
01/11 Raised $2.12
I understand the larger jumps, although I still don’t agree with them but what are the pennies and dimes for, Imagine if all of Comcast customers received a penny or dime increase. On top of that, Comcast is one of the few companies I believe can change your rate and the service you receive with out your say so in on the matter.
Now, I understand cable service is a luxury item and is not required, I also understand that there are other services available besides cable but I also think it is fair to say when someone is getting screwed or not.
Dave
United States of AmericaThey have a solution that's free
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, October 12, 2010
http://digitalnow.comcast.com/
They did this to actually lower their costs and provide a better quality signal to you. THERE IS NO COST! Why get upset when your service will be better in the end?
There is no way to get your 'old' channels back without this adapter.
Don't be upset they offered you a free solution (that may have actually given you MORE channels than 49) and you opted out. They aren't going to reduce your bill becuase you don't want to install their free equipment.