Paul
Mankato,#2Author of original report
Thu, July 05, 2007
It is incredibly confusing, but it helps a lot when I can look at your explanation and let it sink in, rather than try to absorb what is being told to me, over the phone, by someone who doesn't speak english. When I am not understanding it, of course I am going to feel ripped off. Thank you so much for your help.
Kimberly
Gray,#3UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, July 05, 2007
I worked at Charter Communications for 2 years as a customer service representative and received many calls about accounts that had been given incorrect information on pricing and it would frustrate the hell outta me!! I felt like I was the only one that knew anything! OK the movie tier consists of Showtime, Encore, and the movie channel, which in most casese is around 15 channels and is indeed $5 per month but usually included into a package if you prefer. Now before they closed our call center down, the movie tier had gone up in price from $5 to $10 per month in a lot of areas. The on demand is free EXCEPT for Hbo, Cinemax, Starz on demand IF you do not subscribe to the regular Hbo, Cinemax, and Starz channels. If you do subscribe then they are all free. There is also new release movies on the movies on demand and those you do have to pay for because they are brand new but anything that you would have to pay to watch would tell you that before you order. Even though I don't work there any longer, I just feel I have to protect some of the things that customers get upset about because a lot of employees don't know what they are doing which can be the case at any company, but it is aggravating when you get wrong info. I just wanted to clarify this for you. Please feel free to contact me if you have any other questions! I can break it all down for you if you would like! It can be confusing I know.
John
Rhinelander,#4Consumer Suggestion
Mon, July 02, 2007
We have charter here in Rhinelander Wisconsin, no other choice. Believe me, charter would charge you to wipe your *&* if they could. Digital? pay more. On demand? pay more. Hi def? pay more. Phone? pay more. internet? pay more and more if you want it fast. Hey charter shill, bite me.
Paul
Mankato,#5Author of original report
Sun, July 01, 2007
Barby - So, after reading what you said, I called Charter again - got a man from God knows where -BUT, after about 15 minutes of going back and forth, questions and explanations, he was able to explain my bill and what it meant (what you said) and then gave me a better deal - which I understand Charter loves to do when anyone calls (but I think I have all every single channel/package Charter offers on cable tv), and I'll be saving a few bucks now. I still find it incredibly difficult to figure out my bill and would rather forget about figuring it out and just pay it, but I had a really bad experience with Charter last fall and don't to go through that again, so I'm always trying to make sure I am not getting screwed too badly now. Anyway, I appreciate your help. I would not have called and given anybody any time to really explain my bill if you hadn't given me the response you did. Thanks.
Barby
Fond Du Lac,#6UPDATE Employee
Sun, July 01, 2007
I'm sorry to say, but it appears you were misinformed about the OnDemand service. Yes, in order to get HBO, Cinemax, Starz, and Showtime OnDemand you must subscribe to that channel, prices vary. We do have some other OnDemand features that you must pay for if you choose to have them, such has Howard Stern OnDemand, Karaoke, or ordering a new release movie. As for the rest (I'm not sure which exactly are available in your area) they are free, you pay no additional charge for that service. The $5.00 you are talking about for a Digital View, if that's what is listed on your bill, that would be additional channels you are recieving. The Digital View is channels, usually in the 100's and/or 200's, and includes channels such as Noggin, DIY (Do It Yourself), Bloomberg, Lifetime Movie Network, MTV Hits, VH-1 Classic, etc. You can always go to http://www.charter.com/Visitors/Channels.aspx to check which channels are available in your area on Charter, as well as look at pricing/billing information there as well ( update.charter.com for billing). Most of the pricing options you see on the website will be promotional offers. I wish I could explain your bill further for you.