http://www.click2houston.com/news/14212605/detail.html HOUSTON -- Next week, cable services will cost more for Comcast customers, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday. Last month, Comcast announced the average customer's bill would go up about 6 percent once the company institutes its rate hikes on Oct. 1. But some digital package rates are more than doubling. For example, the Digital Classic package, which is now $4 a month, will jump to $9 a month. The Digital Preferred package, which is now $5 a month, is going up to $11 a month. Premium channels chosen "a la carte" such as HBO or Showtime that are currently $10 a month, will soon run $19.95 a month. Also, Comcast will start charging for services that are now free, such as a one-time $15 fee for a non-published phone number. A service call will cost you $24.95 and there's a $4 convenience fee to pay bills online. Comcast customer Fayne Sisco told KPRC Local 2 that he feels trapped because Comcast is the only cable provider in his Friendswood neighborhood. Sisco currently pays about $200 a month for cable, Internet and home security monitoring. "I think it's really unfortunate and I think these price hikes reflect that they're a monopoly," Sisco said. A Comcast representative told KPRC Local 2 that all of its customers have been notified this month about the rate changes and they were also informed if they find those changes unacceptable, they have the right to cancel service. Comcast customer Louis Ribera canceled his service Wednesday. "They charge you for setting up. They charge you higher rates for the Internet service. They jack up a lot of the prices, so we just decided it's not worth it, so we got out of it," Ribera said. But, Comcast customer Constance Moore said she plans to pay the higher rates. "I really think they shouldn't increase, but the economy's so slow if that's what they've got to do, then they'll do it," she said. In a statement on Aug. 31, Comcast said, "Price adjustments reflect the increase value of our service and a $200 million local investment to improve network reliability, launch new products and services and enhance the customer service." I read through my notice and knew about all the price increases to the packages and ala-cart items, but the ones in bold above are news to me.. I'm sorry, but four dollars to pay online every month is CRAZY IMO.. At least Amex can pay them for me without any fees..
$20 for HBO now? What the heck ... I'm cancelling. Curb your Enthusiasm and Entourage are nice, but they're not worth $20/mo.
You know what, I'm going to seriously consider switching to DirecTV even though I have a discount with my apartment community.
this makes me sick. seriously. $200MM for network upgrades? I had Warner Cable for 8 years and never once had a problem. NOT ONCE. I have had Comcast for 4 months and have returned 3 boxes and have had many service outages Bastards
Also, why the hell is it 24.95 for a service call when their main reaston for a rate increase is because of "investing into a more reliable network"?? I've dealt with a hand full of their techs, they should be paying me to put up with such incompetence..
I'm going to stop by Phonoscope Cable this afternoon and give everyone there a hug. Comcast really blows. Can't believe how they've wasted no time alienating the entire cable community in Houston. Hey FCC/Congress, are you guys EVER going to do something about this crap? Enough of this "cable zoning" monopoly system. Evan
WTF??? $24.95 for a service call? what the **** am i supposed to do when my cable and internet go out...pay $24.95 to ****in' tell you that? FU(K U COMCAST!!! i'm cancelling!
Comcast sux...I will say this, since TW has come to Dallas, I've had less problems...Of course, my bill has gone up, but I'd rather someone other than Comcast...That being said, I'll probably be switching to DirecTv
https://uverse1.att.com/launchAMSS.do Make the switch to U-verse if it's available in your area. Almost everyone on my block switched to U-Verse and they all love it.
I have a question. I pay for my folks cable and mine. They basicallyw atch regular cable, no digital box, no dvr. How much is it to get this with dish? They need to be able to get local channels as well.
It's all about DISH. My friend has Direct TV, and does nothing but complain about them. More HD channels, better receivers, better customer service. I've had Dish for 3 years, and don't plan on switching anytime soon.
Luckily for me I still have stuck with my Oplink DSL after all these years. Unluckily for me U-Verse is still not available at my address. GRRRRRRRR If it doesn't become available soon I might be forced to go DirecTV, especially with their superior HD content lineup.
Ill-Skillz is right about AT&T Uverse. I dumped TW back in Spring for AT&T. Best decision I've made in a long time. Great picture, tons of channels and about $50-$75 cheaper per month than Crapcast.
