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jdtoast OP t1_ja5ycsy wrote

Reply to comment by HarmlessHeffalump in Comcast/Xfinity price just went up $42 for me this month by jdtoast

I've been one on and off for years. Sometimes lived in places where FiOS was available, sometimes not. This is the most egregiously they've ever fucked me.

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HarmlessHeffalump t1_ja622sk wrote

My first year with Comcast, my bill was under $70 for everything (internet and cable with all the premium channels). Now I’m at over $140 for internet and their second tier cable. I call every year trying to get a better rate (doing the whole cancel script) and this year they told me the best deal they could give me was over $200. When I reminded them that was more than I currently pay, they suggested I see if I qualify for the low income credit to try and lower my bill.

I hate Comcast, but it’s the only reliable provider in my area so I’m screwed.

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PoopIsAlwaysSunny t1_ja68zhn wrote

Verizon has been putting up towers around town recently. I saw a guy walking around town knocking on doors

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HarmlessHeffalump t1_ja7ipva wrote

The curmudgeons in my community won’t allow Verizon to install Fios in the area, otherwise I’d happily consider Verizon.

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tajjj t1_ja7ubos wrote

OP is likely referring to the Verizon 5G Home Internet Service. I switched close to ~6 months ago and it's been great. My cost is ~35 dollars a month (no-contract) with it bundled on my cell plan.

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HarmlessHeffalump t1_ja7vq88 wrote

Fair enough. I'm on a list to be emailed if and when Verizon offers anything but DSL in my neighborhood so I'll be on the lookout. I'm still pretty certain they've given up on my area though.

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anne_hollydaye t1_ja7er4h wrote

My bill went up 100/month last time. Trust, they'll happily continue to fuck you.

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pnrgi t1_ja7ltw5 wrote

A $100 has been the base price for internet for a real long time. I’ve lived all over the country, and everyone is trying to give you a low entry point and squeeze it up to about $100. I’m not saying its right, just an observation.

So just like car insurance, if you want the lower price, you may need to make changes.

Just because its the base price, doesn’t mean there aren’t options. Retention is the department at comcast you want, but they have a customer facing term. Retention only works m-f 9-5, they negotiate all day long and their compensation structure is to retain you as a customer. If you understand their motivations it helps when negotiating.

Stay clam, play dumb (“idk my bill went up, I can’t afford this, think i need to cancel”), and the first 2 people you talk with are probably going to have to transfer you — understand this going in. Usually the retention team is well train, they understand negotiation. They will try to find a middle ground. They will use techniques like mirroring( repeating back your words) to build empathy.

There first ask will be to get you back in a contract (it sounds like you’ve had good experiences so it could be a option), generally they’ll start with adding a service. So same price $100, but now you get TV. If that doesn’t appeal keep going down the line until you find an option that appeals.

Imo $40 for internet is a great price, you may not find again.

Hope this helps get you a better rate!

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jdtoast OP t1_ja82png wrote

Thanks for the advice, I'll give that a try.

As far as prices go, apparently verizon fios charges $45 or $35 if you're a mobile customer.

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coorzltz68 t1_ja89u05 wrote

Fios Gigabit is $89.99, but being a wireless customer gives you a great discount. I pay $44.99 after all the discounts. They all have no expiration as well.

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weahman t1_ja7kpp6 wrote

>This is the most egregiously they've ever fucked me

Oh this is only the beginning. Wait till you want to cancel the service. You're gonna have to your bank block them and deal with someone who has worked there 30 years but its their first day.

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