Comcast updates their digital guide...

MarkHastings · 11-21-2006, 02:46 PM

Well, Comcast did some revamping of their TV guide and they now have an ugly ad at the bottom of every screen. It shortens the list (by one station) and is annoying!

I voiced my concern with Comcast in an email and said that I would like the ad removed since I pay almost $100 a month and shouldn't be bombarded with advertisements. Here is the typical "Tough Shit" reply I got from them:

Quote:

We are very sorry to learn of your disappointment in our recent Banner
Link launch. We have introduced these links as a means of raising
awareness about some of the great features of Digital Cable and to
highlight programs from both the channel listings and on On Demand services.
We appreciate when our customers share their point of view with us; it
is our goal to make your digital cable television experience as valuable
to you as possible. The Banner Links are a permanent enhancement to
our Interactive Program Guide, and we feel the benefits to our
subscribers will prove them to be a valued addition.

There are no current plans to remove the Links, and they cannot be
disabled.

Oh please!

I pay my monthly fee regardeless of what I watch and how much I watch it. So why do they need to keep bombarding me to watch when I'm already paying them for service?

Anyways, I also mentioned that I was considering looking into alternative providers if they didn't stop the ads.

Of course, I got this response:

Quote:

Should you decide to make a change to your services, we must ask that
you call us at 1-800-COMCAST (266-2278) Monday-Saturday: 8:00 AM-6:30 PM
and an agent that is specially trained to assist you will be available.
This process allows us to insure that your specific needs are properly
addressed

I love how these companies have this "Don't Let The Door Hit You On the Ass" attitude. Rather than trying to please you, they'd rather give you the "If you don't like it, then either suck it up or leave." attitude.

Ok, Rant over.

Dave_Brown · 11-21-2006, 02:59 PM

I dropped Comcast about 3 months because, to put it simply, they sucked. For digital cable/high speed internet, after my 17 month trial period (?) they raised my rate to about $145 a month. No way that will fly. So I call to cancel. They offer me packages that are still $20-30 higher than the compeition, so of course I refuse and stop service.

I now get a call at least once a month wanting to know why I left and what can they do to get me back. I tell them "your channel offerings were terrible, your price is ridiculous, and I will never return." 30 days later, get to repeat the conversation again.

Today I pay $112 for digital TV, high speed internet and includes monthly phone service. Best comcast would offer was expanded basic (no digital) and the slowest internet offering for $128 and my monthly phone was not available via comcast in my area, so I'd still be paying $62 a month in that.

MarkHastings · 11-21-2006, 03:10 PM

We had people incorrectly install sat. dishes wihtout association permission, so our condo complex won't allow them anymore. Not that I'd want that, but Comcast knows I'm stuck with them, so that's why they have that attitude.

It does suck. I know the only way would be for me to leave, but I'd do it if I knew it would make a difference. It's clear that Comcast doesn't care wether I'm a customer or not. Ugh!

Shane Martin · 11-21-2006, 04:18 PM

Quote:

We had people incorrectly install sat. dishes wihtout association permission, so our condo complex won't allow them anymore.

Members should fight this. There is a specific law allowing them to put sat dishes up.

MarkHastings · 11-21-2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shane Martin

Members should fight this. There is a specific law allowing them to put sat dishes up.

Well, it's in the bylaws. The problem actually had to do with the fact that they are new and the builder told people they could put them up (before the assoc. took over) and people were installing them when the assoc. took over.

Basically the assoc. would have allowed it, but they wanted to be specific where they could be placed. People had them installed all over (mainly on the roof) and it looks awful! Plus, the assoc. was upset with those who had them installed on the roof because they didn't want to be liable (years down the road) if the installation caused leaking.

Anyways, they will probably allow them if you ask and if you put it in a specific spot, but the whole sat. deal has been soured by those who jumped the gun, so it's best to avoid it.

**HTF Ads**

Paul D G · 11-22-2006, 04:31 AM

Hmm. When Comcast updated our guide we, too, had ads, but they disappeared after a day or so and haven't been back. I don't know if people complained or they decided on their own it was a bad idea. So maybe there's hope yet.

No offense, Mark, but I really doubt Comcast knows you're stuck with them. It's not like they keep up to date with the various association rules.

It's more likely robotic form responses. Call support and speak to a manager, or write a formal letter. They might not do anything immediately, but if enough people are complaining they might change it.

-paul

Jeff_CusBlues · 11-22-2006, 08:30 AM

I have had terrible service from Comcast. I agree their prices are high also. I pay around $150 a month for high speed and cable TV service. Verizon will offer cable TV service starting in January and I will definitely be looking into this and their FIOS service. I can't wait.

MarkHastings · 11-22-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul D G

No offense, Mark, but I really doubt Comcast knows you're stuck with them. It's not like they keep up to date with the various association rules.

LOL - Well, they are the only ones that provide a physical connection into the homes, so they do know that satellite is the only alternative. I'm sure they think poorly of satellite service and they have enough business to have the "If you want satellite, go ahead, we could care less" attitude.

Quote:

It's more likely robotic form responses.

I originally got the robotic response (i.e. thanks for your email, someone will be contacting you within 24 hours) and the next email did have a name attached - of course, that still doesn't rule out a robotic response to appear to be personal...

I'll give it a little bit to see if it goes away, then I'll go higher in the chain of command.

Mike Frezon · 11-22-2006, 11:49 AM

Mark: I feel your pain. Keep up the fight. It may seem hopeless, but giving up is even more...hopeless.

Don't let the turkeys get you down.

I guess I would call the number they provided and let them know about your dissatisfaction and make sure they are going to pass along your concerns to the people who should know. Repeat your claim that if they don't plan on removing the ads you are serious about ending your contract with them.