Just ordered Comcast

[Enko]

Just set up my order over the phone with Comcast for internet and TV. Was definitely surprised with the differences between the online deals and the promotions over the phone.


Bundles on the website:
$69.99 for 6 months
Digital Starter TV
Performance Internet
Free HBO for 6 months

$79.99 for 6 months
Digital Preferred TV
Performance Internet
Free HBO for 6 months

For internet offers, a Standard cable box is included. A HD Receiver costs $8.50 a month and a HD DVD is $15.95 a month


Deals on the phone:
$69.99 for 6 months
Digital Starter TV
Performance Internet
Free HBO for 3 months
HD Receiver included

I was looking for their Boost level speeds and the the first customer service representative I talked to said I could call back after the install for any of the packages and get upgraded to Boost speeds for another $10.00 a month. I asked about cable cards as well since I have a Tivo Premiere XL. She told me cable cards were the same cost as a STB at $8.50. I told her I was going to look around since cable cards shouldn't cost that much.
The website states the first cable card is free and additional ones are $2.50 each. I called Comcast back and asked the customer service representative about the cable card prices again but was put on hold and I guess added back to the queue since a different one picked up as if I was a brand new caller.

Third times definitely the charm.
I asked about her about the cable card prices again citing the website and the first customer service rep. She told me they were both wrong and a M cable card for me would be $1.50 each.
I was happy about that so I proceeded to start placing an order. I mentioned that the first customer service rep told me that if I wanted Blast speeds, I should call back after install and get it upgraded for $10. She told me that she could get me set up with Blast speeds AND Digital Preferred for another $10 for a total of $79.99 for 6 months.

Here's the deal that I finally ended up getting:
Months 1-6: $79.99
7 months on: $105.99
Blast Internet
Digital Preferred TV
HD Receiver included
No contract
Installation: $39.99
HBO after 3 months: $10
HBO >7 months: $14.99

She also told me I could save $150 by having her mail me the router or pick it up from the local store. I asked her if it was just a case of plugging the power in and plugging the ethernet cable in and she said that was it.

Thanks again to Carrie at Comcast for trying to help the customer get the best product and save money.

Any one else notice large disparity between the offers online and over the phone or even between different customer service reps?

Two things that annoyed me with Comcast though is that I can not see the channel line up for Memphis as I keep getting this: "We are currently working to provide channel lineup information for your area."
Other thing was that when you call 1-800-COMCAST, they ask for the phone number where you have or want service. No option to speak to a customer service rep or anything. As I only use a cell phone now that has a Davis, CA area code, this doesn't really help. I had to put in the number for the apartment office which brought me to their Customer service menu (Troubleshooting, Pay bills, etc) and I just kept hitting * until it then asked for the zip code that I wanted service. Not sure why they have their menu programmed like that or if I just missed something.

We'll see how the install goes and the set up.

[Loves2Watch]

Just hope the picture quality is good for you as many, many others complain about the quality compared to satellite and/or FIOS service. Comcast here, in my area is the absolute worst picture quality wise.

[buzzard767]

Picture quality is good in SW Florida, although they have yet to go full digital and offer ESPN 3D and Xfinity 3D. It shouldn't be long though....... -- been saying that for a year.

[j4quattro]

In my opinion in South Florida:
1.) Directv rules overall in picture quality as well as sports programming.
2.) Dish is #2 mostly due to lack of sports programming
3.) Comcast (Xfinity) and UVerse (AT&T).

This being said, I am always looking for better than Directv and I have yet to find it. This does not mean I think Directv doesn't have room for improvement in all areas, I just believe they are the best choice currently.

[Enko]

I would have definitely gone with Fios if it was offered in the Memphis area. Verizon has zero services out here. I had Fios in Virginia and loved it. Extremely fast internet and good TV quality.
I didn't go with DirecTV or Dish as I also needed high speed internet. Also with the location of my apartment and looking at everyone else who has a dish here, they're all pointed in a direction that I would be blocked.

If the picture quality is really bad, I'll cancel the TV service after 6 months and try someone else out.

[buzzard767]

It all depends on the content from Comcast. I have recorded some local SW FL newscast material to use in showing off my LaserVue. It's that good, or, er, maybe the newscaster is just that pretty....

[Enko]

Well apparently the install fee is $59 not $39.
Cable cards also cost $52 an hour to install. No self install option so they have to set up a different visit for a tech to come out, plug in the cable card to my tivo and basically watch it set up. First cable card is free which is something I wasn't told the first time. I'm going to see if I can convince the tech to just install the card while he's here but not really hoping for much.
Tennessee doesn't carry the routers in their service centers so another $9.95 to have it shipped to me which I didn't find out until I got to the service center.