Telecom and cable companies really piss me off, but sometimes you have to just dance with the devil. I have decided to take myself off the grid and rely soley on the Internet for all my communication and entertainment needs. This means that I need two things from my Internet: stability and high speed (so I can watch Internet TV).
In my new apartment, the best option for receiving stable and high-speed Internet is through Comcast. I logged onto their site reluctant but drunk from all those Comcastic advertisements.
Immediately, they start off on the wrong foot with me. If you don’t already have Comcast digital cable or phone service, than they tack on a $99 first-time installation fee and raise the monthly high-speed Internet rates. Plus, all their promotional offers suddenly dissolve through your hands like sand. This is all understandable since they are angling to have all customers use their Triple Play package of digital cable, phone service and Internet.
I completely understand everything they pulled in the above paragraph. It makes since given that they are a telecom/cable company. Its what I expect. However, they pulled a fast one on me when I was a couple of screens into my sign-up: They say “high-speed Internet only subscribers” can only receive up to 4mbps when using their 6mbps Performance service.
WTF! This is huge given they’ve heavily advertised their 6mbps Performance high-speed Internet service all over the place. I see their commercials on TV, the radio, the newspaper, the Internet and pretty much every other mainstream ad placement medium.
Whatever. My life heavily relies on the Internet so I am just going to bend over and take it.
After I have given away my debit card number and signed up for an installation date, Comcast tells me that I have to engage in a “live chat” with one of their service reps.
Without further ado, here is my Live Chat with Joe from Comcast (note: Joe really comes through at the end):
Joe ( Wed Nov 28 2007 16:45:44 GMT-0800 PST ): Hello Andrew_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Joe. Please give me one moment to review your information.
Joe: Hello Andrew!
Andrew: hello
Andrew: hello Joe
Joe: How are you doing today Andrew?
Andre: i am doing great Joe. how are you?
Joe: I am pretty good, thank you for asking Andrew!
Andrew: no problem Joe
Joe: are you at work right now?
Andrew: no
Andrew: do you need something from me or what
Joe: I just need to stay with me while I give you the High Speed Internet Service, is that what you want Andrew?
Andrew: that’s what i want
Andrew: give it to me Joe
Joe: I will give it to you As Fast as I can, Is this your first Experience with Comcast Services?
Andrew: no it is not my first time
Joe: Well, then we are glad to have you back, you know that in Comcast your business is our biggest concern, and our business is to exceed your expectations everyday.
Andrew: thank you for your sincerity Joe
Andrew: i feel great to be back in the Comcast family
Joe: You know we always help you in what you need, as right now I am doing it, Andrew allow me some minutes in order to search in installation date that works with your schedule.
Joe: Thank you for holding, Andrew, the next available installation date is on 11/29 from 10AM to 2PM. Does it work for you?
Joe: Im glad you still here! Thank you for holding, Andrew, the next available installation date is on 11/29 from 10AM to 2PM. Does it work for you?
Andrew: most certainly does work. lets make it a date!
Joe: Excellent Andrew, we really make a good team, don’t you think?
Andrew: yes we sure do.
Andrew: better than starsky and hutch
Joe: LOL…!!! Andrew For your information, your first bill will be for a total of $161.18, from which $99 is for the installations, and $61.95 will be your monthly fee
Joe: But as we make a such a good team, let me give you this!!
Andrew: what does the $61.95 consist of??? $56.95 plus what?
Andrew: i’m waiting…
Joe: No charge for Installation,, your first bill will be for a total of $62.95, from which $0.00 is for the installations, and $61.95 will be your monthly fee
Andrew: wow that sounds great
Joe: You saved $99.00 !
Andrew: thank you Joe. IM-high five
Joe: It has been a pleasure chatting with you, I hope that you’ve obtained all the information and help you needed.
Andrew: you have been a pleasure Joe
Andrew: go get them tiger
Joe: After you close this window, another window will pop up on your screen, I would thank you if you please can answer the survey.
Joe: LOL!! I will get them!
Joe: Welcome Back Andrew, and Good bye
Andrew: good bye Joe
