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More telecom competition moving into area
Video: AT&T Ohio General Manager talks about AT&T U-verse
> AT&T's new U-verse takes on Time Warner
> Would you consider switching your service to a new competitor?
> D.L. Stewart: Change of program guide has him channeling anger
Sunday, July 13, 2008
AT&T's entry this week as a major competitor for Time Warner is just the beginning of the growing telecommunication choices for consumers in Ohio and the Dayton area. More than 30 franchises have been approved by the Ohio Department of Commerce to offer video services in the state since the Video Competition Act was signed into law last June.
The act was aimed at attracting competitors to the state by granting them a single franchise to provide TV programming anywhere in Ohio rather than their having to negotiate separate franchises in dozens or even hundreds of localities. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Jacobson, R-Dayton, and heavily backed by AT&T.
Among the potential newcomers are big players like Cincinnati Bell, ComCast and Cox Communications, part of Cox Enterprises Inc., which owns the Dayton Daily News and WHIO Channel 7.
But while local consumers may soon find themselves faced with a mind-boggling array of bundling options and new features for their TV, phone, wireless and Internet services, they aren't likely to see a decline in prices, industry analysts say.
"What we have seen so far in other parts of the country is that there appears to be no pricing effect as a result of increased competition in the marketplace," said Tom Ireland, chief technology officer for the Miami Valley Communications Council. Ireland testified last year before the state legislature when it was considering the Video Competition Act.
David Irwin, a telecommunications expert at Catholic University in Washington, D.C., said the investment costs in providing state-of-the-art services is so high that providers can't afford to undercut each other's prices. AT&T alone plans to invest $4.6 billion to reach nearly 19 million homes in 13 states, including Ohio, by the end of this year.
Instead, Irwin said, providers are competing on the quality of their programming and services as well as overall customer satisfaction.
AT&T has been touting the "cooler than cable" features of its new U-verse package, including more high-definition channels, remote programming of the DVR recorder, picture-in-picture channel browsing and the ability to search TV listings by title and actor and record up to four programs at once.
AT&T's Internet Protocol delivery system enables customers to blend their computer and TV services with personalized on-screen access to stocks, local traffic and weather and sports scores. AT&T customers who purchase the U-Verse voice, TV, Internet and wireless package also can retrieve and forward both their home phone and cell phone messages from a computer or laptop.
Competition can only improve the level of service offered by both Time-Warner and AT&T, Irwin said. "Neither ranks very high in surveys of customer satisfaction," he said.
As the newer TV and Internet competitor, AT&T especially will have to prove itself among Dayton area customers, said Jason Cella, editor of Hoover's Inc. "It's possible (residents) have already formed an opinion based on past experiences with their landline voice or wireless services," he said.
Cella said many consumers will weigh the TV content of the two carriers. "The accessibility of things like college and professional sports broadcasts could be a deciding factor for some people."
AT&T is aggressively wooing sports fans by offering both the Big Ten and NFL networks as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes coverage of the upcoming summer Olympics.
Sarah Briggs, executive director of TV4us Ohio, a non-profit group of consumers, agencies and corporations promoting more choices in telecommunications, is still hopeful that Ohio will see a drop in prices from the growing competition. "It's still too early to tell," she said.
"Other states aren't seeing the kind of influx (of new carriers) that Ohio has," Briggs said. "It's just going to take a little bit of time for some of these companies to get on the ground here."
Irwin said phone companies like AT&T have no choice but to expand into the digital TV and Internet markets. With the growth of cell phones and over-the-computer voice services like Vonage and Skype, the market for "plain told telephone lines is quickly eroding," he said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2437 or jdebrosse@DaytonDailyNews.com.
Comments
By Dale
April 15, 2009 11:04 PM | Link to this
I can’t wait for U-Verse. They offer more programing options and more HD programing. I am a hughe hockey fan, playoffs have started and TW does not show the games in HD while U-Verse does. When is it coming to Bellbrook?
By Shelley
October 9, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this
I am so upset with losing Channel 2. I could almost live without some of the t.v. shows but losing my soap opera??? I have watched it for almost 20 years!! I can’t find it online anywhere to watch full episodes. I think it is ridiculous that they cannot settle on some kind of agreement. Then to top it off, they replace Channel 2 with HBO Family??? I already had this channel with my HBO package!! Now I have two HBO Family channels and no soap. I am throughly disgusted.
By ck-Beavercreek
October 7, 2008 12:27 AM | Link to this
Details not in my 1st post: AT&T U-Verse cost for unlimited phone, 3.0M Internet, and 260 channels (U300 package—2 TVs/receivers) was $144 + fees/taxes. Also got $200 cash back and deal includes free DVR, wireless modem, and installation.. . and…free battery back-up for phone and Internet!! Seems funny TW can’t reach agreement with WDTN—every other provider did! Lots of reasons to leave Time Warner—tough to find a reason not to—dropping WDTN made it easy!
By ck-Beavercreek
October 7, 2008 12:14 AM | Link to this
Having AT&T U-verse installed in 2 weeks. Can’t wait to make the “terminate account” call to Time Warner. Biggest beef is the recent Navigator ‘upgrade’—PATHETIC!!!—TW’s cavalier attitude and ever increasing rates. Even with hassle of new e-mail, stopping auto debit, etc. still looking forward to saying “terminate”! Dropping WDTN was last straw—TW is making it easy for AT&T!
By PadraigQ
August 25, 2008 5:56 PM | Link to this
By TWC customer
August 21, 2008 2:32 PM | Link to this
What I don’t understand is, for all the people who switch because of customer service issues, what makes you think that AT&T is going to be any different? They’ve NEVER done TV before, they have no local customer service call center that I know of, and they will be understaffed to handle with both ordering and trouble calls. This is the same situation that caused TWC customer service to go down when they launched phone. 1-2 minute waits to ??? waits.
By By Sharon
August 12, 2008 3:15 PM | Link to this
I have been satisfied with my AT&T DSL service and had hoped that their U-Verse would be cheaper than Time Warner. Not to be. When I first got cable (yes, a long, long time ago), it was only $12.00 a month. Yes, I have more channels now, but then half of them didn’t turn into infomercials late at night. And I don’t care about the sport packages or HBO or Showtime or any other movie packages. I just want to pay for what I watch.
By By Sharon
August 12, 2008 3:10 PM | Link to this
I have been satisfied with my AT&T DSL service and had hoped that their U-Verse would be cheaper than Time Warner. Not to be. When I first got cable (yes, a long, long time ago), it was only $12.00 a month. Yes, I have more channels now, but then half of them didn’t turn into infomercials late at night. And I don’t care about the sport packages or HBO or Showtime or any other movie packages. I just want to pay for what I watch.
By Duane
July 26, 2008 12:52 AM | Link to this
I’d like to install DirecTV but my trees in Centerville wont let that happen and I can’t get any other option but TWC which is horrible. I loved DirecTV and never had a weather problem in TX, Wy or MO.
By Ignatius
July 16, 2008 11:36 PM | Link to this
Right now it’s available in Kettering and parts of Vandalia. I believe Beavercreek is the next roll-out. I’m out hitting the street promoting this, and truly thought it would be explosive. But a lot of people are very hesitant of change. Perhaps it’s just too new and the people aren’t ready. I’m quite surprised.
By Rob
July 16, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this
I am a current Time Warner customer, and I actually called AT&T to see how much I actually could “Save”. I actually ended up saving money by switching to AT&T. They gave me $100 cash back, and there was no charge for my wirless modem. Also they don’t charge you for your DVR box. I went by a cingular store and saw the service live, and it totally rocked. It had a lot of really sweet features. I signed up right there in the store and have an install this weekend.
By Mike
July 16, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
Right now I have the 3 services bundled thru time warner for the $105.00 price. The only way I would consider AT&T if they were cheaper. Hopefully the competition will drive down the high prices. We pay way too much for these services even at Time Warner.
By Mike
July 16, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this
Right now I have the 3 services bundled thru time warner for the $105.00 price. The only way I would consider AT&T if they were cheaper. Hopefully the competition will drive down the high prices. We pay way too much for these services even at Time/ Warner.
By Becky
July 15, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
TBill, correction, my cable bill has gone up 100%, not 50%. It was too late to correct when I made my post. But it is nice to know that someone reads comments made here.
Back to U-verse. One of my co-workers who lives in Kettering came home to find her front lawn torn up awhile back. No one had informed her that anything was happening. She found out that it was the new cable coming in, and that no one had to inform her before tearing up her lawn!
By i wish
July 14, 2008 11:20 PM | Link to this
If you want ATT and the fiber optic lines are no available in your area yet, don’t hold your breath. We live in Centerville and have waited for fiber optic lines ever since DSL first came out..four years ago. Still no fiber optic lines available. You’d think we lived in rural Adams county or something.
By Mark
July 14, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this
I have never had many problems with Time Warner. Direct TV went out when it rained. I get cable, internet, phone, with all the HBO’s, Cinemax, and Showtime channels for $110 a month. Plus TW has a lot of on demand content. I can call up movies and series at the click of a button when I want, how I want. Direct TV and AT&T can’t touch that.
By Mark
July 14, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this
I have never had many problems with Time Warner. Direct TV went out when it rained. I get cable, internet, phone, with all the HBO’s, Cinemax, and Showtime channels for $110 a month. Plus TW has a lot of on demand content. I can call up movies and series at the click of a button when I want, how I want. Direct TV and AT&T can’t touch that.
By Michael O'Leary
July 14, 2008 8:16 PM | Link to this
Cant wait I live in Piqua.Competition never hurt anybody.Hope we get it before colege football starts.
By TBill
July 14, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this
Let’s try to find Becky a new career. After 20 years you aren’t making 50% more pay on your job? McDonald’s must really suck! You people think these cable channels come to TW for free?? The NFL and Big 10 aren’t giving away what they can charge for. At least we can watch the Reds without having to go to a Reds Network channel; but then who wants to watch losers?
By TBill
July 14, 2008 7:30 PM | Link to this
I can’t get ATT hi-speed though I was a dial-up customer of theirs for many years so I went to Earthlink cable modem. Also went with Cincy Bell for phone; can call everywhere from Xenia to Springfield to Farmersville to Northern KY for free; tons of “extras” too like caller ID, etc. And have DISH for satellite TV which never goes out. All 3 total about $100/mo. What’s wrong with that?
By Jake
July 14, 2008 7:25 PM | Link to this
In regards to TW wait time, I wonder what the wait time will, or is going to be when you need to be connected to the their cancellation/retention department.
By Rick
July 14, 2008 6:57 PM | Link to this
I am as digusted as anyone with Time Warner especially their subpar HD lineup but there is one problem with ATT Uverse that will keep me from switching. Currently they limit you to 2 HD channels in your whole house that can be watched and recorded at one time. For person like me that has multiple HD TVs with DVRs 2 is way too low a limit. If it was not for that I would switch tomorrow.
By Ashley
July 14, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this
The price comparison in the article doesn’t note that AT&T includes wireless home network and DVR free in their package. It’s a great deal.
By Furious George
July 14, 2008 5:05 PM | Link to this
Yup. I will dump TWC the moment AT&T is available in our area. Call for TWC support: “We can call you back in 40 to 60 minutes and not lose your place in line…” and “Yes sir, we understand that your converter is not working. We can have a technicion to replace it in two weeks. You can get one if you drive to Springfield or to the Dayton Mall store. (40 minute drive)” TWC is FIRED. Unfortunately they are the monopoly in our area… for now.
By Judy
July 14, 2008 4:58 PM | Link to this
it sounds like att&t got verizon’s fios that is what we got here in Tampa,FL.
By dmr
July 14, 2008 2:55 PM | Link to this
I switched to Dish Network cause TW had bad service, no NFL Network, and no Big Ten Network. Now I pay less than the TW chumps are paying and I get Big Ten and NFL while they all have to go to the sports bars for the Bucks. I was worried that my dish would go out in bad weather, but it goes out far less than TW did. The difference between TW and Dish Network is night and day. Channels, customer service, billing, etc. I have Road Runner, seems the only thing TW can get right.
By MR. ADVICE
July 14, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this
I am tired of reading people’s complaint and whine like little kids….I pay more than my neighbor…I don’t have what they have…my life is not fair…wa wa wa. People, don’t sit there and complain when you can change your bill. I am sure with TWC and any other company, they will work with you to keep you as a customer. Get off your chair and make a change…this piece of advice can also be applied to other aspects of your life. Have a nice day!
By MR. ADVICE
July 14, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this
I am tired of reading people’s complaint and whine like little kids….I pay more than my neighbor…I don’t have what they have…my life is not fair…wa wa wa. People, don’t sit there and complain when you can change your bill. I am sure with TWC and any other company, they will work with you to keep you as a customer. Get off your chair and make a change…this piece of advise can also be applied to other aspects of your life. Have a nice day!
By Rob
July 14, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand. Looking at the prices listed in the article above, it’s clear that Time Warner costs less each month. Why switch? Or am I missing something?
By Rob
July 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand. Looking at the prices listed in the article above, it’s clear that Time Warner costs less each month. Why switch? Or am I missing something?
By Rob
July 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I don’t understand. Looking at the prices listed in the article above, it’s clear that Time Warner costs less each month. Why switch? Or am I missing something?
By rickr
July 14, 2008 1:47 PM | Link to this
just got my u-verse up and running here on the oakwood/kettering line. It is great and the installers were top notch….NO MORE TIME_WARNER. I’m on my way to turn in the cable box and spend less for more
By Steve
July 14, 2008 1:26 PM | Link to this
About 5 years ago, I got Dish Network and when TW came out to disconnet their cable, they cut the Dish cable instead. Talk about employees who know what they’re doing!
By seriously?
July 14, 2008 1:16 PM | Link to this
I would change in a heartbeat, but unfortunately it is not available where I’m at in Centerville. I spoke with ATT and they explained that it requires fiberoptic lines that have not been installed in many areas. I pray they do it soon, so I can ditch Time Warner and go with a better option. People would be crazy not go over. I reviewed the channel line-ups and you can get much more (including the Big 10 network), for far less of a bill. Do the research, U-Verse is the way to go!
By l isa lambert
July 14, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this
I will be switching to at&t, time warner hook my cable up wrong an over heated the power an my house caught fire.
By TV
July 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this
Happily I switched. Due to install next week. I spoke to several people about this and they say the service is great. Uverse has over 1 million current customers. The CSR for the order was based in Wisconsin and was great to work with.
There is even a $200 rebate for online ordering. Although no real monthly change in cost I signed up just to get rid of TW. The $200 is all bonus.
I understand I don’t even need a wireless router - the rounter is in the box.
Can’t wait for Uverse!
By BHC
July 14, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this
The article on marketwatch.com has more details than this one.
www.marketwatch.com/news/story/att-u-verse-arrives-miami-valley/story.aspx?guid=%7B568F33D7-54F4-4F8F-8B94-F397E61FA236%7D&dist=hppr
By ric
July 14, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
I have had 10 missed appointments with time warner, bill problems every month and horrible customer service but could not get dish to work at my house hopefully this will work because time warners customer service is the absolute worst thing going for them.
By unhappy TWC customer
July 14, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this
I contacted my State Rep. to what could be done. Why? My parents live in Mercer County and that is exactly what my Mom did and they now have choices. They have a companty called hometown cable. They have over 80 channels including the Big Ten network and they pay less for cable and phone and internet than I do for just my lousy TW! We need to take a stand and fight for our rights as consumers and demand change!
By unhappy TWC customer
July 14, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I have lived in Dayton for over 25 years and I remember when we had a choice. I also remember when my bill was half the price it is now for the same channels. In fact, TW took away my Hallmark channel and ESPN classic but did they charge me less? In fact, they raised the price. It is called price gouging.
By unhappy TWC customer
July 14, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this
I have lived in Dayton for over 25 years and I remember when we had a choice. I also remember when my bill was half the price it is now for the same channels. In fact, TW took away my Hallmark channel and ESPN classic but did they charge me less? In fact, they raised the price. It is called price gouging.
By kerri_lover
July 14, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Kerri,
The CSRs might not be bright…but at least you can understand their english. Try calling Dell customer service sometimes…I get a CSR named “Hank” who has such a thick Indian accent that I have to idea what he’s even saying.
By Kerri
July 14, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this
I dropped Time Warner when the bill kept changing every month (usually upwards) and the due date changed, as well. But I don’t know if I’ll go with AT&T either, since they absorbed SBC and their customer service and billing departments were staffed with the biggest bunch of morons this side of the Mississippi. Not sure what I’ll do once I get moved to my new place… maybe back to Cincinnati Bell, who seemed to be on the ball…
By hank
July 14, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this
Did I write the following comment while asleep, because it is exactly what I did and how I feel about Time Warner. WOW!
By Angel
July 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Time Warner has the worst customer service I ever had to deal with in my life. We dropped them and went to DirecTv. We have ouir internet and phone thru AT&T. Their customer service is excennlent, compared to Time Warner. My opinion, Time Warner needs classes on customer service.
By notavailableinbeavercreek
July 14, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this
Just tried ordering…UVerse is not available to order in Beavercreek. DDN…can you please post exactly where in Dayton that it’s available? I’m bummed.
By Angel
July 14, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this
Time Warner has the worst customer service I ever had to deal with in my life. We dropped them and went to DirecTv. We have ouir internet and phone thru AT&T. Their customer service is excennlent, compared to Time Warner. My opinion, Time Warner needs classes on customer service.
By Angel
July 14, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
Time Warner has the worst customer service I ever had to deal with in my life. We dropped them and went to DirecTv. We have ouir internet and phone thru AT&T. Their customer service is excennlent, compared to Time Warner. My opinion, Time Warner needs classes on customer service.
By BA
July 14, 2008 9:38 AM | Link to this
The bottom line is this - most people won’t speak up - they will just pay the top rate without question. If you are among the few in this country who will actually ASK for a lower rate, you will get one with TW. I have an AT&T cell phone and have had a similar experience with them. Both companies have issues - the biggest with TW is the wait time to speak with a live person - but I have always been able to successfully negotiate lower rates with both with no problem. I just ASK!
By Jason H.
July 14, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Well I tried on-line and it’s not available in Beavercreek. Would be nice if Dayton Daily News would provide an accurate area to where this is available.
By Roscoe
July 14, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this
Cable TV is just the latest industry that once deregulated by the Government, Prices increase and Service decreases. It happend with the Airlines, Power Utilities, and Phone Companies, and now it’s happening with Cable TV………….
By karon
July 14, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
I have been waiting for UVerse to come to Dayton for quite sometime. I tried ordering today off their web site and it said that it’s not available in the Dayton area. Somebody forgot to update their database for Dayton zip codes.
By nobi yuno
July 14, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this
A Time Warner spokesman could not be reached for comment BECAUSE NOBODY EVER ANSWERS THE DANG PHONE AT TIME WARNER. And if he did answer the phone, he’d get back to you in 47 to 63 minutes with the WRONG ANSWER, and then when you called back again, you’d have to wait on hold for 2 hours, then get disconnected, then call back again and lie to the telephone computer by pretending you want to order HBO. Then when they picked up in 4 minutes and you told the truth, they’d transfer you to another #.
By Tom in Kettering, TWC-Sucks
July 14, 2008 8:50 AM | Link to this
I would consider switching to Uverse however unlike DirecTV I cannot take it with me when I go camping or on long vacations with my camper.
By Tom
July 14, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this
Have you noticed that your Time Warner HDTV channels are not as sharp and vivid as they were? (On your big screen HDTV). That is due to “compressing” the HD signal, so as to get three HD channels into the band space of two channels. AT&T U-Verse does not compress their signals, nor does Verizon FiOS. If either one becomes available in my area, you’re darn tooting, I’m switching!
By Tom in Kettering, TWC-Sucks
July 14, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this
10 years ago I dumped TWC for DirecTV because TWC kept raising prices and lowering the channel offerings. When AT&T DSL became available in my area I also dumped Earthlink high speed because TWC charged me an extra $5 a month to send me a bill because I was not a cable customer. I now have AT&T-CallVantage VOIP phone service for less than $30 a month and am very happy with the service. It has better features than TWC Digital phone.
By Itdoesnotmatter
July 14, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this
AT&T Time Warner both are giants and they both have terrible customer service, and prices, I think they work with each other so as to hold prices high, the Governent needs to look into price fixing , but they wont cause both companies have congress and the senate in there pockets DEEP !!!
By Goodbye TWC Liars!
July 14, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this
I will not even hesitate to switch the day it becomes available in my area! Goodbye overpriced inconsistent unreliable service! TWC lies and charges more for going backward. I for one am thrilled that they finally have competition. They need a huge wake-up call and customers should leave in droves when they see how much better “real” service can be. So far AT&T customer service has been stellar and informative. U-Verse looks amazing!
By consumer
July 14, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this
Honestly, I am happy that TW has new competition with ATT cable services. However, I would have to agree with Rick Millward on the market value cost. You pretty much want to take look at the cost (including movie packages, fees, and tax) before switching for another cable service. Based on what I am paying between my current bill with TWC and ATT Uverse, I am not going to switch my TWC service.
By Becky
July 14, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this
I’ve had Time Warner cable service for over 20 years, in that time my cable bill has increased 50%. Unfortunately I can’t say the same thing for my salary.
Why is it that pricing for a normal amount of channels is not given? Really now, who needs a choice of over 300 TV channels. Even more who can even afford that option?
By Ignatius
July 14, 2008 8:22 AM | Link to this
What the article didn’t mention is that AT&T is running this through a fiber optic network that begins at their Main Data center and ends at a “node” no farther than 2700 feet from the home. They’ve finished an entire fiber ring in the Kettering area and are offering the service.
It’s fast, sweet and from the main receiving center, totally terrestrial.
By dawn
July 14, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this
I cannot wait for the option. TW offers 1 hour waiting on the phone to talk to a representitive, rude representitives, and many errors. Their new DVR software package is screwing up on demand viewing for most of their subscribers.
btw, you shouldn’t blame Riverside or any other city for the lack of competition. They have no input. Competition is offered when competitiors move into the area. I know it wasn’t always like that, but the rules have changed.
By RM25483
July 14, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this
For the record, I have Internet service only with Time Warner for $25.95/month for a 7Mbps connection ( averages just under 6.5Mbps @ speedtest.net ). Everything you need is online, and most everything you want can be found online. The only dropouts I get are major ones, and my connection speed is consistent, with minor slowdowns during peak hours. Service, technician calls, and equipment are all crap; but the less you ask for, the fewer problems you will experience.
By RM25483
July 14, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
It is amazing how much money the average person just willingly gives away to telecom companies. The only thing worth watching is the Nature channel, and that comes in as a free digital over-the-air channel. And I am certain that almost all of you have cell phones; do you really need to spend money on a landline phone every month? Seriously, think about it. Want to save money in a high-priced economy? How about stop giving your hard-earned money away for so little in return.
By daniel
July 14, 2008 7:47 AM | Link to this
time warner sucks but i dont want a dish in the yard or on the roof!!! if they had a service with no dish i would switch.
By Rick Millward
July 14, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
I’ve been with Time Warner since 2005 and you have to consider market principles if you want a good rate from them and anyone else. Hint: market share goes to the best product at the lowest rate. Problem people face is where are they in this? I ust negotiated a price lock lowereing my bill by 30% because I thought my bill would go down $5 because I got rid of a special of two premimum channels. After talking to customer service they sent me to the retention dept which gave me the lower rate.
By Jay
July 14, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
There is a wonderful forum made up of Uverse users from around the country. It has been very useful as I’ve researched Uverse: http://www.uverseusers.com/component/option,com_smf/Itemid,2/
By Rick Millward
July 14, 2008 7:23 AM | Link to this
I’ve been with Time Warner since 2005 and you have to consider market principles if you want a good rate from them and anyone else. Hint: market share goes to the best product at the lowest rate. Problem people face is where are they in this? I ust negotiated a price lock lowereing my bill by 30% because I thought my bill would go down $5 because I got rid of a special of two premimum channels. After talking to customer service they sent me to the retention dept which gave me the lwer rate.
By Brian
July 14, 2008 6:55 AM | Link to this
Good, some more competition and another choice in the area.
Someone else wrote, “The longer you are with timewarner the more money they charge you, I have been a timewarner cable for many years and pay an arm and a leg.”
Sorry, but I have no sympathies for you. This is a free market, and TW can charge whatever they want to for their service. If you don’t like paying what they charge, cancel the service and stop bitching and whining about it. Life is not this difficult people.
By Janice
July 14, 2008 6:53 AM | Link to this
I’ve been thinking about getting rid of cable tv altogether. There are so many tv shows available online anymore, it’s really a waste of time and money paying for Internet and cable TV. hulu.com has many programs
By cindy
July 14, 2008 6:49 AM | Link to this
I HATE TW. I have Direct and he put up the dish and it is great. Time Warner doesn’t care. I told them I was going to leave and they were more arrogant then ever. My cable was out and it was going to be 2 weeks before they could fix it but they can connect a new one in 24 hours? Then I have to give 2 weeks notice to quit and they are charging me even though the cable is out until the 2 weeks is up. If they mess up the credit the next thing to go is the phone. We need more competition!!!
By T Q McCabe
July 14, 2008 6:35 AM | Link to this
I am so sick and tired of Time-Warner ripping me off just to shove their crummy infomercials down my throat. I don’t know why the City of Riverside keeps this 4th rate bunch of profiteers but it does make one wonder whom the Riverside government really represents.
Give me a shot a a new ethical cable company and I’ll be gone so fast T(total)-W(waste) will thnk I was never there.
Time-Warner is seen best in a rear view mirror. Good-bye and Good riddance.
By JC
July 14, 2008 6:22 AM | Link to this
If you call Time Warner and threten to cancel they will give you a better rate.
By Unhappy
July 14, 2008 6:01 AM | Link to this
What areas is this available in right now?
By another unhappy timewarner cable
July 14, 2008 2:35 AM | Link to this
The longer you are with timewarner the more money they charge you, I have been a timewarner cable for many years and pay an arm and a leg. I have family members who recently switched to timewarner and they pay over fifty dollars less that what I am paying for and they have the exact same package. Shouldn’t it be the other way around? Being a loyal customer gets you know where. I just might switch to AT&T, Its worth giving a thought.
By Julie
July 14, 2008 2:28 AM | Link to this
I just might think about it, my biggest complaint with timewarner is the longer you are with them the higher the prices where as if you are just subscribing to them they give you a great deal, I have been a timewarner customer for years and pay an arm and a leg, other family members who just subscribed have the same set up I have and they pay over fifty dollars less for the exact same service.
By Todd
July 14, 2008 1:15 AM | Link to this
I will stick with Direct TV (although I do use ATT DSL and like it just fine, much better deal than Roadrunner (imho)
By mike hornick
July 14, 2008 12:54 AM | Link to this
att offers 250$ to switch…im switching
By mike hornick
July 14, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
we have a rental property time warner has their cable so low we can touch it!
By mike hornick
July 14, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
we have a rental property time warner has their cable so low we can touch it!
By mike hornick
July 14, 2008 12:47 AM | Link to this
we have a rental property time warner has their cable so low we can touch it!
By mike hornick
July 14, 2008 12:44 AM | Link to this
oh yes!timewarner set a price for 2 years and raised it 75# in 7 months
By mike hornick
July 14, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this
oh yes!timewarner set a price for 2 years and raised it 75# in 7 months
By Dan Renfro
July 14, 2008 12:25 AM | Link to this
No Way. ATT’s Idea of customer service is to yes we will fix it and then tell you, abeit, very nicely, Whatever it is you want done”Can’t be done” While they have really nice people they are tech challenged. THey can’t seem to figure out how to work their own technology. I have my phone, cell phone( 5 lines) and internet through ATTand have gotten exzatly zero progress on any problem I have had. While I left Time warner for Direct TV my Neighbors stuck with TW for their bundle and love it
By Mitch
July 13, 2008 11:53 PM | Link to this
I hope quality of service improves, since both TW and AT&T don’t ever try to prevent problems with their respective services — they just wait for the customer to call with an outage and then takes forever to fix problems.
What Dayton consumers need is a local rating site where consumers can score the provider on how well the service is provided, kind of like a free Angie’s List for local telecomm.
By Dave
July 13, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this
My install date is set for Friday. I can’t wait. I want more High Def. TW can’t even offer local NBC on their service. TW has lots of work to do. I have their 15 meg internet, and never get more than 7-8 meg a sec. Free for a month, 200 bucks back. TW can’t touch ATT right now. I’m on the AT&T bandwagon.
By unhappy TWC customer
July 13, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this
to add more; i wanted to stand up for those the contractors, talking with my friends on both sides of the fence, they both will admit that there really no different in skill. only did you folks know that they work the contractors at that red truck place 6days a week and a minumum of 12hrs a day. these guys are tired and there not taken care of, so please be nice when they are there. they are getting beat up from there company and the company doesnt care. remeber thetechhasnothingtodowithyourbill
By rick thees
July 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this
i have heard that in columbus area the lids explode off these boxes they have set up in areas around town,and they are very loud,the technology is basic line of site so you have to hope no one builds anywhere near your box,i’ll stick with time warner.
By unhappy TWC customer
July 13, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this
I will transfer as fast as i can if it is offered in my community. Time Warner’s customer service is just plain bad. There pricing is so inconsistint, did you know that were you live is different on how much you pay, and for the past three months my bill has been different i wish they would just get it right once. Also i have two friends who work for there company as a tech, and one who works as a contractor for them in the red trucks everyone sees. I will tell you folks i would not dowhattheydo