[Cajulian]

We have had CenturyLink/Prism here for 3 years now. A 40 year subscriber of Time Warner in NY. CenturyLink Prism services work very well for the most part. On a minimum of occasions you may have to restart the cable modem/router box.

The one area they are weak in is getting the price right at the beginning and when you come back off of vacation if you are a snowbird.

I always have them quote me a price for my selected services and if I am uncomfortable with the price, I always negotiate until I get something reasonable. I usually go to the Retention department rep to negotiate, not the store rep. Usually when I get the first bill, it is always different than I was told it would be. I then call the 800 number, never the store reps. I always ask the rep for their Retention Department to resolve the billing issue. I always tell them that I expect consistent billing and want to stay with them a long time like Time Warner if they can give me a reduced price. If they can't, I am leaving.

Each year, I get a ridiculous cheap price and it stays consistent until I go away to my NY home and put it on vacation with a rate we agree upon. Usually about 15 to 20 bucks. The problem starts over again when I restart services and they tell me it will be at the last price I left off at before vacation status. When I get the 1st bill, it is always higher than expected and I call the 800 number again and ask for the Retention department rep. They have 100% of the time reduced the price back to keep me happy as a customer.

Remember, the store rep and the regular 800 rep have no authority to waive certain fees or give discounts. Only the Retention reps have that power to retain customers.

Cable companies are declining in their customer base due to the cord-cutters and are working diligently to retain customers. They will continue to raise your rates. If you don't ask for Retention help, you will continue to see increase in rates.