[brostholder]

Well, my first interaction with comcast cable didn't go very well. Since we are just moving in to our new home in Pennecamp, I called them to hook up cable and internet. They told me that someone would be out between 1 and 4pm. The technician didn't show up until 4:30. He seemed quite capable while he was hooking us up, but he left rather quickly without actually testing his hookups. When I tried to get hbo, I wasn't able to so I called up comcast and after some discussion I was told that the tech had forgotten to give us a cable box and since they were closed I would have to pick it up myself at their local office opposite walmart on 27. The next morning I drove out there to pick up the box. When I plugged it in, it started to smoke and caught on fire!!!! Also, although our internet service was working immediately after the tech left, the next morning it wasn't. I took the smelly, smoky cable box back and told them what happened and that since I had to return to Ohio for a few months that they should just suspend my service since I hadn't been able to access cable or internet anyway. They said that they would have to charge me to suspend my service for 2 months, but if I wanted to cancel and try again in 2 months, there would be no charge. They also wanted me to return the modem. I asked if they could have a tech come by my house and pick it up but they said no. So I drove back to my house, unhooked the modem and had to drive back to their office for the 3rd time that day. I wonder if my experience with them is unique or if others in tv have had similar
experiences.

[Hancle704]

Might be nice if AT&T could enter the local Village market with their U-Verse service. Who knows, a little competition for Comcast might help them become more consumer conscious. BTW, what happened to Comcast's advertised commitment to be on time for appointments or, they pay you $25? Did you ask about that when installer showed up late for appointment?

Have also heard that many of the boxes they have at their store on 27/441 across from Walmart are all used units with many having been turned in because of defects. They are supposed to be checked out and reconditioned before being put back in service, but that's the plan that often is overlooked when supply is low.

[redwitch]

I haven't had good service from Comcast from day one -- not just here but in California as well. Used to have a company called Telecom until Comcast bought it out. Telecom was prompt, efficient and reasonable. Comcast came and prices went skyhigh for fewer stations, poor service and total attitude. I whimpered when I got here and found out my choice was Comcast, Dish or Direct TV. Here's another vote for AT&T finding a way into the TV market.

[brostholder]

thanks for your replies. I guess I'll have to try this again when I get back to tv in September. I sure hope it goes more smoothly!
Barry
Long Island, Evansville, Boca Raton, Toledo, Miami, TV

[ajbrown]

I never let a service tech leave without confirming they have done their job. If they must leave, I would expect an explanation and a followup.

What happened to you is completely unacceptable. Sadly calling 800-comcast will leave you feeling a bit empty.

I have had Comcast is MA and TV and would say mostly it is a good experience. I have had minor issues over the years, but always resolved.

If I were you and you have time I would have a little "fun" and escalate this issue. If you are going to use Comcast, see if you can use your experience to get some "specials".

Hopefully you do not get a bill for your experience, i.e., install fees, HBO for a day

[getdul981]

We currently have Comcast here in VA and have mostly been happy with the service. The techs are usually very knowledgeable and efficient. Whenever I have to call the 800 #, I usually get good service too. I can only hope that our experience continues to TV. Wonder if the cable boxes are the same there as here? My wife has stuff recorded on the DVR that I know she will not have time to watch before we move. (Even though that may be up to 10 or 11 months yet)

[skip0358]

When we moved down a year ago, I spent more time on the phone with them then I did family and friends from up north. Took 4 months to get the bill fixed. As for visits to the store each box was worse then the other.Thank goodness I had a copy of my online sign up contract or they would have bent me over on the contract price. The latest was when I ordered the baseball package for a one time charge. No problem we'll turn it right on. Well when I called to find out why it wasn't working they said sure it is. Yea but not the package it was supposed to be. Oh well for $ you can keep the wrong one also. I agree we need more choices.

[collie1228]

When the cable company says "We'll be there between 1:00PM and 4:00PM", I always expect them to show up at 4:30. Maybe it's just me, but I've never had a cable guy show up at 1:00 or 1:30. Who gets those service calls scheduled for early in the day? I have these visions of the cable guys all sitting around Dunkin Donuts from 1:00 to 4:00, and heading for my house when they finished their coffee . . . .

[ohiogolf]

While I have not had any service problems, there is one big plus with Comcast in TV...there is no charge for "vacation status". I shut down my connection for 7 months and do not get any charge while I am back home in Ohio and no cahrge to turn it back on when we return to TV. The same cannot be said for my cable company here. They charge and exhorbitant rate to put me in "vacation" status.

[macro]

Originally Posted by getdul981

We currently have Comcast here in VA and have mostly been happy with the service. The techs are usually very knowledgeable and efficient. Whenever I have to call the 800 #, I usually get good service too. I can only hope that our experience continues to TV. Wonder if the cable boxes are the same there as here? My wife has stuff recorded on the DVR that I know she will not have time to watch before we move. (Even though that may be up to 10 or 11 months yet)

We also are comcast in IL. When we moved a couple of years ago, we were still with the same Comcast office but had to turn in the equipment and get new equipment because it became a new account number in their system. There is no easy way to get those recordings off the old DVR. They do have an external hard drive port but, it is disabled. If you are keeeping both accounts open, there is a feature in the DVR controls to send to another DVR. Don't know if it would work across their system though between cities or regions. I think it's only meant to work within your house. (don't quote me) I think I have them scheduled to set us up on Aug 3rd, we'll see. I will try to confirm with them a week or so ahead of time. Anyway, only way I know of to keep the recordings is to record to tape, dvd or computer while you play it back. You won't be able to keep the equipment and take it to TV, even though they might be using the exact same equipment in FL.

[ajbrown]

Originally Posted by ohiogolf

While I have not had any service problems, there is one big plus with Comcast in TV...there is no charge for "vacation status". I shut down my connection for 7 months and do not get any charge while I am back home in Ohio and no cahrge to turn it back on when we return to TV. The same cannot be said for my cable company here. They charge and exhorbitant rate to put me in "vacation" status.

You sure? Not doubting you but.....I have put Comcast on vacation three times in TV and never for free. It has been a one time fee between $20 and $60 if I recall which shows up on my bill.

If you are able to set your Comcast on vacation for free; I think I have a bone to pick with someone at Comcast.

One of the issues I struggle with Comcast over the years (MA and FL) is you call the 800 number 3 times you will get at least two answers for the same question.

[Skip2MySue]

We have an appointment with Comcast to hook everything up in our new home in Pennecamp on July 8th between 8 & 12. We've had Comcast in NJ for years and other then having a box crap out we've been very happy with the service. We have the triple play option and pay about $165/month. I will let you all know how things work out after we're hooked up and running. Hopefully there will be nothing but good news
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