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-   -   Need new cable and internet provider. (https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/need-new-cable-internet-provider-351173/)

Jerseyjets 07-03-2024 06:26 PM

Need new cable and internet provider.
 
Hello Friends.

Spectrum again raised our plan cost. Now at $300. a month.
All we need is internet & cable tv. Any advice is greatly appreciated .
Thanks to all and wishing a Happy 4th of July.

Jerseyjets

Topspinmo 07-03-2024 06:33 PM

IMO get basic internet with Wi-Fi, buy firestick or Roku for streaming ( some newer tV comes with roku) put up antenna. That should hold costs below 100 bucks. You can get around $200 deal from Comcast (depending what you want) but, after contract they will Jack price up, plus maybe loose some channels you like over contract dispute? Ever wonder why they don’t drop channels don’t watch? Maybe they do but who notices?:oops:

tophcfa 07-03-2024 07:46 PM

Internet only and streaming is the way to go. Cable TV is not the future. Cutting cable can be intimidating for us older folks who have become accustomed to cable ever since we got rid of our television antennas about 35 years ago and don’t like change. Unfortunately, if you want to save money, clinging to cable simply isn’t an option anymore. We cut the cord earlier this year and are very happy with our decision and will never turn back. It required a fair amount of research, time, and trial and error learning , but once you figure it all out it is well worth the effort. Best of luck : )

Carla B 07-04-2024 10:36 AM

You need internet; you don't need cable TV. We ditched Comcast TV in 2015. We've done just fine since then with using a Roku device, one time cost around $79. Then we have to pay Comcast the internet fee which varies from year to year. This year it is high at $86. per month. We subscribe to Amazon Prime, at $139 per year; PBS Passport at minimum $69 per year, and Netflix at $204 per year. Roku offers several channels at no cost; we like TUBi for movies. We get the local Orlando news channels via the attic antenna installed in 2015 for $225.

So, monthly cost is around $120, much more reasonable than $300.

dewilson58 07-04-2024 10:41 AM

$300/mth................wow.

What do you get for ~$4,000 per year???

Arctic Fox 07-04-2024 06:21 PM

Seriously - go with the "internet only" suggestions - cable TV has become an unnecessary expense

jrref 07-10-2024 07:10 AM

As many have mentioned, traditional cable is an obsolete service. Their main problem is they need to pay franchise fees for all the channels they provide and these costs continue to rise. The cable company has no choice but to pass these increases on to their customers, even if they have that "special deal", you will still get an increase, they will just call it by a special name.

That said, you need to get the cheapest internet service and get an Amazon Fire stick, Ruku, or Apple TV and stream YouTube TV or whatever services you want. The internet service will depend on where you live. If you can ge fiber Internet service from Quantum or Centric, that will be the cheapest and the best. If not, then your are stuck with Spectrum and Xfinity unless you go with a wireless internet from T-mobile or Verizon. In either case you will have to try them and see how they work at your location. If they work, they are a great alternative from cable internet if you can't get fiber.

Anyone in Osceola Hills wanting to cut the cord, please reach out to me.

Doug17s 07-10-2024 08:00 AM

Internet service
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerseyjets (Post 2346740)
Hello Friends.

Spectrum again raised our plan cost. Now at $300. a month.
All we need is internet & cable tv. Any advice is greatly appreciated .
Thanks to all and wishing a Happy 4th of July.

Jerseyjets

I have Xfinity internet 500MPS for $60 per month and You tube TV for $75 per month. You do NOT need cable service. I also bought my own modem so I don't have to pay a rental fee to Xfinity.

Sabella 07-10-2024 08:10 AM

Cut the cord
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Topspinmo (Post 2346741)
IMO get basic internet with Wi-Fi, buy firestick or Roku for streaming ( some newer tV comes with roku) put up antenna. That should hold costs below 100 bucks. You can get around $200 deal from Comcast (depending what you want) but, after contract they will Jack price up, plus maybe loose some channels you like over contract dispute? Ever wonder why they don’t drop channels don’t watch? Maybe they do but who notices?:oops:

When people get their Comcast bill before they open the envelope they’re paying $35-$40 for a sports fee and a broadcast fee. (not to mention the rip off for renting their equipment, )That’s before you pay for your cable TV or your Internet or your phone. Isn’t it amazing what they get away with. Cancel everything except for your Internet, you don’t need a house phone use your cell phone and subscribe to YouTube TV. Go to Best Buy and buy a modem/router. But even if you do that, Comcast will still rip you off by excessively charging you for the lowest Internet service you can get.

UpNorth 07-10-2024 08:17 AM

You will probably need internet, so start by shopping for that alone. If you want to stream your stations, you need an inexpensive Roku or Firestick, and a subscription to a streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu Live. It is unfortunate that a free streaming service (Locast) was shut down in court by the cable companies several years ago. If you really want to go cheap, just add a roof antenna and maybe a OTA DVR box. A decent antenna will get you all the major over-the-air channels (but not "cable" or internet channels. Finally, it you are getting charged for a "home phone" line, just get a Ooma box and switch your number over. Unlimited phone service for $5 or less per month.

Stu from NYC 07-10-2024 09:41 AM

Right now we have xfinity for almost $ 200 per month.

We will be getting fiber from Quantum after they finish destroying our neighborhood (what a mess) and will decide what else to get.

thelegges 07-10-2024 10:15 AM

We only use spectrum for WiFi, $49 month, we use UTUBE TV, and have paramount+ and Disney + that comes for free. Haven’t used Comcast or spectrum channels for years

Blueblaze 07-10-2024 02:51 PM

Has anybody tried that $35/mo deal for internet from Quantum? It says it's $35 for life. But the fine print says the guarantee not to raise the rate doesn't apply to wifi, and they need 3 hours to install it. Didn't make any sense to me why they'd need three hours to hook up a modem, or what wifi has to do with it, so I round-filed it. But I'm still curious. $60 for internet is obscene. It doesn't seem that long ago that $30 seemed like a rip-off.

tophcfa 07-10-2024 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrref (Post 2348897)
As many have mentioned, traditional cable is an obsolete service. Their main problem is they need to pay franchise fees for all the channels they provide and these costs continue to rise. The cable company has no choice but to pass these increases on to their customers, even if they have that "special deal", you will still get an increase, they will just call it by a special name.

Unfortunately, once most households cut the cord and stream, the cable companies will no longer be paying the franchise fees. When that happens, either the streaming services (aka their customers) will have to pick up the tab or the content providers will begin to cancel channels. I see a future of streaming only and paying for channels a La carte, with many less viewed channels getting canceled. Times are a changing.

Stu from NYC 07-10-2024 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueblaze (Post 2349080)
Has anybody tried that $35/mo deal for internet from Quantum? It says it's $35 for life. But the fine print says the guarantee not to raise the rate doesn't apply to wifi, and they need 3 hours to install it. Didn't make any sense to me why they'd need three hours to hook up a modem, or what wifi has to do with it, so I round-filed it. But I'm still curious. $60 for internet is obscene. It doesn't seem that long ago that $30 seemed like a rip-off.

Well when they finally get to our street and finish messing up our lawn plan to get it. Have been told it is $ 50 for life but have not seen the small print

daniel200 07-10-2024 08:23 PM

My two year xfinity internet trial ends next week. I am currently paying $50 per month with autopay for internet only (500 mbps download). My new rate after price adjustment was going to be $111 per month.


After reading some advice on negotiating with xfinity, I called 1 800 934 6389 two days ago. When asked what you are calling about say “disconnect service”. Say no to all their prompts to send a link to use the “chat” function

A person will answer, confirm your ID and ask what the problem is. I told them that I wanted to disconnect because their new rate is going up to $111 and that I have a special offer from TMobile for $40 per month for home internet since I already have TMobile cell service.

The person offered me a bundled package with xfinity mobile…. I refused that because my TMobile plan has free international data when traveling and Xfinity wants $5 per day for international data

After turning down the package deal the Xfinity agent offered me the same deal I have today ($50 per month with autopay and a new 2 year contract). I agreed. They sent me an email confirming the rate. They also sent me a new updated version modem for free. The whole process took me about 1 hour.

Negotiate with your provider. But they need to believe you are serious. In my case, I was able to see on the internet that TMobile was currently offering 245 mbps home internet download speeds for $40 per month for people that already have phone service. I think that made it easy to win the negotiation.

jrref 07-11-2024 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daniel200 (Post 2349125)
My two year xfinity internet trial ends next week. I am currently paying $50 per month with autopay for internet only (500 mbps download). My new rate after price adjustment was going to be $111 per month.


After reading some advice on negotiating with xfinity, I called 1 800 934 6389 two days ago. When asked what you are calling about say “disconnect service”. Say no to all their prompts to send a link to use the “chat” function

A person will answer, confirm your ID and ask what the problem is. I told them that I wanted to disconnect because their new rate is going up to $111 and that I have a special offer from TMobile for $40 per month for home internet since I already have TMobile cell service.

The person offered me a bundled package with xfinity mobile…. I refused that because my TMobile plan has free international data when traveling and Xfinity wants $5 per day for international data

After turning down the package deal the Xfinity agent offered me the same deal I have today ($50 per month with autopay and a new 2 year contract). I agreed. They sent me an email confirming the rate. They also sent me a new updated version modem for free. The whole process took me about 1 hour.

Negotiate with your provider. But they need to believe you are serious. In my case, I was able to see on the internet that TMobile was currently offering 245 mbps home internet download speeds for $40 per month for people that already have phone service. I think that made it easy to win the negotiation.

Or if you can get fiber service from Quantum or Centric here in the Villages, you don't ever need to do this because the price doesn't usually change once you get the service. No contracts, no special deals, no tax. Better service.

scubawva 07-11-2024 10:20 AM

Why do you need cable? Consider internet + streaming

DAVES 07-11-2024 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabella (Post 2348947)
When people get their Comcast bill before they open the envelope they’re paying $35-$40 for a sports fee and a broadcast fee. (not to mention the rip off for renting their equipment, )That’s before you pay for your cable TV or your Internet or your phone. Isn’t it amazing what they get away with. Cancel everything except for your Internet, you don’t need a house phone use your cell phone and subscribe to YouTube TV. Go to Best Buy and buy a modem/router. But even if you do that, Comcast will still rip you off by excessively charging you for the lowest Internet service you can get.

People have a strange view of business. The goal of a business is to make money. Competition gives you other options. Perhaps at a lower cost. Cell phones for example. Inflation. Prices are going up-except for technology.

Skip 07-11-2024 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug17s (Post 2348936)
I have Xfinity internet 500MPS for $60 per month and You tube TV for $75 per month. You do NOT need cable service. I also bought my own modem so I don't have to pay a rental fee to Xfinity.

How do you get 500MPS Xfinity for $60/month. Limited promotional price? Mine is $96/month (no modem rental either) and my YouTubeTV is $82.67.

Skip (Inquiring Mind)

Sabella 07-12-2024 07:01 AM

Two year contract, not immune from the usual two yearly price hikes at Comcast
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by daniel200 (Post 2349125)
My two year xfinity internet trial ends next week. I am currently paying $50 per month with autopay for internet only (500 mbps download). My new rate after price adjustment was going to be $111 per month.


After reading some advice on negotiating with xfinity, I called 1 800 934 6389 two days ago. When asked what you are calling about say “disconnect service”. Say no to all their prompts to send a link to use the “chat” function

A person will answer, confirm your ID and ask what the problem is. I told them that I wanted to disconnect because their new rate is going up to $111 and that I have a special offer from TMobile for $40 per month for home internet since I already have TMobile cell service.

The person offered me a bundled package with xfinity mobile…. I refused that because my TMobile plan has free international data when traveling and Xfinity wants $5 per day for international data

After turning down the package deal the Xfinity agent offered me the same deal I have today ($50 per month with autopay and a new 2 year contract). I agreed. They sent me an email confirming the rate. They also sent me a new updated version modem for free. The whole process took me about 1 hour.

Negotiate with your provider. But they need to believe you are serious. In my case, I was able to see on the internet that TMobile was currently offering 245 mbps home internet download speeds for $40 per month for people that already have phone service. I think that made it easy to win the negotiation.

I could be wrong, but I do believe with Comcast no matter how long your contract is with them every year they have one or two price increases on their services and you will pay the increases, contract or not

Stu from NYC 07-12-2024 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabella (Post 2349426)
I could be wrong, but I do believe with Comcast no matter how long your contract is with them every year they have one or two price increases on their services and you will pay the increases, contract or not

Our cost with internet and tv has doubled in past 4 plus years. Plan on saying goodbye to them shortly when Quantum is up and running here.

MrFlorida 07-12-2024 08:26 AM

Get basic internet service, and then a Roku or Firestick for streaming.

jrref 07-12-2024 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabella (Post 2349426)
I could be wrong, but I do believe with Comcast no matter how long your contract is with them every year they have one or two price increases on their services and you will pay the increases, contract or not

I keep saying this but doesn't seem like anyone listens. These increases are mostly from increases in franchise fees for content that they pass on to the consumer. They just call it so fancy name to disguise the increase.

Snakster66 07-12-2024 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2349007)
Right now we have xfinity for almost $ 200 per month.

We will be getting fiber from Quantum after they finish destroying our neighborhood (what a mess) and will decide what else to get.

Can I take from this post that Quantum is continuing to expand its footprint in TV?

Michael G. 07-12-2024 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dewilson58 (Post 2346958)
$300/mth................wow.

What do you get for ~$4,000 per year???

Lip service. :blahblahblah:

daniel200 07-12-2024 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sabella (Post 2349426)
I could be wrong, but I do believe with Comcast no matter how long your contract is with them every year they have one or two price increases on their services and you will pay the increases, contract or not


I have been with Xfinity 2 years (internet only) for $50/month. No price increases. I just renewed for 2 years at the same price after calling. I have contract in writing. The downside is I can not cancel the service during that time

Comcast will pass on streaming price increases to you anytime (like espn, disney etc) but I get none of those services from them

Stu from NYC 07-12-2024 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakster66 (Post 2349499)
Can I take from this post that Quantum is continuing to expand its footprint in TV?

Yes. They are putting in fiber in village of Bonita as we speak

Pairadocs 07-12-2024 10:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug17s (Post 2348936)
I have Xfinity internet 500MPS for $60 per month and You tube TV for $75 per month. You do NOT need cable service. I also bought my own modem so I don't have to pay a rental fee to Xfinity.

Xfinity told us the lowest price they have for internet is $91 a month (we are in Sumter Co.) plus variety of fees and taxes !

Stu from NYC 07-13-2024 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairadocs (Post 2349605)
Xfinity told us the lowest price they have for internet is $91 a month (we are in Sumter Co.) plus variety of fees and taxes !

Hopefully enough people will vote with their feet and make other arrangements so competition will return

Dusty_Star 07-13-2024 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2349007)
Right now we have xfinity for almost $ 200 per month.

We will be getting fiber from Quantum after they finish destroying our neighborhood (what a mess) and will decide what else to get.

Is that what all the digging up of yards along Canal was about two weeks ago?

Dusty_Star 07-13-2024 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueblaze (Post 2349080)
Has anybody tried that $35/mo deal for internet from Quantum? It says it's $35 for life. But the fine print says the guarantee not to raise the rate doesn't apply to wifi, and they need 3 hours to install it. Didn't make any sense to me why they'd need three hours to hook up a modem, or what wifi has to do with it, so I round-filed it. But I'm still curious. $60 for internet is obscene. It doesn't seem that long ago that $30 seemed like a rip-off.

Currently the for life, but not their equipment lease, taxes & fees. That makes sense to me, the equipment will age and or need to be upgraded & taxes are unpredictable. I guess the fees part just goes along with new or replaced equipment & taxes. You could lower the monthly cost by using your own modem/extenders & handling yourself the cost of future upgrades. Their website lists $50 a month.

MikeVillages 07-13-2024 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star (Post 2349703)
Is that what all the digging up of yards along Canal was about two weeks ago?

We use Quantum Fiber and both a tv antenna and free streaming. Works great for us.

JRcorvette 07-13-2024 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerseyjets (Post 2346740)
Hello Friends.

Spectrum again raised our plan cost. Now at $300. a month.
All we need is internet & cable tv. Any advice is greatly appreciated .
Thanks to all and wishing a Happy 4th of July.

Jerseyjets

Really need more information as to what your service with Spectrum included! We pay $175 with Spectrum and have 300mbs and Spectrum TV App that we stream. No cable boxes. We also have their cell phone service for $29.99 unlimited everything and that includes all taxes and fees. Hard to beat that.

Stu from NYC 07-13-2024 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dusty_Star (Post 2349703)
Is that what all the digging up of yards along Canal was about two weeks ago?

Yes. Now they are digging up lawns laying fiber. Wonder when they will be ready to install in homes?

Dusty_Star 07-13-2024 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 2349783)
Yes. Now they are digging up lawns laying fiber. Wonder when they will be ready to install in homes?

Thanks Stu. I saw the carnage on the houses that back to Canal, & when I went by several days later with my much more longer in the Villages friends to ask what they thought was up, the ditches were covered over & the only remains were the little orange flags to show where they had been. At least they work fast. (By the way, I have Quantum & it is great).


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