Online with AT&T right now 

"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove) 01/15/2019 at 18:44 • Filed to: cord cutting

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UPDATE : Cynthia is ready to close me out with a price for internet only of $109/month plus taxes and fees. Not so fast. I am on the website and see that the regular price for my internet package is $100/month. She tells me that is the current price for my service, but I started service at a point in the past when it was higher. I tell her that I wasn’t paying that price, that I was under a bundled price, so this new amount she just instituted has nothing to do with my historical price. She tells me to get the new $100 price, I need to cancel my internet and restart it by having a tech come out and reconnect. I told her this kind of thing is why everyone hates AT&T They advertise one price but charge another. I have a manager set to call me back. Yeah, right, that will resolve things.

UPDATE to the update : The price is really going to be $126/month. The manager told me the earlier price is a 12 month commitment price. I’m not doing commitments. This company sucks. Not because of the amount, but because they are demonstrably and unashamedly dishonest.

I’m cancelling my land line and TV packages and keeping my internet service. Cynthia, the very nice lady helping me, has been going through a cost analysis to convince me to keep all my services with promotions and discounts she can give me that will take $75 per month off my bill and still allow me to keep everything. Because of course she is. It’s her job to keep customers if she can.

Thing is, even her best offer is still $40 a month more than what I pay for just internet alone. And I don’t watch much TV at all. Football season is over for my wife. All the calls to our landline these days are just solicitations of one sort or another. There is just no advantage to keeping these services anymore. Also, I got her to admit that this price she’s giving me is for 12 months and will have early cancellation penalties, plus I’ll be right back her in 12 months with a jacked up price over $200/month.

I was given the task of cancelling our services today, and by golly, I shall fulfill my mission.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:29

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I’m going to do the same thing with ATT soon! Might keep the the most basic TV package though. I am ready to turn down all of their discounts.

“Why didn’t you offer me that deal that 6 months ago??”

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:29

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I have a good friend who goes through this song and dance every year. Every year he calls to cancel, and every year they give him a great deal to keep his business. I don’t like to play that game, so I don’t. I’ll be interested to see what Dish does when I call to cancel my service.

Did you opt for a streaming service like YouTube or Hulu?

random001 > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:29

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May you be touched by his noddley appendage, and gain strength, my friend.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:29

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Stay strong, don’t be swayed.

AestheticsInMotion > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:32

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Heads up, I canceled Hulu a few days ago and they offered me a free month to stay. If there are any penny pinchers out there, give it a shot

Future next gen S2000 owner > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:38

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I cut the cord and I don’t regret it . 

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:39

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It’s harder to cancel service that it is to establish it in the first place.

Meatcoma > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:40

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It’s amazing what they will do to keep you, but call just to ask for a discount and it’s sacrilege.

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 01/15/2019 at 17:43

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I haven’t signed up for anything yet, but we’re looking at Sling or Hulu, or possible Philo. With football season over, we don’t really have much we need. We may just do nothing for now. We have N etflix.

Chariotoflove > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 01/15/2019 at 17:43

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“ Because we had you by the balls then.”

loki03xlh > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 17:44

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The problem with cancelling your phone and tv service is that some companies’ internet price a-la-cart is almost as high as bundled tv+internet and /or phone.

Chariotoflove > AestheticsInMotion 01/15/2019 at 17:47

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Worth noting.  Plus, I think there is a free trial for new customers.

facw > loki03xlh 01/15/2019 at 17:53

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Yeah Comcast gave me cable (with HBO) + internet for $20 less than the same internet plan alone. I didn’t even have a TV at the time, and returned the cable box they sent me unopened when I moved.

Nothing > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:02

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We’ve had an internet/phone bundle through Comcast  for a while. I canceled the land line yesterday. I tried to do it online, then got to the “you need to call the loyalty department”. Ugh. 20 minutes later, I was able to accomplish my mission!

We’re now down to internet and Directv Now. We aren’t in any promo pricing with anything and sit at $105/mo for internet and TV. It’s also amazing how many OTA channels there are with a good HD antenna. Would I like it cheaper? Sure. But I’m comfortable at this price point.

benjrblant > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:05

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I don’t have internet access at home. It’s been pretty decent for the past 7 months. Not sure I’ll be changing that anytime soon.

Textured Soy Protein > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:08

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I cut the cord a few years ago and haven’t looked back. I pay 40 bucks a month for 100 Mbps internet to Verizon FiOS , plus Netflix and Hulu (but not Hulu Live). We use antennas for the rare occasion we watch live TV. My dad also graciously shared his Comcast password with me so I use it to log in to lots of cable channels’ apps on our Rokus and phones/tablets/laptops.

If we didn’t have that Comcast password, we miiiight pay for one of the live streaming choices from Hulu, Youtube, etc. but Verizon offers a bundle of TV, phone and 1 Gbps internet for $75/month so probably would do that.

Chariotoflove > loki03xlh 01/15/2019 at 18:09

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Yes, it jumped by over 20%. It’s still worth it, but my beef is that they are going to charge me more than the advertised regular price because...

wait for it...

...I am a preexisting customer.  That’s right, it’s a loyalty penalty.

Chariotoflove > Nothing 01/15/2019 at 18:10

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I’m thinking of getting a good digital antenna.

I’ m down to $109/month with this new change. We have the highest internet tier.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:10

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Well don’t worry, because in 6 months, those new customers will have their prices jacked up too. Then you’ll all be equally pissed.

Chariotoflove > benjrblant 01/15/2019 at 18:11

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I’ve heard of you people. Do you use kerosene on your signal fires like th e kids do, or stick with good old fashioned pitch?

Chariotoflove > Meatcoma 01/15/2019 at 18:12

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Exactly.  They tried to convince me with numbers.  I gave numbers right back.

Chariotoflove > Textured Soy Protein 01/15/2019 at 18:13

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This is essentially what we are doing, except that we are paying for 1000Mbps, and my sister shares her Netflix with us.

Manny05x > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:14

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Spectrum try to offer me their streaming service i told them i just need internet and i only watch youtube. The rep was really aggressive into trying to convince me “ youtube is not enough” i laughed and said is actually more than enough for me.

Chariotoflove > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/15/2019 at 18:14

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Much.  Kind of like drugs.

Chariotoflove > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 01/15/2019 at 18:15

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No good cotomer sevis.

Chariotoflove > Manny05x 01/15/2019 at 18:16

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Because he knows what you need better than you do.

WilliamsSW > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:23

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The only way that I can motivate myself to deal with that crap is to remind myself how much I’m making (saving) by doing it. When you do it that way, over 12 months, your hourly rate isn’t so bad.

AT&T is awful - the only thing as bad as them is all the other TV/Internet/Phone providers.

Nothing > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:24

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We’re at 150mbps, which is fine. Upload speed is terrible, though. My mother in law, who lives in the sticks in NC has fiber to her house and gets awesome speeds. Here we are in a metro area and no dice for us.

benjrblant > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:25

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I generally find liquids easier to handle and dispense. I’d opt for kero, or diesel as it’s readily available.

We’ve got several gallons of 99.8% IPA at work, but unfortunately there is no smoke and the flame is damn near invisible in any amount of ambient light.

Tristan > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:36

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Every year my wife and I take turns with the AT&T account. I cancel it, she owns a new account, then the next year vice versa. It's the only way to stop our bill from doubling or tripling.

Why does AT&T punish loyalty?!

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 18:41

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Fuck AT&T and the horse they rode in upon.

Chariotoflove > WilliamsSW 01/15/2019 at 18:45

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That’s the problem, there is no better alternative.

Chariotoflove > Nothing 01/15/2019 at 18:46

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My wife insists on the higher speed for her work recording webinars. It helps with streaming too, so I guess we all benefit.

Chariotoflove > benjrblant 01/15/2019 at 18:47

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IPA? That’s what you drink while you watch everything burn.

Chariotoflove > Tristan 01/15/2019 at 18:50

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Exactly what I asked the manager. He had no answer.

I can cancel and restart.  It will require sending in the modem and having a tech come out to reinstall the same modem for fresh service.  Then, I can have the same service for a non-promotional reduction of 26%.  They don’t even disguise the fact that they are throwing every obstacle they can to keep us from getting the price they advertise openly.

Chariotoflove > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/15/2019 at 18:50

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With a rusty garden tool.

Textured Soy Protein > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 19:04

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Verizon charges $80 for 1 Gbps on its own, or $75 if you bundle it with TV & phone. Those prices in your updates are nuts. Are there other ISPs in your area? Either way, 100 Mbps works fine for me and I might as well save the 35 bucks a month.

gettingoldercarguy > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 19:08

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I think broadband should be administered the same way Texas does its electricity.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 19:25

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AT&T sent an unpaid bill of mine to collection. I had moved and just changed phone numbers, I still had AT&T in my name, the needed to only send the bill to the correct address as this one bill for $48 never got forwarded to my new address. I canceled their phone service that day. I would be looking at alternative internet providers in your area, even in MT we have about 3 choices.

Chariotoflove > Textured Soy Protein 01/15/2019 at 19:32

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Yes, it’s too much. My wife insists on the higher tier service for her work, which involves recording webinars.

I am thinking of looking for other kinds of service.  That’s how steamed I am right now.  It’s not even the price, it’s the dishonest and manipulative business practices.

Chariotoflove > Highlander-Datsuns are Forever 01/15/2019 at 19:34

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I shall be doing the same.  My wife will tolerate no disruption in service though.  The problem is that getting someone to come out and install is a real pain.  I’d like to convince her during an off period to just use our phone internet access to bridge the gap and end up with much cheaper in the long run.

Textured Soy Protein > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 20:03

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You won’t find any better business practices with any of these companies, they all suck in one way or another. But I feel like AT&T’s prices are way out of whack for their TV/internet/phone service . My mother in law has some kind of bundle with them and pays over $200/month but doesn’t even get HD channels, even though she has an HD box. The only thing in HD is the damn channel guide and other menus . One of these times I visit I’m going to have her call in to AT&T with me on the line so I can do the haggling for her.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 20:06

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I only have one internet option in my area. Sure, AT&T is technically also available but that is not an option under any circumstances. I would rather deal with Comcast than their bullshit... So instead I only have Spectrum. It functions and the bill doesnt change so I guess its pretty good. I miss having Verizon Fios. While their customer service was also shit, at least the internet was amazingly reliable and fast. 

Chariotoflove > Textured Soy Protein 01/15/2019 at 20:08

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I know.  The magic of the free market falls down when everyone sucks equally.

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/15/2019 at 20:14

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I just checked broadband now.com  Their list of providers includes Spectrum.  However, none of the other providers lists a top speed near what we have now with 1000 Mbps.  

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 20:25

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I shared this thread with my friend who is an ATT customer. This is what he said:

Holy cow.

First of all, that’s a ton of money for internet service. I pay Spectrum $57/mo and I’m still a little irritated about it because that’s an increase over the price I came in at (in fact it should go up again this month if history holds). Regardless, that customer is being gouged. How can there be such discrepancy between Dallas and Austin?

Secondly, that’s not consistent with the experience I’ve had with att. Not sure if I’ve just been lucky or what.

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 20:27

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Also, just took a look at Spectrum (formerly Time Warner)  for fun. That’s who we have. Saw this.

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 01/15/2019 at 20:34

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I really suspect that the person I spoke with wasn’t being honest with me, but they hold all the cards as long as I stay with them. This is not the first bad experience with ATT customer service. The ATT wireless people are pretty good in contrast.

I checked Spectrum. They don’t list nearly the speed ATT Uverse does, or I would switch.

Thanks for reaching out on my behalf.

ttyymmnn > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 20:38

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Not sure what numbers you need, but this is what I get from Spectrum. The Ookla test actually clocked 33 mbps download. 

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 01/15/2019 at 20:40

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Yes, I checked out broadbandnow.com According to them, that price is for the 200 Mbps level, and the speeds max out at 300 Mbps. My wife really wants the 1000 Mbps service we have now, and only ATT has that. ATT really does gouge at the lower end though.

BTW, here is what ATT’s own website advertises right now for their service. The regular price is $100/month, but the person on the phone told me the best he would give me is $126 and said I would have to cancel and re-up online to get the advertised price.

Chariotoflove > ttyymmnn 01/15/2019 at 20:42

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I’m going to go home and test what we actually get right now.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 20:49

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Its depressing looking at that website. Just plugging in random zip codes, most places seem to be in the same predicament where there is only 1 highspeed provider; everyone else is dsl, satellite, or wireless. Those are all useless in terms of reliability, much less speed. 

Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 21:24

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I’d use the free trial for all they are worth. I had sling and couldn’t stand the interface. It was way too clunky. YouTube with live TV was much better. I subscribed last year for a month so I could watch the NBA playoffs since everything was on TNT (boooo).

I have Verizon FiOS and I’m relatively happy with them. My mother in law, on the other hand, has Verizon DSL since there is no fiber (nor is there any coming) in to her house . And she doesn’t pay much less than I do. She lives on a court which is a dead zone. She can’t get Comcast either for  some reason. And it’s not like the house is new. It was built in 1982. She had Clear as her ISP before they stopped their service, which sucks because that wasn't really that bad. 

LastFirstMI is my name > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 21:25

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I’m sure we all have these stories. When I was getting my phone/internet/cable installed, the tech never showed up. I called customer service, and he probably just misread the address. His excuse was hilarious though- “I called and nobody answered” “you mean you called me at the number you were coming to install?” ....

””.

The Ghost of Oppo > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 21:31

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Crooks.  They are all crooks

DipodomysDeserti > AestheticsInMotion 01/15/2019 at 21:38

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Heads up on Hulu, if you are enrolled in any colleges, you can get Spotify Premium, Hulu and Showtime for $4.99/month. Not sure how CCs work in Washington, but in AZ it only costs $15 to register as a student.

Chariotoflove > Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) 01/15/2019 at 22:32

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That’s when free market doesn’t work. 

Chariotoflove > Stapleface-Now Hyphenated! 01/15/2019 at 22:38

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My mom has dsl too, and somehow seems to stream Netflix alright. They use a digital antenna for live tv, which I may do.

I will use the free trials. I’m not sure which to settle on yet so I need to try them out. I’m not in a rush though. 

Chariotoflove > LastFirstMI is my name 01/15/2019 at 22:39

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That’s rich.

Yeah, we all have these stories. And so do our parents. Tells you what you need to know about this industry. 

Mina > Chariotoflove 01/15/2019 at 23:10

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If you have any wireless service, you can ask to combine it with the internet and possibly get a bundle price on the internet. That is what I did when I canceled TV and was able to maintain my $30 price on internet 50 which is now priced at $40 or $50 for new customers. Otherwise the internet would have  been $60 or $50 with a 12 month contract!

Chariotoflove > Mina 01/15/2019 at 23:51

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They jacked my internet price up significantly from what it was when bundled with my land line and TV once I canceled those.  They said they didn’t have anything to do with my wireless.

loki03xlh > Chariotoflove 01/16/2019 at 09:22

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Cable companies don’t care about loyalty anymore.  It’s all about signing up new customers.

Mina > Chariotoflove 01/16/2019 at 11:05

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I understand that. You were probably paying about $ 70 for the internet when it was bundled with the TV and home phone. So if you combine the billing on your internet with the wireless, it’ll give you a new bundle price on the internet. Can’t say it’ll be what it was before, but def better than $109. Make sure you are speaking with the combined bill department though. Or even just combined bill loyalty dept, t hey may have more options. 

Chariotoflove > Mina 01/16/2019 at 12:13

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I would have to talk to somebody else, because these people wouldn’t consider my wireless.

Mina > Chariotoflove 01/16/2019 at 20:01

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If you were just tal king to uverse dept, likely they wouldn’t think to offer you to combine the internet with the wireless plan bc they don't have access to your wireless account . Give the loyalty dep a call. Ask for ISM loyalty 

Chariotoflove > Mina 01/16/2019 at 20:11

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I mean, this was the San Antonio Loyalty Center, for all that’s worth.  But, you’re right, it’s worth a try because these things seem to be fragmented.

Mina > Chariotoflove 01/18/2019 at 22:01

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Did it work for ya? 

Chariotoflove > Mina 01/18/2019 at 23:25

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I don’t know yet.  I’ve been too busy to call.