>:( >:( >:(
"Preferred" Internet package only. My recent monthly costs.
2-12: $47.99
3-12: $51.99
3-13: $54.99
12-13: $60.99
Quote from: Mike 01Hawk on November 16, 2013, 12:24:33 PM
>:( >:( >:(
"Preferred" Internet package only. My recent monthly costs.
2-12: $47.99
3-12: $51.99
3-13: $54.99
12-13: $60.99
They usually wait till spring.
Is it just their internet that's going up?
Quote from: patric on November 16, 2013, 12:28:15 PM
They usually wait till spring.
Is it just their internet that's going up?
I haven't seen any notices, but mine won't go up because I have a price lock from last winter. However, with the speed increase, I'm not surprised in seeing it. They essentially doubled speeds for everyone Preferred and up.
Traditional TV, while especially network, includes cable as well, is dying a very fast death thanks to online content, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
While some shows still inexplicably attract large followings, media is balkanized and catered to niche markets. With internet content delivery, traditional cable where you pay for all of these channels isn't needed. Since every channel is niche, you find yourself paying $100 a month for 95% channels you don't watch just to get the content you do want. Young people have already opted out en masse.
You probably already know that. But, knowing that, how does the cable monopoly respond?
Well, we were all paying $150/month for digital HD cable PLUS high speed internet. People are cancelling their digital cable and just going with internet and getting all of their content online.
So basically, if traditional cable dies, the cable company is going to try to get you to pay as much of that $150 a month you WERE paying for JUST your internet.
These price increases are just the beginning. Right now, they really do have the monopoly on the fastest internet (DSL just doesn't cut it, Satellite? Come on. 4G? Couldn't sustain it if everyone jumped on board), as a good old fashioned fiber optic still can't be beat.
Hopefully that can change, their stranglehold can be broken, and this stupid old model can die quicker.
Quote from: YoungTulsan on November 16, 2013, 04:38:31 PM
Traditional TV, while especially network, includes cable as well, is dying a very fast death thanks to online content, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
While some shows still inexplicably attract large followings, media is balkanized and catered to niche markets. With internet content delivery, traditional cable where you pay for all of these channels isn't needed. Since every channel is niche, you find yourself paying $100 a month for 95% channels you don't watch just to get the content you do want. Young people have already opted out en masse.
You probably already know that. But, knowing that, how does the cable monopoly respond?
Well, we were all paying $150/month for digital HD cable PLUS high speed internet. People are cancelling their digital cable and just going with internet and getting all of their content online.
So basically, if traditional cable dies, the cable company is going to try to get you to pay as much of that $150 a month you WERE paying for JUST your internet.
These price increases are just the beginning. Right now, they really do have the monopoly on the fastest internet (DSL just doesn't cut it, Satellite? Come on. 4G? Couldn't sustain it if everyone jumped on board), as a good old fashioned fiber optic still can't be beat.
Hopefully that can change, their stranglehold can be broken, and this stupid old model can die quicker.
Won't be long though before ISPs start metered billing. That leaves the Netflix/Hulu crowd in a hell of a bind, depending on how much they use it a month.
I don't find the quality of Netflix/Hulu to be comparable to regular TV for obvious reasons (data compression). I expect at some point in the future for people who do still use cable to start seeing price deals once the metered billing starts becoming hazardous to those who watch 30 to 50 movies a month on Netflix and realize that having a 200gb per month limit won't be enough.
And for cablecos to start looking at IPTV delivery services vs QAM.
South Park explains the mentality of cable companies...
Google Fiber, where art thou?
They just spent a bunch of money on all of those new marketing pieces, and increased the bandwidth that you never use to 30bazillion MBs (while still throttling bandwidth coming from certain ports so that you don't really use it to its potential). The also have spent millions creating new and exciting bundles where you can get your favorite channels, except for one, which is part of a separate bundle that you have to purchase.
Call them and tell them you are going to cancel and they will drop your rate or give you 6 months free. Works every time. Cable, Dish, or U-Verse, doesn't matter, they are all rackets where the only people that pay full retail are those who don't complain.
Quote from: Gaspar on November 18, 2013, 08:57:23 AM
Call them and tell them you are going to cancel and they will drop your rate or give you 6 months free. Works every time. Cable, Dish, or U-Verse, doesn't matter, they are all rackets where the only people that pay full retail are those who don't complain.
So you are THAT guy that looks to skip out on the dinner tab.
In order to get the "faster" internet you have to get a new cable modem. If you have cox phone you can get it a new one free. If not you either pay $129 or rent it for $6.95 a month. My download speed right now was about 20% lower than my advertised rate.
For another $9 I can get internet 40x faster if we had google fiber.
Quote from: guido911 on November 18, 2013, 09:08:41 AM
So you are THAT guy that looks to skip out on the dinner tab.
I've done this so I can't complain. Generally you don't have to threaten, just call and say you want to see if you can get a better deal. Or just call and say you want transferred to customer retention.
Also, at least this rate increase came with a speed bump. I'm getting 64MB down right now. Well timed with netflix switching to 1080p content (it is labeled "SuperHD")
Quote from: CharlieSheen on November 18, 2013, 09:11:38 AM
In order to get the "faster" internet you have to get a new cable modem. If you have cox phone you can get it a new one free. If not you either pay $129 or rent it for $6.95 a month. My download speed right now was about 20% lower than my advertised rate.
For another $9 I can get internet 40x faster if we had google fiber.
I got the free modem change and my speed is 30% above advertised.
I have Netflix, Hulu Plus and I did the 30 day free trial of Amazon Prime. And I am still unimpressed with streaming video selections or lack there of.
If I had to rely on just those for my Television viewing. I would not be happy.
Granted. I have 240 channels of crap on at all times. But I have a dvr that can record my favorite selections of crap so I can watch them anytime when there is no other......you get the point. And Hulu Plus still has ads that I can't fast forward through.
I still have Cox internet because I can't seem to convince my children to leave the nest and start paying for their own life so until the four gamers get moved out. Cox will still benefit from my monthly income. Oh and since they have to have the fastest internet for gaming. The cheapest 3 meg package just won't do with all the lagging that happens as they play.
P.S. I can still save you guy's money if you ever decide to unbundle from Cox and go Satellite. 30 to 50 Dollars on average for the first year.
Quote from: DolfanBob on November 18, 2013, 10:24:03 AMI still have Cox internet because I can't seem to convince my children to leave the nest and start paying for their own life so until the four gamers get moved out. Cox will still benefit from my monthly income. Oh and since they have to have the fastest internet for gaming. The cheapest 3 meg package just won't do with all the lagging that happens as they play.
Cut the internet, all together. That'll get them to move out.
Quote from: CharlieSheen on November 18, 2013, 09:11:38 AM
In order to get the "faster" internet you have to get a new cable modem.
If not you either pay $129 or rent it for $6.95 a month
Or search for a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem on Amazon, Newegg, Walmart, etc.
This is why my Broadband from them went up $6 Dollars. I used to gripe about $21 Dollar AOL dial up when it was $9 Dollars for People PC.
But at least I had a choice. Windstream Broadband is terrible where I live. 3 Meg max. I was getting 18 to 28 Meg with Cox right up to last month and then all of the sudden it has dropped to 6 to 10 Meg with a cost increase. I have been told that I am supposed to be getting 25 Meg but that is not even close to happening.
This is on the new statement~
We continue our commitment to deliver great internet service with the speed you need and "free"features such as cloud storage and Cox Security Suite Plus. Due to the rising costs of "doing business" our rate for Preferred Internet service will increase to $60.99 effective with this bill statement. We appreciate you choosing Cox services and will always do our"best"to deliver the service and value you expect.
But on the flip side of the bill. They are saying that a modem upgrade is the key to taking advantage of your new even"FASTER" internet speeds.The DOCSIS 3.0 technology. At a cost of $129.99 or get this. $6.99 a Month rental. It has built in WIFi. Woopty Smoot! I have a $90.00 gaming router the kids just had to have. So I don't need their wireless modem and of course they don't offer the new DOCSIS 3.0 without it.
So what kind of Smoot Turd are they spreading? Catch 22 or 3.0 DOCSIS.......
http://news.yahoo.com/cable-companies-may-finally-hearing-cord-cutters-footsteps-040017686.html
UPDATE: They do have a non WIFI modem but again. I have to purchase it and it is $89.99. Looks like the boy's will have to pony up some dough.
In their defense, when DOCSIS 3 came out, George Bush was president, 802.11g was the fastest wireless standard and no-one went downtown. We've since had 802.11n and 802.11ac. Getting these faster speeds has required different hardware, as DolfanBob mentioned. The requirement for modem upgrade isn't a nonsense Cox requirement, it's needed for the higher speeds and new technologies.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XC6GJ0/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XC6GJ0/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Quote from: CharlieSheen on December 06, 2013, 02:01:08 PM
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XC6GJ0/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004XC6GJ0/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Hmm. Will they activate this unit or give me a boatload of Smoot that it's not their authorized equipment?
Quote from: DolfanBob on December 06, 2013, 02:08:49 PM
Hmm. Will they activate this unit or give me a boatload of Smoot that it's not their authorized equipment?
Nope. As a matter of fact, if you put a modem on their network that isn't immediately recognized, it takes you to a page to register the modem. SB6121 is definitely on their list of authorized equipment.
Quote from: Hoss on December 06, 2013, 02:39:47 PM
Nope. As a matter of fact, if you put a modem on their network that isn't immediately recognized, it takes you to a page to register the modem. SB6121 is definitely on their list of authorized equipment.
Thank you for the info. I already ordered it.
Full list of supported modems http://ww2.cox.com/residential/support/tv/article.cox?articleId=%7Bb2ec95d0-7ef9-11df-5590-000000000000%7D
Strange... They called me up a couple of years ago and demanded that I trade my old Surfboard modem in for a new one for free. Just lucky I guess.
As for their service, maybe you have a neighbor that would like to share? (Or maybe you have one that shares already and doesn't know it?) Maybe if you threaten to leave they will cut your bill?
Quote from: TeeDub on December 06, 2013, 10:52:58 PM
Strange... They called me up a couple of years ago and demanded that I trade my old Surfboard modem in for a new one for free. Just lucky I guess.
As for their service, maybe you have a neighbor that would like to share? (Or maybe you have one that shares already and doesn't know it?) Maybe if you threaten to leave they will cut your bill?
Put it on your calendar to threaten to leave every 6 months. It'll keep your bill nice and low. Works with all carriers. I think it's been at least 10 years since we have paid for HBO, Cinemax or other premiums.
Noticed today that Cox injected a bit of HTML into a webpage saying that I should really upgrade my cable modem to one that is DOCSIS 3.0 compliant. It was weird, I'll be sure to take a screenshot the next time it shows up.
I did realize, though, that even though I'm on the "preferred" tier, my costs didn't go up.
My best guess is that it was because they had me sign up for a dinky little "bundle" a few months ago. It added the Cox TV Starter tier (basically local channels) for free for a year, and even came with no installation costs. There wasn't supposed to be a cancellation fee, either. Even the person who did the cold call was confused as to why they would be offering me a bundle like this.
Quote from: Gaspar on December 09, 2013, 10:13:32 AM
Put it on your calendar to threaten to leave every 6 months. It'll keep your bill nice and low. Works with all carriers. I think it's been at least 10 years since we have paid for HBO, Cinemax or other premiums.
Yup...this is exactly what I do. Ask to speak with someone in the loyalty/retention department.
Forget trying to navigate the Cox website...it's a nightmare.
I received the new DOCSIS 3.0 modem yesterday and it was a simple hook up and replace procedure. I am happy to say. Once again you my TNF friends came through. My children are now enjoying 30 meg downloads.
I really have no problem paying for what I am supposed to be getting. Thanks again for your help.
logged into my billpay yesterday and noticed that my Cox payment hadn't been automatically been paid.
It was 10 days past-due. ( I had put a cap on the amount to automatically pay and the rate increase pushed it over. )
nice to not receive any paper or electronic notice.
Quote from: BKDotCom on December 18, 2013, 09:26:55 AM
logged into my billpay yesterday and noticed that my Cox payment hadn't been automatically been paid.
It was 10 days past-due. ( I had put a cap on the amount to automatically pay and the rate increase pushed it over. )
nice to not receive any paper or electronic notice.
I'm a old fart(never thought I'd say that)I still fire off checks. Keeps the bank operating and a mail carrier happy. Not to mention the company still has to have a processing person for the payment. It's a win win all the way around.
Quote from: DolfanBob on December 18, 2013, 09:46:27 AM
I'm a old fart(never thought I'd say that)I still fire off checks. Keeps the bank operating and a mail carrier happy. Not to mention the company still has to have a processing person for the payment. It's a win win all the way around.
Old farts forever!
I still write checks too. I "log on to my billpay" by opening my checkbook and looking at the register.
You guys that have gone paperless, how do you keep a record of your transactions in case the bank computer get corrupted? I am thinking of 5-1/4 floppies, 3-1/2 floppies etc. At least DVD units can still read CDs. What is the next thing you won't be able access?
Quote from: Red Arrow on December 18, 2013, 11:43:09 AM
Old farts forever!
I still write checks too. I "log on to my billpay" by opening my checkbook and looking at the register.
You guys that have gone paperless, how do you keep a record of your transactions in case the bank computer get corrupted? I am thinking of 5-1/4 floppies, 3-1/2 floppies etc. At least DVD units can still read CDs. What is the next thing you won't be able access?
I still download statements as PDF files to my PC (more likely, Google Drive, since I can open them on any device that I use that has access to it..namely my tablet, phone, etc).
Quote from: Hoss on December 18, 2013, 01:16:59 PM
I still download statements as PDF files to my PC (more likely, Google Drive, since I can open them on any device that I use that has access to it..namely my tablet, phone, etc).
I have stuff around here that my dad stored on 5-1/4 and 3-1/2 floppies, 3-1/2 super floppies and backed up on a small tape drive which is mostly inaccessible now. I think I've seen a USB 3-1/2 FDD is available. Fortunately, most of dad's computer records are not terribly important.
I know paper copies can also be destroyed but I still have some important papers, like my military discharge (honorable), that I can still get easy access to nearly 40 years of technology not withstanding.
I store everything in my brain. It is safe, affordable and works every time.
Uh...what was I talking about?
Quote from: RecycleMichael on December 18, 2013, 01:33:37 PM
I store everything in my brain. It is safe, affordable and works every time.
Uh...what was I talking about?
I think we were talking about recycling beer bottles. :D
Quote from: Red Arrow on December 18, 2013, 11:43:09 AM
Old farts forever!
I still write checks too. I "log on to my billpay" by opening my checkbook and looking at the register.
You guys that have gone paperless, how do you keep a record of your transactions in case the bank computer get corrupted? I am thinking of 5-1/4 floppies, 3-1/2 floppies etc. At least DVD units can still read CDs. What is the next thing you won't be able access?
What's a register?
Quote from: Gaspar on December 18, 2013, 02:02:18 PM
What's a register?
It's that area of paper where you write in the check number, date, who it was to, how much it was for, add in deposits and keep a running balance. Probably before your time.
I forgot to mention, it requires a manual writing device (pen, pencil) and the ability to manipulate it to form letters and numbers.
Quote from: Red Arrow on December 18, 2013, 02:07:57 PM
It's that area of paper where you write in the check number, date, who it was to, how much it was for, add in deposits and keep a running balance. Probably before your time.
Not before my time. ;D
Even "back in the day" I never used those things. I can't recall the last time I acutally balanced a check book. My mother was a banker, and it would drive her crazy that I never balanced my check book. But I came pretty close in my head, and always (Most of the time...) kept a running balance.
Quote from: rebound on December 18, 2013, 02:50:53 PM
Not before my time. ;D
Even "back in the day" I never used those things. I can't recall the last time I acutally balanced a check book. My mother was a banker, and it would drive her crazy that I never balanced my check book. But I came pretty close in my head, and always (Most of the time...) kept a running balance.
I exclusively use the calculator on my phone as my Bank account registry. I don't care who I wrote it to because I buy duplicate checks. But my bottom line(even as small as it is)can't afford the ridiculous NSF charge that every Bank counts on.
On the original topic...
Get rid of Cox, use ATT for internet (our neighborhood now has fiber optic--faster and cheaper than our old Cox plan), use a $10 antenna for over the air digital signals, buy a ROKU box (easy interface to watch online content to your TV), pay for Hulu Plus and Netflix (about $8 each/mo). If you watch shows on Hulu the commercial breaks last about a minute, so it's better than normal TV and you can watch them on demand (a day after they air on TV). If you watch shows on Netflix, there are no commercials, but you'll usually be a "season behind" -- who cares? It's just television. You can also watch shows or movies on demand via Amazon prime, etc. We can watch everything we want except ESPN. But that's why god invented the neighborhood pub and gave them TVs in his intelligent design...
Quote from: PonderInc on January 03, 2014, 02:20:35 PM
On the original topic...
Get rid of Cox, use ATT for internet (our neighborhood now has fiber optic--faster and cheaper than our old Cox plan), use a $10 antenna for over the air digital signals, buy a ROKU box (easy interface to watch online content to your TV), pay for Hulu Plus and Netflix (about $8 each/mo). If you watch shows on Hulu the commercial breaks last about a minute, so it's better than normal TV and you can watch them on demand (a day after they air on TV). If you watch shows on Netflix, there are no commercials, but you'll usually be a "season behind" -- who cares? It's just television. You can also watch shows or movies on demand via Amazon prime, etc. We can watch everything we want except ESPN. But that's why god invented the neighborhood pub and gave them TVs in his intelligent design...
That is the system we went to last spring. Its tough, because I love football and can't watch my beloved Sooners and NFL without sharing the experience in a pub. It works quite well but I found it necessary to upgrade the antenna to a RCA751 which arrives this week by UPS. Too many trees, mountains and buildings near downtown to get as many channels as I desire. We just use Netflix (hulu not worth it). The resolution however is better than my old Cox or U-verse systems and the monthly cost is ...$8.
"Its just Television..." So true.
Quote from: PonderInc on January 03, 2014, 02:20:35 PM
On the original topic...
Get rid of Cox, use ATT for internet (our neighborhood now has fiber optic--faster and cheaper than our old Cox plan), use a $10 antenna for over the air digital signals, buy a ROKU box (easy interface to watch online content to your TV), pay for Hulu Plus and Netflix (about $8 each/mo). If you watch shows on Hulu the commercial breaks last about a minute, so it's better than normal TV and you can watch them on demand (a day after they air on TV). If you watch shows on Netflix, there are no commercials, but you'll usually be a "season behind" -- who cares? It's just television. You can also watch shows or movies on demand via Amazon prime, etc. We can watch everything we want except ESPN. But that's why god invented the neighborhood pub and gave them TVs in his intelligent design...
How is anyone going to keep up with the Kardashians that way?!
(cut the cord several years ago... don't miss it)
Quote from: PonderInc on January 03, 2014, 02:20:35 PM
On the original topic...
Get rid of Cox, use ATT for internet (our neighborhood now has fiber optic--faster and cheaper than our old Cox plan), use a $10 antenna for over the air digital signals, buy a ROKU box (easy interface to watch online content to your TV), pay for Hulu Plus and Netflix (about $8 each/mo). If you watch shows on Hulu the commercial breaks last about a minute, so it's better than normal TV and you can watch them on demand (a day after they air on TV). If you watch shows on Netflix, there are no commercials, but you'll usually be a "season behind" -- who cares? It's just television. You can also watch shows or movies on demand via Amazon prime, etc. We can watch everything we want except ESPN. But that's why god invented the neighborhood pub and gave them TVs in his intelligent design...
So, you pay $30 to $50 per month for AT&T internet, then pay $8/month for hulu, $8/ for Netflix, $8/month for Amazon prime, and because you don't get ESPN you'll go to the neighborhood pub and have beers and risk getting Smooted because you are intoxicated in a bar. (Two beers and you are over the base limit, and if judged a trouble maker rooting loudly for your team)
So to spite Cox, you pay an average of $40/month for internet, and then almost the same amount in internet TV service, (is there a cost for Google TV?) and you don't get some of the channels you want, so you go and pay for beer and the cable service at a pub. Do you break even? Going to a pub to watch a game your going to spend $15 to $30 per weekend for college/pro football games.
Quote from: dbacksfan 2.0 on January 03, 2014, 08:11:49 PM
So, you pay $30 to $50 per month for AT&T internet, then pay $8/month for hulu, $8/ for Netflix, $8/month for Amazon prime, and because you don't get ESPN you'll go to the neighborhood pub and have beers and risk getting Smooted because you are intoxicated in a bar. (Two beers and you are over the base limit, and if judged a trouble maker rooting loudly for your team)
So to spite Cox, you pay an average of $40/month for internet, and then almost the same amount in internet TV service, (is there a cost for Google TV?) and you don't get some of the channels you want, so you go and pay for beer and the cable service at a pub. Do you break even?
Like you don't pay for Amazon Prime and Netflix (Amazon is basically a smaller version of Amazon, plus Downton Abbey) and keep in mind that he is talking about watching on demand. To have internet, those channels and DVR service is roughly $100/mo from any provider. He is advocating spending about $56/mo. That means if you spend less than $528 a year on refreshments at the sports bar, he is doing better than breaking even.
Quote from: sgrizzle on January 03, 2014, 08:18:47 PM
Like you don't pay for Amazon Prime and Netflix (Amazon is basically a smaller version of Amazon, plus Downton Abbey) and keep in mind that he is talking about watching on demand. To have internet, those channels and DVR service is roughly $100/mo from any provider. He is advocating spending about $56/mo. That means if you spend less than $528 a year on refreshments at the sports bar, he is doing better than breaking even.
I was being partly tongue in cheek, but at less than $528/year in any pub/sports bar is one beer plus tip per week.
I have looked at it for my own use, and I would (just me, YMMV, professional driver on a closed course) would rather do a bundle from Cox of TV-HD-DVR/Phone/Internet for ~$110 per month instead of a piecemeal system and be able to watch the sports that I want from the comfort of my own couch.
Actually Ponder said
QuoteGet rid of Cox, use ATT for internet (our neighborhood now has fiber optic--faster and cheaper than our old Cox plan), use a $10 antenna for over the air digital signals, buy a ROKU box (easy interface to watch online content to your TV), pay for Hulu Plus and Netflix (about $8 each/mo). If you watch shows on Hulu the commercial breaks last about a minute, so it's better than normal TV and you can watch them on demand (a day after they air on TV). If you watch shows on Netflix, there are no commercials, but you'll usually be a "season behind" -- who cares? It's just television. You can also watch shows or movies on demand via Amazon prime, etc. We can watch everything we want except ESPN. But that's why god invented the neighborhood pub and gave them TVs in his intelligent design...
Good for COX I guess. I wonder if the employees got a big raise?