Transmaster
Don't Blame Me I Voted For Bill and Opus
join:2001-06-20
Cheyenne, WY
 ·Qwest.net
| Oh please
The reason why Cable is getting more customers is not because cable has better programing, for the most part it is the same. The reason is the bundled VoIP telephone service, and high speed internet.
--
The older I get the more I prefer the company of my dogs over that of man kind. |
|
TKJunkMail
Enjoy the sun
Premium
join:2002-03-03
Avalon, NJ
 ·Sprint Mobile Broa..
 ·Comcast
| said by Transmaster  :The reason why Cable is getting more customers is not because cable has better programing, for the most part it is the same. The reason is the bundled VoIP telephone service, and high speed internet. I think the bundled deals cable has been rolling out, especially the pkg of digital TV and broadband access with discounts for up to a year is hurting the satellite providers the most. I don't think the VOIP thrown in to the deals is making a big difference yet.
Another thing hurting DTV is their high pressure sales tactics. My 80 yr old parents were considering switching from Comcast to DTV(they don't use the internet), but DTV refused to send out a brochure with their choices. They kept trying to force a decision over the phone. Sales tactics like that will hurt them.
--
--
Join Red Room Forum
BLOG tkjunkmail.blogspot.com
My Web Page |
|
rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO
| reply to Transmaster
Totally agree. I much preferred satellite. I've had both Dish and DirecTV. Dish was OK but I didn't like their equipment. DirecTV was better because of superior equipment and more equipment options.
The reason I'm back with cable is bundling. As a very satisfied Vonage user, if I could get unbundled DSL (I do not want POTS voice) or some kind of quality, high speed, low latency wireless connection that supports VOIP, I would consider returning to satellite. However, they would have to offer an attractive price on a DVR/tuner combo and I'd have to give up cable's VOD which is a very nice perk on premium services and somewhat eliminates renting movies from video stores. (I just wish titles were available on VOD when they are available to rent -- plus you can record VOD...)
Bottom line, satellite needs a competitive HSI option so they can provide the bundle. Without it, cable wins and satellite fades back into rural areas from whence it came.
This would be a shame because satellite made cable what it is today. Without it, I even question where the telcos would be. |
|
vpoko
Premium
join:2003-07-03
Jamaica Plain, MA
| reply to TKJunkMail
said by TKJunkMail :Another thing hurting DTV is their high pressure sales tactics. My 80 yr old parents were considering switching from Comcast to DTV(they don't use the internet), but DTV refused to send out a brochure with their choices. They kept trying to force a decision over the phone. Sales tactics like that will hurt them. Good call, TKJ! A friend of mine had a similar experience - he placed an order for DirectTV, and when the guy came to install it he had him signed up for a more expensive package. My friend sent the installer home and canceled his order. |
|
cdru
Go Colts
Premium,MVM
join:2003-05-14
Fort Wayne, IN
| reply to TKJunkMail
said by TKJunkMail :The reason why Cable is getting more customers is not because cable has better programing, for the most part it is the same. The reason is the bundled VoIP telephone service, and high speed internet. Comcast has been running the triple play specials in my area. The 3 services for $99. I thought about it, but then I looked into the details.
Here's what I have now:
Dish AT60+Locals+dual tuner/dual output DVR ($41)
ViaTalk Unlimited (8.25/month [$99/year deal])
Verizon FiOS 15/2 ($40)
Total monthly bill 89.25
Comcast's deal is $99 for the 3. However, in order to compare fruit as closely as possible, I have to add on the additional fees:
$10 upgrade to 16mbit service from 6mbits
$3 to lease a modem
$6.95 additional outlet fee for 2nd TV
$9.95 for DVR
Total monthly cost: 128.90. After my first year, my monthly price goes up another $50 to the regular price.
Now to Comcast's credit, they do provide more channels and VoD as compared to what I subscribe to with Dish, but for the $40 price difference, I could easily subscribe to more. Plus I get the advantage of having a DVR for 2 TVs while the 2nd TV with Comcast is just a regular receiver.
So for me, $40 isn't worth the lost of functionality on the 2nd TV while only gaining combined billing.
--
Quis custodiet custodes ipsos? |
|
