My promo was about to expire, so I called in to Comcast's retention team.
I was surprised, very surprised.
The conversation to move to a new promotion went quite well.
Indeed, the Comcast rep was friendly, very knowledgeable, and understanding in what I was asking for. Even when I threw the cable card curve ball. Unfazed. Wow.
In short, it was an experience with Comcast support that is foreign to me.
I told the rep that in my 40+ years as a Comcast customer, this conversation was the best I had ever had.
What has happened to Comcast?
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[Account] Whoa..., just had a discussion with Comcast support...
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[Equip] Does this explain why my speeds are so slow?
Xfinity did some upgrading in the area. When the lights came back on, they really bumped the speed on the old DOCSIS 3.0 modem, pretty much to the limit it could handle. I got excited and on a lark found I was eligible for up to 1Gb service. (W00t!) For $10 more than what I was already paying for, I could get 600Mb/20Mb and started the checkout procedure. I failed the modem check before you purchase, it was just too outdated. I found a great deal at local store for an Arris SB8200.
The walled garden is no more, you have to use the Xfinity App from a smart phone to get the modem up and installed. That took 5 minutes, no biggie. I got all excited again and boosted up to the 600Mb/20mb plan. I check out my cart, get my confirmation e-mail and the SB8200 reboots. Once back online I did a direct wired speed test via gigabit Ethernet and a brand new CAT6e cable aaaaannnnnnndddd.....
My upstream is dead on fast @20Mb, the download, not so much. The best it pulls is 50% of my 600Mb speed tier. I go nosing in the modem's event log and find these lines you see above.
*Thinking* it's a provisioning problem, I give Xfinity a call. They can't figure it out, had to authorize overrides, but ultimately had a great cozy chat with 2 lvl-3 techs and appointments for two truck rolls. One for the plant management, the other for a house tech to come investigate the stuff around/in the house.
Color me stupid, but am I off the mark by thinking this is a provisioning problem? The two techs attempted to re-provision twice, and it wouldn't stick. I'm not convinced a truck roll will do it. What say you all?
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Upload speed issues yet again and a 6th upstream channel appears
It seems Comcast is good at lying.
I've been having upload speed issues on and off for months. Tired to get it resolved but never fully was able to. The supervisor swore up and down there is no congestion.
Today, I look and suddenly there is a 6th upstream channel. That paints a VERY different picture.
Oh and one of the upstream channels is back to 32-QAM again. I swear i hate this company and don't have time to deal with their bullshit being ill currently.
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[IPv6] IPv6 Prefix stickiness
For any of you using IPv6 and PD, what are you seeing in regards to keeping your assigned delegation? Has it ever changed? If so, how often?
Trying to decide whether to use native or spin up a cloud box from a close by provider who give out a /48 and doing some routing and vpn connectivity in order to keep the prefix long term.
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[Signals] Line tech?
How to get line technician to fix a noise or other issue on the tap/above tap?
Every other thing below the tap was replaced by house tech and yet still low DSSNR on some frequencies. Problem isn’t in house or equipment. Different equipment showed same levels.
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Affordable Connectivity Program - possible $30/mo. HSI discount
Was browsing my bill at xfinity.com after the BS fees went up again, and got a notice that I might be eligible for the ACP - Affordable Connectivity Program. This is a $30 monthly subsidy that started at beginning of this year and replaced the old Emergency Broadband Benefit (for folks impacted by Covid).
The interesting feature of the new subsidy is that they've added a new income level check to see if you qualify - anyone under 200% Federal Poverty Level now does (the Lifeline program was more restrictive, under 135% FPL - 200% is approx. $35k for a family of two). In addition, you also get $100 off the purchase of a tablet or PC/laptop if your provider does this (don't think Comcast does). The subsidy applies to new or existing customers and it doesn't matter which HSI tier you have, so it's not a limited HSI speed benefit. It's just a straight $30 off if you qualify.
https://acpbenefit.org/
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[Firmware] MB8600 unexpected reboot and software dwnld failure
So I was just looking at my modem logs and see that on November 9th, my modem rebooted itself. No power outage and I was out of town so nothing I did would have caused it. In the log there are two messages regarding software download and that it failed.
What is the current SW version on these modems?
Mine is: Software Version 8600-19.3.18
Log messages:
03:53:06
Tue Nov 9 2021 Notice (6) SW Download INIT - Via NMS
03:53:09
Tue Nov 9 2021 Error (4) SW upgrade Failed before download - File not Present
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[DOCSIS] How many of you made the switch to DOCSIS 3.1 with Xfinity?
This is just thread wondering no matter your speed are you using the latest modem with Xfinity since almost all of their plants have DOCSIS 3.1 active now. If so what modems are you all using?
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[Other] Acct mgmt using Pale Moon
Question - To any xfinity users of the Pale Moon browser - Can you (right now) manage your account using PM? As in, view and change settings, etc.
I need to know if it is just me having a problem or everyone?
Last night I logged into my xfinity account with PM, but it would not let me actually change my password.
Today, Pale Moon can login to my acct, but is blocked from even viewing any acct management.
While Firefox is unable to login at all.
And IE is unable to even access anything at xfinity.com - giving a 403 forbidden error for all xfinity urls.
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Xfinity and Increased Bandwidth Being Low Priority
From the executive office:
"Per our findings, it was verified that upload speeds still account for only a fraction of all Internet traffic (approximately 7%) in the average home of our customer base, and everyday Internet usage – (such as social media, email, etc.)- does not benefit from a faster upstream. However, please know that Comcast is constantly making upgrades and improvements, but we do not currently have a specific time frame of if/when upload speeds may increase."
Doesn't sound like we will see any further upstream bandwidth improvements until DOCSIS 4.0. Was hoping we could see some improvements in the interim, but it appears 2023 or 2024 will be the year of upstream improvements.
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How will Comcast respond to Verizon's symmetrical 2 gig service
Curious as to what Comcast has up its sleeves.
Verizon has begun to offer it in NY and is planning on expanding the service within its footprint on a ongoing basis. The same "upgrade" to Verizon's CO will eventually allow it to offer 10 gig symmetrical fiber service.
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[Connectivity] Comcast business - IPV6 gone
This morning, I lost IPV6 on my own Arris SB 6183 modem/ openwrt router setup. Recorded message said that they have done some upgrades and to restart the modem. I did that, still no IPV6 and my IPV4 is also in a different subnet. So I called them. The tech. says you have your own modem, so I cannot help you. Nothing has changed on my side. What are my options? Does Comcast want everybody to pay rent for their modems? They are able to remotely reboot my modem, download boot file. (They killed my old modem by downloading a wrong file in the past) Yet they say they cannot help me?
I moved away from AT&T/Sonic because they forced their modem/router combo, it seems that Comcast is doing the same.
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gig finally available
So, i received an email with a subject line that said 'Slide into fast Wi-Fi speeds' last night.
Nearly every time i pay my bill, i browse the change plan page just to watch its changes. in 3 years of living here, 200/10, followed by 300/10 has been the fastest offering.
Logged in just a few moments ago, and all the tiers up to 1200 are now available. The system successfully let me place the order for upgrade desiring my own equipment, self install, and i took a second Flex box as they offered it free.
On my way to the store to snag a D3.1 modem now. Ill report back later with how activation goes.
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[Signals] Downstream Signal Issues
Just decided to check my XB7 modem signal levels
and results are the pictures included below
Upstream all locked
Speedtest shows normal thus far
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Splitters, Moca, and the Cable Modem that needs to cooperate
I have a bit of an issue where I would like to keep using my MOCA 2.5 adapters with my Arris S33 cable modem, but with the way I have things set up, it requires me to double split to the cable modem where my "data room" is. This double split I describe is as follows:
The xfinity box outside - A 2 port Antronics splitter - one port goes to data room, one goes to living room.
Data room - would have the 2nd 2-port Antronics splitter for cable modem and Moca adapter. I have the Screenbeam/Actiontec 7250 that's has the 2.5gbps port. 7.0db loss
Living room - will have the 2nd MOCA adapter and nothing else, no additional splitter 3.5db loss
The problem: Upstream signal levels on S33 hit 50-53 when I'm double split as described above, and disconnections/packet drops occur. Without any splits, direct connection from modem to box, my upstream is in spec anywhere from 42-46, and everything is pretty much perfect.
Will Comcast tell me to pound sand or should they have to improve my signal levels to handle 7.0db of split to a cable modem? Especially since I have no interest in getting TV service and I'm fairly positive they won't give a crap about my moca setup.
I ordered Amphenol Broadband splitters that allow 5-1675mhz, one unbalanced 3 port and 2 balanced 2 port splitters to nail down what is best, as I would like to expand MOCA to a 3rd room in the future, and i want to be able to utilize Extended band D/Moca 2.5. But I've established a base case of "I'm screwed" with the 5-1002mhz splitters i was provided by Comcast unless they do something to make my upstream levels without splits in the high 30s/with split mid 40s to cable modem. Will they just shrug and say "it's fine" or will they do anything?
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Comcast & ACP
I have been a cable subscriber since the late 90's when @home was first cable available. I joined this forum and learned how to optimize my connection and cajole customer service for deals. Later I owned a home and even started installing networks as part of my business. So being reliant on a program fully funded by the fed and getting treated like a second class customer makes me bristle. At least they have knowledgeable phone techs now. In fact, a conversion with one tech I called after I found out that EBB customers were excluded from using the wider wifi hotspots thus not being able to use VOIP and his description of how differently the plan has been rolled out in his state. It got my guard up for how the transition would go. Sure enough it was rocky and I did get a charge! $12.26 for a pro-rated amount of days of service. I did get that reversed though.
As I posted I didn't learn about how to get EDD until Oct last year and went most of lockdown without service. I turned in my modem May 2020 as I lost my job in April. Like many Californians I still have not had my unemployment processed and my income is nil. So when I heard about the EBB and called and asked they acted ignorant. And then when I did get it and had a question I stopped in store where I got the router and customer service wouldn't help me at all. Because I was EBB. This floored me. I was making plenty of money so I didn't worry back then but comcast bills got out of hand and service reps were abysmal. I have paid way too much money and spent hours trying to get services to be treated poorly. More importantly it shouldn't be shameful to use an essential utility ever. The only way to do anything important including doctor's visits is online now. Access shouldn't have so many hurdles, fees and tiered controls. I know it is not just comcast but online the consumer is the product and they want YOU. Having any privacy and hopefully some security takes time. But now more than ever it would be nice if this company were less awful and understood its role not as a defunct monopoly raking in as many superfluous feed as possible but helping people connect to jobs, medial treatments and family support. Those things build a society and instead were are getting less options, more ads now too. I filed a complaint to the FCC and got a call from their uber elevated support. It was an interesting call but Comcast/NBC needs to be called out for their unnecessarily vague and difficult attitude in rolling the ACP.
Service was out here for 12 hours last night and a bunch of new stuff was changed/added. Sorry if I am a squeaky wheel but as someone who may be going back to work in rural network infrastructure and who grew up in a place where they still use telephone wire service I see data in the 21st century as essential as water or electricity. For many seniors it is. Lower income customers should not be bitch slapped with fees and Comcast's stance is still terrible. Just curious what other people's experience might be might be like.
On a more positive note service is very consistent and plenty fast. I don't like how you can't configure your own modem anymore I hope they let me use my own so I can forward ports. They have a UI that supposedly allows the full Arris modem menu but it doesn't work via Edge or Firefox and since the internet came up last night all sorts of different certificates and privacy statements have updated. I know many people don't have time to worry about privacy or keep tabs on latest changes but Comcast and its parent company are not only getting fully compensated for this program but they are also harvesting an ungodly about of customer data which is very profitable.
We, as consumers, are the last line of defense and I think Comcast can be a better corporate citizen. I encourage anyone who feels chagrined to share your experience with the FCC. You will get a call back from Comcast support who will trot out the party line. But I was able to be heard and expressed the particular grievances. He agreed they could have done better. Hopefully I won't have to be so financially strained but many are now. Corporations have been flooded with stimulus money and special programs it would be nice to see a rising tide float all boats.
Cheers.
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Overbuilding
Comcast is pulling fiber along major streets here in Bradenton, FL. I don't know if it is a full overbuild of Spectrum or a partial overbuild. Spectrum is the primary cable co in Tampa Bay. Comcast covers Sarasota and most of the Lakewood Ranch section of Bradenton. This overbuild is all underground and all fiber. I have no idea if they are targeting business customers only or residential as well. They have done a similar overbuild in CT in the areas are served by Breezeline -Formally Atlantic Broadband in New London County. I grew up in Ledyard, CT which is in New London County. I wonder why Comcast would overbuild Spectrum?
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Did I just trial LLD??
Am having ping spikes and packet loss due to congestion on the node/cmts, reached out and eventually they started messing around with the cmts/node side of things. Saw them go from 5 upstream channels to 6 back down to 4 before the actual node split happens may 26th. Last night later in the night for a few hours I noticed something interesting on pingplotter. Its like they turned something on for a few hours and then off again. Second screenshot is when I notice a difference in service flow. Last screenshot is how my morning/noon/afternoon/nights usually go depending on utilization. Im trying to reach out to the team to see if they cant keep me on the service flow or give feedback and thought I'd post here to see what ya'll think about this
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Northeast speed increase finally happened?
I'm in a newly-built extension of the Williamsport PA market, and today I see that my download speed has gone up by 50% and my upload speed has doubled. I see nobody talking about this on any forum, I haven't seen any announcement from Comcast, and my account still lists the old download speed.
I looked at my modem stats and I see that it rebooted 3 hours ago (though this may be due to them cutting in a new tap for some customers up the road from me, I saw them working on it on the way home, that's why I checked everything when I got home.) I have 31, 256QAM channels and an OFDM channel for download, and 4 QAM channels for upload -- although I can't remember how many it used to be.
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Trouble Accessing Certain Websites
About two days ago my wife had some issues accessing certain websites. I blew it off to a Cache/Cookie issue. I rebooted the router to be safe. Last night she showed me it still was not working.
The website will not come up on Wired or Wi-Fi on any device. If I use my ExpressVPN they work. They also work on the phones with Cellular Data. I have checked everything I can think of and also swapped out my modem (didn’t realize it was outdated).
Tech Support was no help as you can imagine.
This is the message I receive
Access Denied
You don't have permission to access "http://www.united.com/" on this server.
Reference #18.2dfb3b17.1645812844.a1f8ebb
Thanks,
Eric
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