Hi All,
(Sorry for the following essay -- much on my mind :) )
I live in Baltimore City (Maryland) and have very few good options for broadband internet (and I work as a programmer from home on a constant VPN, so I need good broadband :) ). Currently, I have Verizon DSL (no FIOS available here -- ugh) and get ~1.8/0.6Mbps (and I've had this since I moved in over 10 years ago). This DSL speed is barely acceptable, so I'm finally seriously considering switching to Comcast cable for internet (and maybe with some thrown in, bundled TV, but I don't really care about that). However, after reading so much about horrible Comcast is, with hidden fees, outright lies (or just terribly misinformed reps), and inconsistent service, I thought I'd ask here my most pressing questions.
Anyway, I'd like to get the current deal for what they call "Blast Plus": up to 105Mbps, Digital Economy TV (very limited selection, I think), and even HBOGo, all for $60/month (plus the modem rental and whatever fees they tack on). Basically, I can't stomach paying Verizon ~$90 for DSL and Phone, when I could pay Comcast about the same (assuming ~$30 in fees) for so much faster internet speeds (and just switch to VOIP). Again, I don't really care about the TV, but it's the same monthly rate as without (I guess any separate TV fees might make it a bit more expensive, but a small difference).
So, that leaves me with questions about installation and hidden charges:
- My home doesn't currently have a cable service drop, but I also hate allowing anyone else to do work on my car/home, so I wanted to do the "self install". Does anyone have any advice on how I can get Comcast to install the drop for free and then let me do the house install myself? I live in a normal city neighborhood, where many of my neighbors already have cable and I'm not far from the line. My understanding is Comcast is required to install the drop for free. Is that true? Can anyone offer advice on how to get them to actually do that without paying for installation? I dread having to talk to them, since I've heard they'll tell you things totally out of sync with reality. :) Oh, and it seems that installation charges can vary wildly and are unknown ahead of time (how is that even legal?)
- Assuming I can get Comcast to install the drop, does anyone have advice on the cheapest possible installation? I'm figuring they'll charge me some minimum amount even if I do the self-install, which I guess I'm OK with, but I'd want to know what it will be ahead of time. Is that crazy of me? :)
Anyway, any help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Thanks all!
Justin
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