AT&T has invaded our neighborhood. Hitting every house door to door to get people to convert from Comcast. It works. We've had 2 to 3 trucks throughout the neighborhood for a week and half.

At the door the salesman tossed out a figure that would save me about $22 per month. Not bad. But I did not bite right away.

First I called Comcast and tried to lower it - no luck. They said I was already on their discounted rate till Nov. I didn't threaten to leave; will use that in Nov.

I called AT&T and insisted they do an apple to apples cost comparison...... same movie channels, internet speed, etc. They were $68 more per month!! Slight improvement in internet speed ( 2 mbps), 4 recorders instead of 1, and cable without limitations on all TVs.

 

Competition is good.

 

In theory.

Remember back in the 90's when Congress passed the Telecommunications Act that was suppose to increase competition and reduce cable and telephone bills? I have to ask: Did anyone see an actual reduction in their monthly bill for cable TV or Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) compared to what they were paying in the 90's when the bill was passed?

Our bill has never gone down. It just continues to increase. Our last bill for TV with one expanded tier (no HBO, Show Time, etc) and Internet service was $147.05

I guess that could explain this NPR REPORT on why for the first time that cable subscriptions are on the decline.

Curious minds, wish to know? What do you think?

 

I remember in 70's, Ma Bell charged around $25-30 a month for simple land line. Nowadays, two iphones with data capabilities cost around $175 a month. And television was free as I remember. We didn't have cables back then. That is why we haven't had television for years. Now, if I can just live without the iphones.....

 

I remember the 70's as well. I was working for $1.65 an hour. minimum wage is almost 4 times that now.

don't get me wrong, as I despise the communications industry, I'm just providing a data point to put it in perspective.

 

[QUOTE=Honda 367,Aug 28 2010, 12:24 AM] I remember in 70's, Ma Bell charged around $25-30 a month for simple land line.

 

direct tv saved me 90.00 per month compared to cox cable. apples to apples except the direct tv had better dvr's with much more space, more hd channels an equally bad customer service.