Fun and games with Time Warner Cable

[soccerdad]

When I got my cablecard, the TWC person told me they cost $2.50 per month. I thought that was fair. Then I got my bill and it also shows a charge of about $3.00 for a digital programming guide. I called them on it and they told me that with the cablecard I got "extra channels" and features that are new to me and that I needed them. I told them there were no new channels, and then they changed the story and said the hardware rental was $2.50, but to use it was $3.00 per month:eek: Somewhere he also told me the charge with for the EPG which I promptly told him I did not nor could not use do to it being a cablecard. I elevated it to a manager and he said it was all layed out on their website. I asked him where, and after a few minutes of looking, he had to ask another manager. Then he came back an led me through about 5 pages to get to a place where I could order a cable card, and if I did, it would tell me the price!

I then blasted him on bait and switch practices and inconsistent pricing (a STB costs $10.50 and includes your right to use it) SO he finally said there was no way he could change that charge. I then suggested that dish network was getting a call and he came back with "I can't change THAT charge, but let me look at your account for other savings." Then he came back and told me that for the next 12 months my total bill, internet, and 2 stb's and a cablecard and my tv package would now be $90 per month, down from $142/month! SO for bitching about $3 I saved $50. ($600 for the year)

Crazy.

[pcostanza]

Wow, I need to learn to bitch more! My twin is real good at deals. He's also very cheap and it's a game for him but he got a new HDTV and a DVR and he's saving $30 a month. I locked in for 2 years, got $100 rebate and 2 years of Showtime. They simply would not go lower.
You did well my friend.

[BrettB]

When I got my cablecard, the TWC person told me they cost $2.50 per month. I thought that was fair. Then I got my bill and it also shows a charge of about $3.00 for a digital programming guide. I called them on it and they told me that with the cablecard I got "extra channels" and features that are new to me and that I needed them. I told them there were no new channels, and then they changed the story and said the hardware rental was $2.50, but to use it was $3.00 per month:eek: Somewhere he also told me the charge with for the EPG which I promptly told him I did not nor could not use do to it being a cablecard. I elevated it to a manager and he said it was all layed out on their website. I asked him where, and after a few minutes of looking, he had to ask another manager. Then he came back an led me through about 5 pages to get to a place where I could order a cable card, and if I did, it would tell me the price!

I then blasted him on bait and switch practices and inconsistent pricing (a STB costs $10.50 and includes your right to use it) SO he finally said there was no way he could change that charge. I then suggested that dish network was getting a call and he came back with "I can't change THAT charge, but let me look at your account for other savings." Then he came back and told me that for the next 12 months my total bill, internet, and 2 stb's and a cablecard and my tv package would now be $90 per month, down from $142/month! SO for bitching about $3 I saved $50. ($600 for the year)

Crazy.

You go!!!!!

[whurlston]

Ask them how you access that digital programming guide for which they are charging you the $3/mo. (you can't.) The programming that you get in Media Center is separate from the cable card.

[soccerdad]

Ask them how you access that digital programming guide for which they are charging you the $3/mo. (you can't.) The programming that you get in Media Center is separate from the cable card.

I told them that, but they did not understand. One guy said the on screen guide would all work great if I used my cablecard in my TV, but since I was using a computer,then it my own problem. At one point he even said they would have to send someone out to the house to get my guide to work...

Honestly, I would not have even called them if my normal channels were not flagged copy-once, but since they locked down everything, they made me mad.

[BrettB]

At one point he even said they would have to send someone out to the house to get my guide to work...

I think that you should have taken them up on that offer... :p

[whurlston]

TWC just bought my cable company (Insight Communications). I can see now that this is going to be so much fun.

If you want to press the issue, point them to the FCC's website: http://www.fcc.gov/guides/cablecard-know-your-rights (bolded for emphasis).

•Accurate information on the rental cost of a CableCARD from your provider. Your operator must list the cost of a CableCARD rental on its website or billing inserts and on its annual rate notice, and must provide you with this information when you call. FCC Rule 76.1205(b)(5), 76.1602(b). Typically operators charge $2-4 per month to rent a CableCARD.

•Use your own set-top box without extra charge. FCC Rule 76.1205(b)(5)©. Your cable operator may charge you to lease a CableCARD or tuning adapter, but may not charge you an additional service fee for using your own digital-cable-ready television or set-top box.

Tell them you would be more than happy to call the FCC to confirm.

[smajor]

Oh, TWC. The stories I could tell. I've had them for 10 years now. My recent go around was because they were charging me 50 cents a month for a remote I never touch, use, or otherwise about. If I'm not using NPVR for it, I also have a universal remote I own that duplicates their own perfectly. Did you know you CANNOT get one of their STBs without a remote, and in turn incur that charge? I was even told that "even if" they could remove it, if/when I canceled my cable I'd be charged for a MISSING remote "because everyone has one." I gave up, it's 50 cents. But I'm still bitter, it's the principle of the thing. You know?

[soccerdad]

I gave up, it's 50 cents. But I'm still bitter, it's the principle of the thing. You know?

lol, why do you think I was on the phone for an hour. I never expected that kind of discount. I would have loved to have been able to send the "manager" whurlston's link above and let him stutter on it for a while. I still might...

[smajor]

Make sure you record it for us. I love to hear them squirm. I work in IT for a University. Many years ago we outsourced our residence hall cable TV and Internet to them because we got tired of dealing with "scary"/annoying MPAA/RIAA letters. It's worked pretty well, but if I ever leave, I shall entertain you all with tales of the most internally disorganized company on the planet, and probably several local star systems too.