Rant On: The Suspected Evil Cable Company

[kybearfuzz]

So I get home yesterday after work and just crash into a nap. Softball the night before was late and wore me out. So I wake up a couple of hours later and turn on the TV to ... nothing. The little message on the TV said that the service was receiving no signal. I tried a couple of other TV's, and got the same message.

I've had issues with Insight before. They call every so many weeks and want to "come out and check things," but when I press them on what that means, they're vague. This involves setting up an appointment, which is usually inconvenient for me. I set up one and missed it because I couldn't leave work. When I tried to contact them to tell them I'd miss the appointment, I was told that was "another department," which I figured was the "sales department." I suspect that the "check on things" visit is just a chance to see who I use for telephone and internet service, which is something they push constantly.

So back to yesterday, I called the cable company to report it. When I told him none of my TV's were receiving a signal, he made it sound like it was something outside the house. He set up an appointment. I told him if he wanted me there, that I have to have a lot of notice as I'll be at work (and I said this in an annoyed tone). He asked if I knew if my neighbors still had signal (like I would know).

As I was about to hang up, he remarked that he noticed that I don't use their internet service or phone service. Ah hah, I thought, that's what this is I bet. If I wont set up an appointment when there is no problem, you'll create one so I will. Paranoid I know, but the timing seems perfect. The conversation went something like this:

Insight: "We can set you up for unlimited long-distance and local calls for only $25 a month. How does that sound?"

Me (irritated): "Well, there are two things you should remember. 1) I'm calling you because the one service I have with you isn't working, and 2) I'm already irritated that I have to miss work tomorrow to come home for the appointment for you to fix it. So, now probably isn't a good time to try to sell me something."

Insight: "Okay, then thank you for calling Insight and you have a good evening..."

And just to add a little more salt to the wound, I checked with my neighbors. Their cable is working fine. She did tell me that Insight has been calling them for a "check" appointment too. Who wants to take bets that their cable will be out soon as well?

Comments

[itzgid.livejournal.com]

Comcast pulled the same $#!t on my cousin. Sucker-punching these people right in the wallet usually works wonders. I keep track of how often the service goes out, and then call the billing department and demand that they adjust the bill on a pro rata basis and give me free movie channels for a month to make up for the shoddy service.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I'll be asking about that today. It'll probably only be 2-3 dollars, but it might be worth the headache it will cause them. :)

[prisonbitch.livejournal.com]

one thing I left out of my other little rant on Directv is how I'd record something then find when I watched it later that the channel was off and a little info screen showed up stating that the channel is not in my package and I need to call directv to add it - when it is in my package.

I'd really like to switch to Cincy Bell's Fioptics, but they are so damn slow rolling it out. But I think that they are just rebroadcasting Directv.

I'll let you know how things go with Dish, if you're ever interested in that.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I'd be curious what your experiences are with the setup. I like Insight's service, but this badgering is getting on my nerves.

[bradferd23.livejournal.com]

Call the billing department and request that the number of days for non-service be taken off your bill. This is the most effective way of getting something fixed with any cable, phone, internet service provider. It contributes to the bottom line. They don't care if they have to dispatch someone to fix a problem because more than likely you aren't going to call and demand a credit on the bill.

[mississippicub.livejournal.com]

exactly what i was gonna say

[martini-tim.livejournal.com]

Have you considered getting rid of cable altogether? You can use your internet to watch shows on Netflix and Hulu, and it will be cheaper and on demand too.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I have thought about that! I was watching Netflix last night and didn't really miss the TV all that much.

[barak.livejournal.com]

This kind of behavior sounds high illegal... I'd consider contacting the Better Business Bureau or the State Attorney's office.

Or I'd simply dump them for another service, like satellite television if you need cable.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Well, the trick would be to prove it. If I could I probably would sue them for harassing me. Or leaving a flaming bag of poo on their door.

[barak.livejournal.com]

Obviously you don't have the resources to investigate this yourself, but I would think with enough complaints, the state attorney's offices might be interested in investigating and possibly kicking some nefarious, fly-by-night company ass!

[ricksf.livejournal.com]

Companies these days do aggressive marketing. No surprise in that, is there? Do I believe that they'd deliberately play with your service to attempt to sell you more services? No, that's too much of a stretch.

BUT, by all means as others have said, demand a credit or some other adjustment. Tell them that you're looking into switching to their main competition in town. That always scares them into action from my experience.

You know, I don't blame them for pushing their wares. Saying 'no' is easy enough to do.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

Well, the timing seems so strange and suspect. They do push those services and I'm sure someone is making them do it, but the timing of that seems bad too.

And the cable is back on. Yay!

[snowboardjoe.livejournal.com]

Wow, Could it be there is something more evil than Comcast? I hate playing games. I miss my DirecTV.

[kybearfuzz.livejournal.com]

I've thought about going to a dish network. My sibs don't seem to have much problem with theirs.