THE Fatman
@rogers.com
| New Twist to Discounts
For the past few years I've apparently been given a 5% 'bundle' discount on the Robbers services I subscribe to, Internet Express and Cable. Today I received a notice that unless I call in and agree to a two year contract this discount will be discontinued on my next bill.
Well, I called in alright but not to accept their ultimatium, instead I told them that if my bill changed by so much as $0.01 Rogers would be in receipt of my notice and I'd be off to satellite TV.
So, in preparation for my liberation from Robbers oppression I'd sure appreciate if anyone out there would give some input as to the good, bad and ugly of the satellite TV providers. I'm located in S. W. Ontario, not far from Kitchener.
Thanks in advance....... |
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jyeung
inspiration reality
Premium
join:2004-03-30
North York, ON
 ·Cybersurf Corporat..
 ·3 Web
·Bell Sympatico
·TELUS
1 edit | Satellite TV providers: Bell TV and Starchoice (soon to be Shaw Direct).
I'm not a fan of Bell support, and Starchoice is pretty much #1 for customer service, so I recommend them. HD programming is free on Starchoice as well - not sure about Bell. Their equipment doesn't seem to be as robust as the Echostar one that Bell uses though.
Your best bet would be to visit digitalhome.ca and take a look at the Starchoice and Bell TV forums there.
- Jason |
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CFoo
join:2008-03-19
Nepean, ON | reply to THE Fatman
Re: New Twist to Discounts
In Kitchener, can't you receive HDTV over the air? Especially being so close to the border, I would suspect if you use an HDTV antenna you would be able to pickup many US HDTV channels. |
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travisc
join:2001-11-09
Port Perry, ON | reply to THE Fatman
Not all HD programming on Shaw Direct (Star Choice) is free. Most providers have a group of free HD channels, and then you pay more for the rest. |
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THE Fatman
@rogers.com
| reply to CFoo
You might be right but I'm in a "hole", actually the Grand River Valley. I would need a 100' tower to be of any use. The first 30' - 40' would just get me up to the ground elevation "outside" of this "ditch".
Years back I had one of the "old" satellite systems but things change with time and it went by the boards about a decade ago. I went to Express View after the dish then to Rogers. Now it looks like I'll be heading back to a dish.
I've got 6 weeks or so to research so there's no rush at the moment.
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MadAsHeck
@rogers.com
| reply to THE Fatman
I received the same letter yesterday and am absolutely fuming mad over it....especially after I threatened a few months ago to leave when they sent the letters out about the rate increases in March. They ended up giving me a few discounts here and there for a year for being a loyal customer and foolishly, that appeased me.
Now....not much more than 3 months later, another letter arrives stating that the bundle discounts (that I always thought I had) had actually ended in 2007 but they've just continued to give me the discounts out of the goodness of their hearts (bless them). Now, they can no longer do this unless I agree to a 2 year contract.
I've had it!!! I don't care what it costs up front with another company, I simply cannot justify staying with this company anymore. |
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DougAjax
@rogers.com
| Hey MadAsHeck,
Join the club.  Got my little notice yesterday from Rogers. I've got cable and net access with them (18Mbps line) and they killing my 15% discount and trying to strong arm me into a 5% discount IF I agree to a 2 yr contract? Without the contract they want to jack my monthly rate up then by $30 + tax? Ding. Wrong.
So, I said screw it. Ordered my 16Mbps line from Bell, with a deal price of $62.95 / month. I lose 2Mbps worth of speed (won't really notice), save $40+ tax a month, and Rogers loses $1212 + tax per year in business. Screw'em.
Next up ... killing my cable services. |
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JAC70
join:2008-10-20 | I'd be surprised if you get anywhere near the 16mbps with Bell. |
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Robrr
join:2008-04-19
Toronto, ON
·TekSavvy Solutions..
·Rogers Hi-Speed
| reply to THE Fatman
Cant wait for my Rogers bill next week. I might just have to cut them out of some more money if I get this notice as well.
They just lost $60/month for internet so why not knock some of my cable bill off as well. |
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rt3
join:2004-06-23
12532 | I've been with Starchoice for 9 years, nothing but great service, both customer and TV.
I'll never switch, it comes down to five simple words
"They care about their customers." |
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no access
join:2007-12-30 | reply to THE Fatman
I've had *choice for about 5 years. I've been happy with them. Remember that if you want Expressview, Bell makes you sign a contract. Bell and robbers are pretty much the same company. Why leave one to join the other? |
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DougAjax
@rogers.com
| reply to JAC70
Hi JAC70. Possibly, will have to wait and see.
On the other hand, I don't get consistency with my 18Mbps line with Rogers either, depends on the day, time of day, and where the moon is in the sky.
Last night at 2am I was getting about 16Mbps down on my 18Mbps line (totally acceptable). Right now, I'm getting 9Mbps. |
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DougAjax
@rogers.com
| reply to JAC70
Heya JAC70. Just an example of what I've seen with Rogers over the years, although it's a little dated, here's a little review of what I've actually gone through with them and my $99 / month 18Mbps line:
»www.dmplace.com/rogers_overview.html
It is better now, but I still have the same kind of crazy swings, inconsistency, and incredibly poor support (and no, I have no delusions that Bell support is any better). Shrug. |
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Robrr
join:2008-04-19
Toronto, ON | reply to THE Fatman
I was looking at Starchoice today and I think I might investigate that option some more. It looks like it might work out cheaper for me than having cable for all the same channels. |
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THE Fatman
@rogers.com | reply to rt3
Thank you, great feedback, helps this old man.... |
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Labonza
join:2008-08-20
Ottawa, ON
| reply to THE Fatman
When this happens ie-get a letter about a "contract",I'm going to make them send me a copy of it because I wont agree to any "contract" unless I read it first.
We should all do the same.And be aware of the fact that being forced into a contract under duress is illegal.Though I'm sure Roger's TOS makes them think that consumer protection laws dont apply to them.
Depending on how this is worded and how aggressively they push this,this could be grounds for a class-action suit. |
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THE Fatman
@rogers.com
| reply to Robrr
Haven't compared pricing at all for what you get with *Choice vs Robbers, will do shortly. But with me it's reached the point where even if it cost me an extra $20. / month I'd gladly give it to * Choice as to that mob of media gangsters in Toronto. I'm just so fed up with them and their "Customers can go to hell" attitude. |
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Robrr
join:2008-04-19
Toronto, ON | I plan on investigating this as well. I will post an update once I have all the info |
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sbrook
Premium,Mod
join:2001-12-14
H0H 0H0
·Rogers Hi-Speed
Host:
Rogers
Bell Canada
| reply to THE Fatman
StarChoice is now Shaw direct.
The problem is for what they charge for the channels I want, because they're spread across so many packages, I'd have to pay over $80 per month to get what I am from Robbers for around $60. This has always been the problem with StarChoice ... their bundling is a ripoff for some and perfect for otehrs. |
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