Many weeks ago our local cable provider sent me a letter saying to expect a $70 increase and I called many times to dispute that. They assured me I wouldn't see that increase because that was a retail rate not my rate....hmmm ok I said so why even send me the letter? Well as you can imagine they told me my increase would be minimal since I have been a customer for 12 years. Basically, they were setting me up for a right cross as I avoided the little left hand jab because last week I get another letter that says...Good news, I will receive a new rate and only see an increase of $29.99 a month instead of the $80 (it was $70 before) per month!! This didn't include any new services or faster internet speed....just an increase plain and simple. They actually wanted me to be happy that they were going to take more money from me. Geez....
So I called today and after 45 minutes I will end up paying $2 extra a month for the exact same service plans I have now. At first they tried to tell me how I was stuck with that $29.99 increase because the old promotional plans had expired. We went back and forth with all kinds of options and talking about what channels I really watch and I kept telling them I watch the ones I have which is why I pay for those!
Finally I had enough and told her to tell me the best deal they have to keep me at my current rate and same service or I'm just going to shop around and cancel the service. I was on hold for 5 minutes and she came back with the $2 a month increase.
Its maddening to deal with these huge companies!!! Of course I have to revisit this in 6 months when the other promotional plan expires but I will be checking direct tv and windstream options before then. I prefer cable since there are no contracts and I believe it's a more stable way of receiving a signal and faster internet but I'm seriously considering changing every few years to get the promotional rates and change back and forth!