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New Cable installation?
Cauld
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So I moved into this apartment and am considering getting cable tv and internet. I would have to get Comcast, but their installation choices bother me.
They say I can only choose self-installed internet (with a fee of $10) if I already have cable tv service, and not if I'm signing up for both at the same time. Otherwise I have to pay $50 for a professional installer.
And while we're here they say I can only connect one computer with this "installation" to connect multiple computers I have to go with the $150 professional setup. Though it says in the detail to choose the one computer option to install "one computer/ip device" I assume a wireless router is an IP device? I want to be able to hook up my wii, wirelessly, so I assume this would do it.
This all strikes me as stupid, I can already see something like 6 wireless networks from my building (I assume), I'm wondering if it might work out better to just put up a note offering to share another tenant's network for $20/month or so and just forget about the TV. Is this a good idea?
Also, since I don't have home phone service are there any other highspeed internet options for me?
They say I can only choose self-installed internet (with a fee of $10) if I already have cable tv service, and not if I'm signing up for both at the same time. Otherwise I have to pay $50 for a professional installer.
And while we're here they say I can only connect one computer with this "installation" to connect multiple computers I have to go with the $150 professional setup. Though it says in the detail to choose the one computer option to install "one computer/ip device" I assume a wireless router is an IP device? I want to be able to hook up my wii, wirelessly, so I assume this would do it.
This all strikes me as stupid, I can already see something like 6 wireless networks from my building (I assume), I'm wondering if it might work out better to just put up a note offering to share another tenant's network for $20/month or so and just forget about the TV. Is this a good idea?
Also, since I don't have home phone service are there any other highspeed internet options for me?
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If you don't already have cable set up, you do need to have someone to come and activate/test/whatnot when you sign up for Comcast. This has always been the case in my experience. However, I don't think I've ever had to pay for this activation of the service, and when I recently got Comcast internet the guy set it up on my laptop without there being a charge (of course I just had to go and set it up on my own on my router afterwards anyway, but whatever). You might want to call again so you're speaking to a different service rep and see what they say about the "required" $50 installation fee.
I know comcast is different in different areas, but we've not nothing like that where I'm at.
You can hook up a router and split the connection to as many pc's as you want. I don't see how they can block that.
I bet if you call and ask about signing up and then act hesitant because of the install fee they will waive it.
There's not a normal way around this, as far as I know. Unfortunately, it's their service, their rules.
EDIT: However, as a couple people wrote while I was typing, it can't hurt to try and get a little sympathy from them...The worst they can do is say no. You'll probably have to ask to talk to a supervisor or somesuch though. And of course they might be running a free install special or something
This, however, is crap. Just pick the option to have them come and install the service, with just the cable modem and your computer, don't tell them about your plans for a router or the Wii - and when they're done, just go ahead and hook the wireless router up to the modem, and your computer to the router.
While you may not be able to get out of the basic "professional" install service for getting the service started in the first place, there's definately no need to pay them that outrageous sum for hooking up a router.
No, I wouldn't consider this a good idea. Just hook your router up yourself after the cable guy leaves as mentioned above, and you'll be good to go.
Yeah, if you're comfortable setting up your own router don't bother with their stuff
As for the installation fee - when you're on the phone with comcast setting up what you want, just act like you're not totally convinced you want cable yet but are just weighing your options, and i'll give you 90% odds they'll waive it... I definitely didn't pay it, and I had both set up at the same time. All that stuff is a load of crap anyway, you can get the same "internet only!" deals on the phone with them as well, you just have to go through the typical "well, I saw this deal on the internet... oh, you did? I can offer you that same price here on the phone now... well, i don't really want to pay the $50 fee, maybe i'll just set up cable service this month and then internet next month... oh, don't worry, we can waive that fee for you"
Yes because paying for technicians/contracts, trucks, gas, and equipment to install the service is a load of crap. Normally the install fee to the company is less then what they charge you.
As for the installation I did the self install and what happens is the technician comes and sets up the TV and the box and wires up the cable modem. The self install kit is just the software setup. Some how I managed to screw it up but all I had to do is call the 1-800 # and they helped me get everything working.
After the modem is setup it's yours to network however you see fit. I got a decent router for about $50 and didn't have any problems with it with Comcast.
Also, I'll do the router thing myself. I was pretty confident that's what it was, but its nice to be reassured.
edit: maybe I misread that. Do you mean you can choose how many and each one is only $30 (or $23) each?
I got one for 23 bucks each... but only for 6 months.
Yes, this is the offer I got. I can pay $22.99 for one, $45.98 for two, or $68.97 for three. Pick and choose.
This might be a regional offer, though. 16 MBps/down 2MBps/up. Free long distance, three way, call waiting etc. Basic cable.
stupid regions. Ours is similar except $33 each... stupid monopolies.
Yeah, they LOOSE money whenever they send someone to your home. I've been told several times that it costs the cable company I work for $150 (probably more now) just to send someone to a customers home - that doesn't include all the work they do. So that's cost of vehicle, gas, equipment, dispatcher (and associated costs), and minimal employee salary. Some of the cost is, of course, recovered by you paying for the service but install fees help keep that cost down.
And, if Comcast's installer does the same thing ours is supposed to do, it is worth the install fee. (Our installers are supposed to test every outlet, replace all the connectors, any splitters they can replace, and make sure that the outlet your internet is on has the best signal possible).
The only real viable alternative if you don't want home phone/DSL would be Fios from Verizon if it is available in your area (probably not, but if it is get it!).
But Comcast's install fees are reasonable ($5 more than my company charges), Now, Comcast's service and support are another question... And as others have said, they have specials all the time.
If you need wireless or more than one pc just set up the router yourself.