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I've been looking at Verizon... though their planned acquisition of Yahoo makes me a bit nervous.
As for the Barron's interview with Goodhaven, I found the following comment from one of the Goodhaven managers rather bizarre:
"..A customer with high-definition channels and a decent cable package could be paying $200, $300 a month. That leaves room for Verizon to raise prices."
Maybe my pennypinching is showing, but shelling out $300 for a bundle strikes me as exorbitant. And room to raise prices from there? I'd be looking to switch providers.
$300 a month is insane but I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who may be paying close to that.
Every time my Internet/Cable package is up for renewal with Comcrap, I negotiate a new deal. Don’t know if this is an option for @VintageFreak with FiOS - there are also 3rd party services that will negotiate for you for a fee of 50% of the savings.
This is through their U-verse package ... here is the 800# ... 877-403-2042 ... don't forget to ask for their specials. While this is available to me in Charlotte, NC ... it is not in Murrells Inlet, SC. You will just have to call to find out avaibality.
My U-verse TV (200) @$82.50 along with internet @$27.00 and phone (nationwide calling) @$24.90 are all delivered through the phone line. This was the special rate for me @$134.50 which has now ended. My new rate will be $143.50 going forward.
Concur that $300/month for combo package is a bit too much.
We eliminated the landline and replaced it with a cell phone plan (2 lines with 1Gb data plan - $80 Verizon). Don't have to pay for long distance calls. Cable TV and Internet package from Comcast for $90.
One can shop around and prices is dropping as more competition is available. Depending where you live cable service may not be available. Same goes for cellular services.
Our underground cables date back to the early '60s. So pretty worthless. We receive DirecTV satellite (owned by ATT) with a decent package (but no HBO or premium channels) for under $90. Use Cricket wireless 4g (owned by ATT) for Internet & phone. Cricket costs $65 a month, including 10 GB of data, hotspot for multiple connections, and unlimited calling/long distance. XLink connects the cell phone to our regular phones & answering machine. Works well. The device: https://www.amazon.com/Xtreme-Technologies-BTTN-Bluetooth-Gateway-Black/dp/B0018NWQPK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1476032748&sr=1-1&keywords=XLink
A couple small providers offer Internet via antenna. Setup & equipment are expensive, and they're still not competitive with Cricket, unless you need a lot of of bandwidth.
On the larger issue, I don't follow many trends. But utilities and REITS have been in the news this year because of outsized returns. Seems investors have been piling into them for their yields and as a replacement for low yielding bonds. Often, by the time the average investor hears of these trends they've pretty much run their course.
@VF, call and ask for retention packages and incentives. Tell them you are gonna bail, absolutely. They will come up with something, believe me.
Yes - That worked with DTV for us once. They substantially lowered our monthly rate for a year. Suspect it would work for VF. Solves the problem for a while - perhaps not a long term solution.
Comments
As for the Barron's interview with Goodhaven, I found the following comment from one of the Goodhaven managers rather bizarre:
"..A customer with high-definition channels and a decent cable package could be paying $200, $300 a month. That leaves room for Verizon to raise prices."
Maybe my pennypinching is showing, but shelling out $300 for a bundle strikes me as exorbitant. And room to raise prices from there? I'd be looking to switch providers.
Charging $300 is too high. If that happens, will give up my landline and TV and then pay whatever I need to for internet.
I think this barron article signaled market top.
Every time my Internet/Cable package is up for renewal with Comcrap, I negotiate a new deal. Don’t know if this is an option for @VintageFreak with FiOS - there are also 3rd party services that will negotiate for you for a fee of 50% of the savings.
That looks attractive. How is the Internet delivered?
By satellite or cellular 4g? Or does AT&T have access in some areas to cable? Thanks
This is through their U-verse package ... here is the 800# ... 877-403-2042 ... don't forget to ask for their specials. While this is available to me in Charlotte, NC ... it is not in Murrells Inlet, SC. You will just have to call to find out avaibality.
My U-verse TV (200) @$82.50 along with internet @$27.00 and phone (nationwide calling) @$24.90 are all delivered through the phone line. This was the special rate for me @$134.50 which has now ended. My new rate will be $143.50 going forward.
We eliminated the landline and replaced it with a cell phone plan (2 lines with 1Gb data plan - $80 Verizon). Don't have to pay for long distance calls. Cable TV and Internet package from Comcast for $90.
One can shop around and prices is dropping as more competition is available. Depending where you live cable service may not be available. Same goes for cellular services.
A couple small providers offer Internet via antenna. Setup & equipment are expensive, and they're still not competitive with Cricket, unless you need a lot of of bandwidth.
On the larger issue, I don't follow many trends. But utilities and REITS have been in the news this year because of outsized returns. Seems investors have been piling into them for their yields and as a replacement for low yielding bonds. Often, by the time the average investor hears of these trends they've pretty much run their course.
--- Yes - That worked with DTV for us once. They substantially lowered our monthly rate for a year. Suspect it would work for VF. Solves the problem for a while - perhaps not a long term solution.