M Willner
Premium
join:2006-05-12
New York, NY
|  A Message From Insight CEO Michael Willner
Earlier this week, we announced that the Insight Midwest partnership, which is owned 50% by Insight Communications and 50% by Comcast, would be divided. You may be wondering why this is occurring and how that will affect your cable services.
First, some history – Comcast, the nation’s largest cable provider, acquired AT&T Broadband in 2002. AT&T owned a 50% interest in Insight Midwest which was included in that acquisition. AT&T Broadband had a number of passive investments in other cable companies and Comcast said publicly that these partnerships were not aligned with their longer-term strategy. As a result, Comcast and their various partners have been discussing how to divide their joint assets and our announcement was simply one of a number of these transactions. Indeed, Comcast and Time Warner split up a similar partnership by dividing the assets in a joint venture which served Houston, Kansas City and southwest Texas.
We have been talking with Comcast for quite some time about how to achieve their goal with as little disruption to customers as possible. Comcast expressed their desire to divide the cable systems. Based on their existing operations, they had a preference to own the systems that were geographically close to theirs – specifically those in northern and central Indiana and in Illinois. It was a logical division so we agreed to proceed on that basis.
We expect that the actual transition will occur no later than the end of this year. Until then we will be working closely with Comcast to ensure a smooth transition from our operations to theirs. Comcast is very experienced at transitioning newly acquired cable customers seamlessly and we expect that the transition will be very smooth and non-disruptive to you.
Before you post a lot of questions, please understand that I am posting this strictly for informational purposes because I want to keep you as informed about what is happening as possible. I cannot answer specific questions nor can I comment on the types of services Comcast will be offering in their systems when this transition is completed. However, they are an excellent cable operator with vast experience and I’m sure you will continue to enjoy your services from them.
As for Insight, I have read a few posts questioning our viability as a stand alone entity with half the customers. We will own a very compact, interconnected group of systems with great operating efficiencies. Indeed, today Insight is the 9th largest cable operator in the United States and after the split it will be the 11th largest operator. There are many, many successful cable companies serving far fewer customers than the number we will retain. We have stated publicly that we are content to continue to operate our half of the company and, in due course, will consider all of our options.
We have enjoyed serving all of our customers and I have especially valued my experience with all of you. The BBR community has been extremely informative even if it is sometimes quite challenging. Most importantly, your feedback has helped us make Insight Broadband a great choice for Internet connectivity. Sure we’ve had our bumps along the way, but to give credit where credit is due, your suggestions and comments have contributed to our improvements and success.
Finally, allow me to say that we have served all of our customers with the same care and dedication for many years. Between now and the transition of the systems going to Comcast, we will remain equally dedicated to all of you. I look forward to continuing to keep a watchful eye on your posts and making sure we’re doing the best we can for you! Thank you for your continued business. |
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cooperaaaron
join:2004-04-10
Rockford, IL | Thanks for the explanation and clear up of the announcement. |
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cwm1276
join:2004-01-16
Stillman Valley, IL
| reply to M Willner
Up until this announcement, I was just about ready to call about digital cable and phone service as the ad's just started in Rockford. Why would anyone want try new services with Insight when Comcast is coming? I will not consider upgrading anything until this deal is complete. It might be a great time to jump ship altogether if I can find another broadband provider. |
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digitalfreak
Frodo failed. Bush has the ring
join:2005-12-09
49533 | reply to M Willner
Wouldn't surprise me to hear that their Columbus market will be sold to Time Warner. |
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AJICQ499087
join:2001-12-01
Louisville, KY
| reply to M Willner
M Willner "We have stated publicly that we are content to continue to operate our half of the company and, in due course, will consider all of our options."
I guess that indicates Insight might sell out the rest of the company after the Comcast deal is done.
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low cost and fast speed is what customers want in broadband |
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RIRWIN1983
join:2005-08-30
Columbus, OH | reply to digitalfreak
I was calling for that when i first read this announcement a few days ago. It makes no sence to have only 1 operation in ohio, with the majority in KY. Mike, do us all a favor and had us over to TWC so we can get it overwith before christmas. |
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Rick
Premium,MVM
join:2001-02-06
Waterbury, CT
clubs: 
| reply to cwm1276
said by cwm1276  :Up until this announcement, I was just about ready to call about digital cable and phone service as the ad's just started in Rockford. Why would anyone want try new services with Insight when Comcast is coming? I will not consider upgrading anything until this deal is complete. It might be a great time to jump ship altogether if I can find another broadband provider. Personally, I think I'd be more inclined to do just the opposite. My area was just transitioned over from Adelpia to Comcast around the beginning of the year and what Comcast did here was to grandfather in those who were on various adelphia TV/HSI packages. In doing whatever comparisons I've been able to do in looking at both adelphia's old price list versus Comcasts, I think it's pretty safe to say that with Comcast, you'll be paying more for the same thing, particularly as it relates to the higher end digital/hdtv/premium TV related packages.
I'm also not quite so sure I can be as positive as Mr Willner is about Comcasts abilities to manage these transitions. Here in our area, our PrimeTime HSI speeds have gone to he** and as of last night, I was recording speeds down even into the 600k download range.
This was just never an issue with Adelphia here.
In addition, Comcast said in all their pre~ transition literature that we'd be receiving better hsi speeds but then wound up capping everyone on the standard tier at 4000k after the transition. The only way I got out of it was to call and upgrade my service..ie: pay them more.
But now, my 8000k tier at primetime is more like 1000k~2000k service instead...as is everyone elses who I know here in this part of Ct.
As far as their website goes, when I go and enter my address, it shows how incomplete things still are at Comcast. HSI shows as not available...VOIP..the same..but for some odd reason shows triple play as available..(it's not)..and shows our TV costs as being what they're not. (the bills are higher).
Lest I sound like someone who just complains..I'm not.
Comcast did keep our service up and running seamlessly during the switchover, and I had no problems with things like email.
Also, I'm very happy with the non primetime performance of my connection, having speeds up to 20,000k in fact.
In addition, because most of my HSI usage is at non peak hours..the speed issue really doesn't affect me much, but understandably others are very upset over this who are affected.
And so, having actually gone through this recently via the Adelphia to Comcast transition..I'd have to just put their abilities at something like a C+.
I'm going to stick with them though for two reasons.
First, I think they'll get it worked out in time.
And second, the same capable adelphia people who were here in my area before are still with them now. It's just a different name on the truck.
They had things working so great before that I trust they'll get it back there again.
To Mr Willner, I would suggest one thing. And that is to try to insure as much as it's in your control that Comcasts plans are to supply enough bandwidth to your transitioned customers as is needed to maintain proper performance.
I think that clearly here in this area, that's what is causing our primetime issues.
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The Coyote captured the RR! Roadrunner Rick is now Comcastic! |
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tj007s13
join:2005-09-06
Quincy, IL
| reply to M Willner
A few questions that don't involved service.
1. Can we keep our blahblah@insightbb.com email addresses?
2. Will they honor our current packages and prices we pay?
3. Will it be the same basic network or switched over on comcast's?
4. Do we get PowerBoost? :P |
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dbmaven
There's no shortage
Premium,Mod
join:1999-10-26
Sty in Sky
clubs:
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 ·Optimum Online
Host:
Filesharing Software
No, I Will Not Fix..
Road Runner
Bright House Netwo..
Computer Hardware ..
edit:
April 6th, @05:03PM
| From the original post:
said by M Willner :Before you post a lot of questions, please understand that I am posting this strictly for informational purposes because I want to keep you as informed about what is happening as possible. I cannot answer specific questions nor can I comment on the types of services Comcast will be offering in their systems when this transition is completed. I'll answer the first one - no, you'll end up being transitioned to a 'comcast.net' email address, as you'll no longer be part of Insight's domain.
--
Q: When will it be done? A: When pigs fly !
If a pig loses its voice, is it disgruntled? |
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Rick
Premium,MVM
join:2001-02-06
Waterbury, CT
clubs:
| reply to tj007s13
said by tj007s13 :A few questions that don't involved service. 1. Can we keep our blahblah@insightbb.com email addresses? 2. Will they honor our current packages and prices we pay? 3. Will it be the same basic network or switched over on comcast's? 4. Do we get PowerBoost? :P I can't address the insight to comcast migration specifically but here is what happened as far as my adelphia to comcast migration just this year.
1)our adelphia.net email address changed over to comcast.net immediately upon conversion (within a few days)
2)It's my understanding that those on the adelphia packages
ie: the ultimate pak which was digital tv/hsi/4 premium channels ect..were all grandfathered into their existing packages. The packages were no longer offered after the conversion though. At the same time however, I received a price increase effective the DAY we were converted. I was just on the standard TV and HSI package and our TV prices were raised by a few dollars.
3)effective the day of the conversion, we had new IP addresses and totally different routing across Comcasts network.
4)Despite being told in the pre~conversion mailings we would see better speeds, we did NOT get powerboost nor did we even get bumped up to comcasts standard 6Mb tier even.
We were kept on Adelphias 4000/384k tier. I made numerous phone calls to comcast in the days that followed inquiring WHY this was? Finally, I was told that we were "grandfathered" into these speeds..to which I replied that was hardly fair seeing I was a cable customer and all the other comcast customers had 6Mb but they were now keeping us at 4Mb. They refused to change this but did allow me to upgrade to comcasts 8000/768k tier for 10.00 more per month (42.95 to 52.95). They pushed the new file while I was on the phone with them and i then had the new speeds AND powerboost as well. As I stated above, my speeds during non prime time hours have been awesome..(up to 20,000k w/ PB). Speeds during primetime however have generally been horrible since the conversion. (tests show 1000k ~ 2000k with results down even into the 600k range).
Certainly, other converted adelphia areas haven't seen what ours has and overall, I'd say our results in this area have been in the minority from what I've read on the adelphia board. My own theory is this. I think their decision to keep everyone at 4Mb was because they knew that if they instituted the higher speeds w/PB, they'd have the kinds of problems they're now seeing. Many people including myself probably went ahead and upgraded anyway..and, while their network was fully capable of the old 4,000k speeds, the demands on it now are draining the primetime capacity. It probably doesn't take a whole lot of people suddenly going from our old 4,000k speeds to 20,000 to cause this. Anyways, your results certainly might vary from ours. And I remain hopeful that they'll soon get this resolved because otherwise, everything is great.
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The Coyote captured the RR! Roadrunner Rick is now Comcastic! |
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Matt_31
Who Hit The Power Button
Premium
join:2003-02-21
Jasper, IN
clubs:
| reply to M Willner
Mike,
As a person who will still remain with the insight after the change. I have a few questions to note when you make the next statement.
1. Will insight continue expanding things like phone service in areas now which dont (for example as my area Jasper Indiana).
2. Will customer service be the same for areas like Evansville and Louisville, (im guessing Evansville is serving some areas now being changed over).
3. What effects is this going to have on the billing and service costs.
4. Will we see you in anymore "anything I can do commericals" (sorry couldnt resist  ) |
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indy0365
join:2001-08-25
Franklin, IN | I thought jasper was in the bloomington ind service area |
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Matt_31
Who Hit The Power Button
Premium
join:2003-02-21
Jasper, IN
clubs: | reply to M Willner
no were off evansville (internet and cable) |
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dlsimon
join:2002-10-25
Greenwood, IN
| reply to M Willner
This stinks.  While I would have liked more competitive internet pricing, I was pretty happy with the service we received and liked dealing with a more local company. And I was really liking the 10Mb connection.
what a bummer. |
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BlowHard
@insightbb.com | reply to M Willner
which cities/towns in illinois will be going to comcast and which will still be a part of insightbb as i am in the peoria/pekin area... TIA |
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Skitzo
join:2002-06-14
Peoria, IL | Peoria/Pekin area is moving to Comcast. |
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GLIMMER
join:2004-01-17
Urbana, IL | all IL systems will be comcast |
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BlowHard
@insightbb.com | k thx for the NFO.... |
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Beelzebud
@insightbb.com
| reply to M Willner
Will comcast provide us with the same Usenet deal that Insight does, or will we be downgraded to a 2gb cap per month? Will we still get the 10.0 speeds, or will we be downgraded?
I'm not happy about this at all.. If we were being offered a choice between the two, that's one thing, but I feel like we're being stuck with Comcast, and will be getting a downgrade on our service... |
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iamcool2
join:2006-05-12
Carmel, IN | i don't think anyone is happy with it... I always though Insight would buy comcast out.... but guess not.. You'd think Insight would be concentrating on Expanding their coverage instead of downgrading it. I Bet their Investors Aren't Happy with it. |
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