said by N3OGH:Competition DOES keep your bill down, if you play one against the other.
Both operators in my area offer competing deals. Comcast offers a triple play package for $99, with no price hike the first year. Second year regular pricing kicks in. Problem is, you have to sign a 2 year commitment.
Verizon offers a triple play package with no price increases for 2 years, with a 1 year commitment.
I took Verizon's package. Two years from now, you bet your aers I'll be telling them I leaving for Comcast's deal, and you know they'll be giving me a discount to stay. All you have to do with Verizon is say "Comcast" to them, and they fold like a greeting card.
Problem is, in "polite society" it's not accepted practice to barter with people. In other parts of the world, the price tag is often nothing more than a starting off point for negotiations.
Me, I hit 'em in the chops every time, and just about every time I get some sort of discount.
That only works 
