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picrthis
join:2009-12-24
Largo, FL

picrthis

Member

BHN price?

Well I upgraded to 60mb from 40mb and was told it was going to cost $5 more, not bad even though I know the price of bandwidth is going down & down; not up. So I pay that bill and long behold today they give me another increase W/O any notice or mention of it.
That $5 increase for a bump in speed now actually cost $7.61.

Thanks alot BrightHouse for letting me know about it! Nickel & Dime us to death; funny how our bill at work keeps going down for bandwidth, yet the cable company rises.

Trimline
Premium Member
join:2004-10-24
Windermere, FL

Trimline

Premium Member

Hey, I didn't do anything and my bill went up 7.15.

Nice, eh?
picrthis
join:2009-12-24
Largo, FL

picrthis

Member

Yea I noticed they increased the modem charge by 75%! wow that's a really nice increase for them, considering it's the same modem I had since going to wide-band.

I think a 75% increase is simply ridiculous. remember when the cost of service which always goes up, not down included the required modem? Now it's just another revenue stream for them that they raise up whenever they like too in addition to the service.

Tilfer
@bhn.net

Tilfer

Anon

And what makes this even more agitating is the fact these increases have been designed so that even if you are in a Package....set for 12 or 24 months, Modem pricing increases are not part of that package lock-in ...so everyone gets the Increase......so much for a committed Pricing package. I wonder what other charges will be coming out that.....because there have now been several Modem increases over a short period of time.....and what other increases might there be in waiting that also will be designed to be outside the Lock-in Packages.

And then there is something to be said for bandwidth prices decreasing.....but residental increasing......
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert to picrthis

Premium Member

to picrthis
said by picrthis:

Well I upgraded to 60mb from 40mb and was told it was going to cost $5 more, not bad even though I know the price of bandwidth is going down & down; not up. So I pay that bill and long behold today they give me another increase W/O any notice or mention of it.
That $5 increase for a bump in speed now actually cost $7.61.

Thanks alot BrightHouse for letting me know about it! Nickel & Dime us to death; funny how our bill at work keeps going down for bandwidth, yet the cable company rises.

No it didn't. You received a pro-rated bill. Your bill next month will reflect just the $5.00 increase.
BHNtechXpert

BHNtechXpert to picrthis

Premium Member

to picrthis
said by picrthis:

Yea I noticed they increased the modem charge by 75%! wow that's a really nice increase for them, considering it's the same modem I had since going to wide-band.

I think a 75% increase is simply ridiculous. remember when the cost of service which always goes up, not down included the required modem? Now it's just another revenue stream for them that they raise up whenever they like too in addition to the service.

The modem fee is entirely optional. You can provide your own modem or eMTA and avoid the modem fee entirely.
picrthis
join:2009-12-24
Largo, FL

picrthis to BHNtechXpert

Member

to BHNtechXpert
I did NOT receive a pro-rated bill, they already did that last month. Again my total bill increased by $7.61 a month.
picrthis

picrthis to BHNtechXpert

Member

to BHNtechXpert
HOW can they justify a 75% increase on the modem in the first place and with NO notice to the customer, you know the one that pays the bills.......the modem fee is NOT optional, you must have a modem to get online, yes I can buy one; but ethier way I'd be paying for it. Funny how it used to be INCLUDED in the service, then they spun it off (bill didn't go down for that) and charged for it, now that's not good enough, they raise the rate 75%.....what is optional though is BHN.

Sorry guy, I don't expect you to agree with me on this issue, as you are biased towards BHN since they employee you; Customers agree with me.

weaseled386
join:2008-04-13
Edgewater, FL

weaseled386

Member

Weird... they printed it directly on my bill that three different things were going up in cost. I guess they only do that for some customers.....
Nayan3
join:2012-08-15
Melbourne, FL

Nayan3 to picrthis

Member

to picrthis
I had it printed on my bill as well. I also follow other forums (gasp!) besides this one and knew about the increases back in January. For a number of years now March has been the month they raise rates so it really shouldn't come as a surprise.
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert to picrthis

Premium Member

to picrthis
said by picrthis:

I did NOT receive a pro-rated bill, they already did that last month. Again my total bill increased by $7.61 a month.

There may be other things that caused your bill to increase $7.61 but upgrading your Lightning upgrade alone didn't. I would be happy to review your bill with you...open a direct forums thread, include your IP and I will be in touch.
BHNtechXpert

BHNtechXpert to picrthis

Premium Member

to picrthis
said by picrthis:

HOW can they justify a 75% increase on the modem in the first place and with NO notice to the customer, you know the one that pays the bills.......the modem fee is NOT optional, you must have a modem to get online, yes I can buy one; but ethier way I'd be paying for it. Funny how it used to be INCLUDED in the service, then they spun it off (bill didn't go down for that) and charged for it, now that's not good enough, they raise the rate 75%.....what is optional though is BHN.

Sorry guy, I don't expect you to agree with me on this issue, as you are biased towards BHN since they employee you; Customers agree with me.

You were notified...everyone is notified and it has nothing to do with bias I am trying to make sure you understand that you are by no means obligated to pay the monthly modem fee. You can bring your own modem and never pay the fee again....again you do have options.
BHNtechXpert

BHNtechXpert to weaseled386

Premium Member

to weaseled386
said by weaseled386:

Weird... they printed it directly on my bill that three different things were going up in cost. I guess they only do that for some customers.....

Everyones statement reflects a notice of what prices changes are happening just like yours. Whether they choose to read their statement or not...that's an entirely different issue weasle...you know how that goes.
Beware u
join:2009-12-26

Beware u to picrthis

Member

to picrthis
I saw today an ad on WTSP (Ch10) for a bundle Internet (30/2) and digital TV for $97 for 24 months... but couldn't find any real details on the BH website:
From what I gather here and there there is a converter and Modem involved: what is the cost? $3.50 for the modem, and the Converter what for? Do I need one?
and taxes: how much?
What is the regular price after the promo?
Right now I have just Internet 10/1 for $53 total (Hernando County).

I really appreciate any help before making a decision...
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert

Premium Member

said by Beware u:

I saw today an ad on WTSP (Ch10) for a bundle Internet (30/2) and digital TV for $97 for 24 months... but couldn't find any real details on the BH website:
From what I gather here and there there is a converter and Modem involved: what is the cost? $3.50 for the modem, and the Converter what for? Do I need one?
and taxes: how much?
What is the regular price after the promo?
Right now I have just Internet 10/1 for $53 total (Hernando County).

I really appreciate any help before making a decision...

If you want I can have a sales specialist call you.
Beware u
join:2009-12-26

1 edit

Beware u

Member

Thanks... I can call, but I want to hear from subscribers first, because they usually give better details.
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert

Premium Member

said by Beware u:

Thanks... I can call, but I want to hear from subscribers first, because they usually give better details.

No they don't...not when it comes to pricing. How to fix a box issue or get the latest out of their DVR or how to configure a router yes...pricing not so much.

Flashfox
Eco-Text -- Why print E-mails?
join:2003-10-01
Carlsbad, CA

Flashfox to picrthis

Member

to picrthis
Hmm... I received a notification by mail and via E-mail about the pending increase. Perhaps you discarded the mail as junk (both the paper and electronic copies)?
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert

Premium Member

said by Flashfox:

Hmm... I received a notification by mail and via E-mail about the pending increase. Perhaps you discarded the mail as junk (both the paper and electronic copies)?

I can 100% say that the one or more of the above is correct. Ample notice was provided via multiple forms of delivery.

kdwycha
join:2003-01-30
Ruskin, FL

kdwycha to Flashfox

Member

to Flashfox
said by Flashfox:

Hmm... I received a notification by mail and via E-mail about the pending increase. Perhaps you discarded the mail as junk (both the paper and electronic copies)?

People tend to read what they want to read and ignore things such as legal fine print, notices of price increase etc. Just the way it is. Most companies use different mediums to try to notify customers. These notifications often will be ignored.

Tilfer
@bhn.net

Tilfer

Anon

My disappointment regarding this, notice or not, its a fair assumption that when you are placed into package that you are told locks in the pricing for a specified period of time, that is exactly what it should be. Your pricing should not increase until after your committed pricing ends. To suddenly after all these years of committing to packages to find out there is at least 1 charge that is not locked .....for me is very disappointing. Might there be others in the future......time will tell.
the65gto
join:2000-08-31
Apopka, FL

the65gto

Member

I guess I fall into the same category. Was notified last friday that the 3 year package I was into was about to expire and the bill would raise $10. Ok, but did not know I was in a package, perhaps there are other packages I am into now. How can you tell?? Its probably to hard to print them on your statement, but would think you should be able to go to my services and see them. If not, I think this would be a good idea to implement. That $10 + the upcoming modem fee (T&F)raised my bill $14.
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert

Premium Member

said by the65gto:

I guess I fall into the same category. Was notified last friday that the 3 year package I was into was about to expire and the bill would raise $10. Ok, but did not know I was in a package, perhaps there are other packages I am into now. How can you tell?? Its probably to hard to print them on your statement, but would think you should be able to go to my services and see them. If not, I think this would be a good idea to implement. That $10 + the upcoming modem fee (T&F)raised my bill $14.

We don't have 3 year packages just 2 or 1 year. Rather than gues as to what the deal is how about you open a direct forums thread, include your IP and I'll have a sales specialist call you back.
Beware u
join:2009-12-26

Beware u to the65gto

Member

to the65gto
I was considering getting a Combo Package (32/2 + Digital TV) advertised for $97 for 24 months...
I called today to get more info, and was told it will be: $97 (including modem I believe ... not too sure now) + $20 (converter/Taxes) for a total of $117 with one converter (a pricey Promo)... which is a far cry from the Promo of $97.
the65gto
join:2000-08-31
Apopka, FL

the65gto to BHNtechXpert

Member

to BHNtechXpert
Gary, here is what the letter said. " We hope you've been enjoying all of the benefits provided by our digital service....phone, HS internet, showtime, movie channel, sports pass and digital movie pass for the last 36 months" Special offer....for $xxx.xx is about to expire. New price is +$10 for the next 12 months. I can scan and send the complete letter if need be.
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert

Premium Member

said by the65gto:

Gary, here is what the letter said. " We hope you've been enjoying all of the benefits provided by our digital service....phone, HS internet, showtime, movie channel, sports pass and digital movie pass for the last 36 months" Special offer....for $xxx.xx is about to expire. New price is +$10 for the next 12 months. I can scan and send the complete letter if need be.

Okay what its saying there is you have been enjoying a promotion for the past 36 months however that was not the actual duration of the promotion which was only 24 months. After the first 24 months your new promtional rate was $10 more than what you paid originally and this is called a step. This step rate lasts 12 months at which point you may or may not step again to something less than the full retail rate or to the full retail rate it just depends.

There is another possibility in that you didn't step originally (meaning you enjoyed your original rate for 36 months on us despite it really only intended to last 24 months) and they caught it this time around and you are stepping for the first time. It's rare but it can happen.

In your case it does appear you will be stepping either way. Now you have a choice (1) stay where you are or (2) call our sales department and see if something isn't a better match. I suggestion option 2 as it won't hurt to explore the possibilites...you don't know unless you call and it's pretty painless.

paradigmfl
join:2005-07-16

paradigmfl to picrthis

Member

to picrthis
I noticed the modem increase as well. I didn't complain about the initial charging for the modem as it was just a few dollars and because at least in my area they have top of the line modems available. It was fair to charge a couple bucks for the equipment they had available. But now as I understand it they made it $3.50 a month extra from $2 or $2.50 before. Then they also recently increased the price for standard internet.

I don't understand why they need to keep increasing the prices for basic internet service when it's already $50 a month! I understand why TV prices increase - the providers are raising their rates - but BHN isn't providing the content on the internet. Others are. I think it's being used to subsidize their falling TV revenues as people cancel and go to things like Netflix.

$30 or even $35 a month is PLENTY for 10/1 internet service in 2013. $50+ is ridiculous.

But it's not just them. The monopolies and duopolies are all gouging customers where they can get away with it. On the bright side (pun intended. ha ha?) at least BHN isn't doing tiered billing and caps. Although with the way they are going I wouldn't be surprised to see this change in a year or two. I also wonder if they are going to keep inching all these fees up every year to where it's $5 a month for the modem, a $10 late fee (though it's your own fault for being late there is a point where the charge becomes unreasonable considering they bill in advance), and $55 a month for basic internet.

All I can say is contact your representatives, vote accordingly, and if you really want to help start attending your county and city meetings and bring up the subject every now and then. Try to organize others to put some pressure on these companies.
paradigmfl

paradigmfl to picrthis

Member

to picrthis
To put it in perspective, I can lease a dual core server in a data center on a 1 Gbps connection with 3 TB (possibly 10 TB) monthly bandwidth for what I pay Bright house each month for my 10/1 connection. I can show you the bill. It's true!

I understand that the "last mile" is more expensive but on the flip side the server provider has to pay to power the server, handle the billing just the same, and troubleshoot. It also shows that bandwidth costs are decreasing. So why the INCREASES?

The difference is that in the server market there is no monopoly or duopoly. It's not location specific. I can get a server anywhere in the world. There exists fierce competition. Locally I only have two realistic choices. AT&T or BHN.
BHNtechXpert
The One & Only
Premium Member
join:2006-02-16
Saint Petersburg, FL

BHNtechXpert to paradigmfl

Premium Member

to paradigmfl
said by paradigmfl:

I noticed the modem increase as well. I didn't complain about the initial charging for the modem as it was just a few dollars and because at least in my area they have top of the line modems available. It was fair to charge a couple bucks for the equipment they had available. But now as I understand it they made it $3.50 a month extra from $2 or $2.50 before. Then they also recently increased the price for standard internet.

I don't understand why they need to keep increasing the prices for basic internet service when it's already $50 a month! I understand why TV prices increase - the providers are raising their rates - but BHN isn't providing the content on the internet. Others are. I think it's being used to subsidize their falling TV revenues as people cancel and go to things like Netflix.

$30 or even $35 a month is PLENTY for 10/1 internet service in 2013. $50+ is ridiculous.

But it's not just them. The monopolies and duopolies are all gouging customers where they can get away with it. On the bright side (pun intended. ha ha?) at least BHN isn't doing tiered billing and caps. Although with the way they are going I wouldn't be surprised to see this change in a year or two. I also wonder if they are going to keep inching all these fees up every year to where it's $5 a month for the modem, a $10 late fee (though it's your own fault for being late there is a point where the charge becomes unreasonable considering they bill in advance), and $55 a month for basic internet.

All I can say is contact your representatives, vote accordingly, and if you really want to help start attending your county and city meetings and bring up the subject every now and then. Try to organize others to put some pressure on these companies.

Remember.. the modem fee is optional. You can purchase your own modem and never pay that fee again.

paradigmfl
join:2005-07-16

paradigmfl

Member

said by BHNtechXpert:

Remember.. the modem fee is optional. You can purchase your own modem and never pay that fee again.

That is true and I will give you that. I was just surprised at how quickly and how much it was raised.

I have to admit that I was given a SB6141 (which as you probably know is a great modem) to use by BHN so a couple bucks a month was more than reasonable previously. I feel bad for the people out there getting charged $42 / year for a three year old $25 modem though.