said by kingofdsl :

---

As long as Monopolies backed by the Government and allowing said Monopolies to get away with double talk "regulated recovery fees not mandated by a regulatory or Government entity", today's speech is 110% pure Bullcrap.

The U.S. will continue to slide down the Slow Speed Ladder compared to the rest of the world. We are currently 11th in deployment and dropping fast.

---

said by MonkeyLicker :

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said by hailinfantry :

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Monkeylicker, THAT ISN'T THE PURPOSE OF THIS THREAD. All you have to do is hang out in the Comcrap forum for a bit.

---

Yeah, cause this threads really smoking hot with great info....
I was just curious because I'm a little at a loss as to why you spend so much time attacking a company that doesn't even know you exist.

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said by hailinfantry :

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Don't let the ATM cloud hit you on your way out.

Can't wait until you have to contact Comcast for connection issue :uhh:

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said by hailinfantry :

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Monkeylicker, THAT ISN'T THE PURPOSE OF THIS THREAD. All you have to do is hang out in the Comcrap forum for a bit.

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said by justin :

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which ISP is that?

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said by craigham :

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Speakeasy, come to Florida, please!

---

said by hailinfantry :

---

Don't let the ATM cloud hit you on your way out.

Can't wait until you have to contact Comcast for connection issue :uhh:

---

said by hailinfantry :

---

Don't let the ATM cloud hit you on your way out.

Can't wait until you have to contact Comcast for connection issue :uhh:

---

said by downinit :

---

I Would Switch Also, but i have no other service in my area, i have adelphia Digital Cable TV here, i canceled that because it was unstable.. And they Dont Offer Cable Internet here. U Know What I Have?? All Bellsouth... Nothin g More... :( I guess it sux to be me...

p.s. i also recived the letter...

---

said by Drex :

---

And in the case of a credit back to the carriers, I'm sure I'll see that credit on my bill for that month, right? I mean I am the one paying for this fund. It's only right that I get any returned funds.

---

quote:

---

leading Shapiro to conclude that the Bells now think consumer sensitivity to price hikes is low

---

quote:

---

The Contribution Factor changes each quarter of the year, depending on the needs of the Universal Service Fund and the consumers it is designed to help. Because the Contribution Factor will increase or decrease, depending upon the projected needs of the Universal Service Fund, the amount owed to the Fund by each affected telecommunications company will also increase or decrease accordingly. Different events, such as changes in demand for support or FCC regulatory action, may result in changes in the Contribution Factor. For example, increased demand for a particular Universal Service program may result in an increase to the Contribution Factor, but such increase might be offset by decreased demand for a different program or a decision to credit back to carriers any unused balances that remain in the Fund.

---

quote:

---

increased demand for a particular Universal Service program may result in an increase to the Contribution Factor, but such increase might be offset by decreased demand for a different program or a decision to credit back to carriers any unused balances that remain in the Fund.

---

said by Zoder :

---

Interesting. I just discovered the Bellsouth is getting rid of the USF charge for Enterprise DSL customers on April 1. Could it be that residential customers are getting this new fee in order to subsidize the difference for Bellsouth?

---

said by joepwpb :

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I would sure hate to give up my email address but the switch would save me almost $250 per year!!

Joe P

---

said by batmanst :

---

People will complain anything these day, especially about a small insignificant increase in fee.. What if bell was charging only 29.95 then tack on a 1.97 USF, would people get upset? you betcha! :D
It's a just a nature of people's cheapness, I pretty says it all, amen.

---

said by hailinfantry :

---

Obviously. There are many options for local telephone service in my area. None of them are very competitive with Bellsouth as far as price and quality go. Maybe that's because the bells care about the service they provide. It's been their business for over 100 years.

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said by hailinfantry :

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They care when they get raped to provide the lines to the CLEC theives. Don't even try the rhetorical bull$hit challenge.

---

said by hailinfantry :

---

Imagine the YMCA kid given experimental growth hormones and advanced training provided by the government. Also, the YMCA loses money on this kid for his subsistence. Occasionally the kid gets pissed and bitches at the govt saying the YMCA isn't fair enough, and that he needs more and more and more. That's a bit closer to the truth.

---

said by logic1977 :

---

Get competitive? What a joke.

Is it competition to have a boxing match, tie one arm from one person behind their back and then just tell them to punch faster with the other?

That's what it seems most people want because at one time Bellsouth had a monopoly.

---

said by MeKawk5000:

---

But if they get away with this one.... it's a sure bet there will be more in the not to distant future.

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said by logic1977 :

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So for Bellsouth its a lose lose. Call it a fee, people call you dishonest, add it in too you normal charges people say you charge too much.

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said by kingofdsl :

---

said by TheGiant :

---

said by logic1977 :

---

What's the difference if it is passed on as a "fee" or an increased price for the product?

You still have to pay it all the same.

---

I can live with a company saying hey its going to cost us a little bit more to provide the same great service your used to. I can not stand when they add a fee that they worded in a way to try to make it look like its not their fault.

---

Exactly.

---

said by TheGiant :

---

said by logic1977 :

---

What's the difference if it is passed on as a "fee" or an increased price for the product?

You still have to pay it all the same.

---

I can live with a company saying hey its going to cost us a little bit more to provide the same great service your used to. I can not stand when they add a fee that they worded in a way to try to make it look like its not their fault.

---

said by logic1977 :

---

What's the difference if it is passed on as a "fee" or an increased price for the product?

You still have to pay it all the same.

---

said by Drex :

---

It has nothing to do with being "too poor to afford 3.00/month".
It's these bullsh*t "recovery cost" fees everyone has been charging. What ever happened to "operating costs"? Oh we don't have those anymore. We just pass the buck on down to the customer in some sort of "fee".

---

said by elitedreamr :

---

Called the cancel line today and was about to cancel because of this new fee and they offered me the 30 dollar deal for 6 months if I stayed....That's a savings of 15 a month....which makes me a happy camper and glad BellSouth was willing to try and do something about this.

---

said by ATLHSI :

---

This whole argument is a bunch of crap really. The Internet by definition is "shared." So whether the demarc is a node or a CO, who cares? You are still surfing over a shared network to get to the sites they care about. It all depends on how the ISP manages capacity. All residential ISP services are oversubscribed at some level.

---

said by logic1977 :

---

I would hope this is why bellsouth is charging this fee

---

said by bored_in_nh :

---

I just spoke with a customer of mine in Japan early this morning, who has 44/20 ADSL ... yes, that's 44Mbps ... you still in your chair? Well now hold on tight, because he pays the equivalent of $30.00/mo for it. He glibly said to me that he could get 100MB, but he would need a faster switch in his apartment to fully take advantage of it, since his 4 computers now all use a 10/100 switch. I wanted to cry.

---

quote:

---

Enjoy paying an extra 10-15 bucks a month for cable internet without cable TV. The cable company will hose you if you only want cable internet by charging you higher rates without TV service.

Comcast Internet Service in my area: $45 (with modem rental fee & TV package)

Comcast Internet only with no TV service: $$60+ a month-

---

said by Drex :

---

quote:

---

The Federal Universal Service Charge: All telecommunication service providers are required to contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund. The universal service fund subsidizes programs for schools, libraries, and health care providers. BellSouth recovers the cost of these contributions through a surcharge on its customers' bills.

---

Hey that's great, but I already pay for that on my phone line. So this is a service based fee now?
Also, if BS is recouping this cost, I sure hope they aren't charging it off as an expense as well. I can see the execs doing it...charge the customer for an imposed "fee", but claim it as a business expense.

---

said by uruist :

---

Well ive had enough, im switching to cable, at least i dont have to have cable tv to get cable internet unlike bellsouth which makes you have phone service to get dsl, goodbye bellsouth.

---

said by TheGiant :

---

said by brandon :

---

But the bottom line is that, as a user of Bellsouth FastAccess, there have been NO price increases until this one. Regardless of phone companies lawsuits with the government, the fact remains that no increases to the end user have come about until now.

---

How long you had the service 2 weeks? My Dad had BSFA for several years I think he started out @39.99 a month for like the first 2 years Whats it up to now? Over $50 a month for 1.47/256 not much value there.

---

quote:

---

The Federal Universal Service Charge: All telecommunication service providers are required to contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund. The universal service fund subsidizes programs for schools, libraries, and health care providers. BellSouth recovers the cost of these contributions through a surcharge on its customers' bills.

---

said by justin :

---

In my view they need to show the money gets directly deposited to the USF, and not a penny less, or they need to eat the charge and stop getting away with wacky marketing.

---

said by Rob :

---

said by joepwpb :

---

said by Rob :

---

---

Adelphia is not the company you want to switch to. Especially in the condition they are. They continue to raise their prices, they are still in chapter 11 and overall, they have horrible service in FL.

---

With no contract, a free modem, and a locked in price of $32.95 per month for 12 months, how could I go wrong? Even if they do have financial problems I am confident the they would not go "out of business" but would more likely be acquired by another cable company. I am in a development of about 1000 homes and our cable service is rock solid.

Joe P

---

Yup. So I'll see you back at Bellsouth in 4 months. Good Luck!

And remember, there is NO need to get upset at Adelphia for their lack of common sense, intelligence, support, and overall service. Just come back to BellSouth!

---

Yup, Adhellphia is not the answer-
--
Adelphia -Grrrrr]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9699911 Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:45:59 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9699836 dtbmjax : I have decided to impose a "Customer Retention Service Fee" along with a "Residential Access Fee". The first is for the privilege to keep me as a BellSouth customer, and the other is for the use of my property to run their cable underground on my property and to hang demarcation boxes on the side of my house. After all, my property is valuable and BellSouth is not reimbursing me for the use of said property.

The total of the fees will be $4.22 per month. ($1.84 for the first and $2.38 for the second.)

I have made up a bill and will be sending it to BellSouth's Accounts Payable department.

If they can impose these types of bull$h!t fee's, then so can I. What will it cost me, $.37? Hell, they might just pay the fee!!!! Wouldn't that be a hoot! If they go 30 days past due, I'll charge them 1.5%/month (18%/year) which seems to be the going rate for most utilities. Failure to pay will result in me seeking restitution in small claims court. Would they really send a lawyer all the way to down here (Jacksonville, Florida) to recover $40-$50?

It might work...what the hell....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9699836 Wed, 17 Mar 2004 07:24:25 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9699422 KrK :

said by pro7070 :

---

I just received a letter from Bellsouth today notifying me that they will start charging me a $2.97 "regulatory cost recovery fee" What the hell is this?

---

It's called "A Fee to boost our profit line while we pretend we didn't raise prices."
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9699422 Wed, 17 Mar 2004 03:55:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9699095 anon : I haven't had Bellsouth in my home for over a year now.
Went total cell phone and cable internet. I've been happy.
Personally, I hate Bellsouth.
Honestly, Comcast isn't much better when it comes to rates.

1. Rumors of speed increase package offerings are true. Name changes to current packages are in line.

Due in BS Sales departments April 10th.
FastAccess Lite = I don't even know details.
FastAccess Ultra = Current speeds, 1.5/256, just renamed
FastAccess Extreme = 3mb/384K, 1 static IP. 59.95 monthly
if you don't have any complete choice plans.
Extreme has limits, must be within 12000 feet of CO.
Some others I forget.

2. Bellsouth has now stopped supporting America. This may be in other posts already, but, they've outsourced to a company that has techs in India. Perhaps sales and billing will be moving too if not already.

I'm glad they aren't in my home any more. That 2.97 probably covers a days wage in some countries, eh?
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9699095 Wed, 17 Mar 2004 01:55:16 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9698336 Hayward :

said by W5JGV :

---

When I changed from dial-up ATT to BellSouth, I had a horrible time changing my email address on everything I had subscribed to / corresponded with for then previous 9 years.

---

So why didn't you just buy a domain name and be done with EVER changing your email again (unless you want to)no matter what ISP you go with. As well as have FULL control of your EMAIL.

Did that 6 years ago before leaving my FORCED time (for lack of other choices at the time) on AOhelL... have never regreated the MINOR annual cost and no one I have mailed with in all that time has NO idea I have changed ISP's 5 times since then.
--
»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West) ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9698336 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 23:46:45 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697673 statecop : I have been a very strong BS supporter in the past but I will be honest this one kind of makes me mad!

If that new speed rumor doesnt come true I think I may try my cable company again also.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697673 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 22:44:40 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697470 elitedreamr : Well, got my letter today....here it is for all those who haven't seen one yet....Guess I need to consider my options now....I really like bellsouth, and have been a customer of Fast Access since 2000 but if this is the new trend to nickle and dime with hidden fees (not imposed by the government) then I may have to look towards comcast.

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697470 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 22:25:04 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697343 TercelChick : Heh, when they were doing the complete choice retention offer last year, you were automatically charged back for the discount if you cancelled at the end of the period.

You might want to call back and verify you won't be tagged if you switch after 6 mos, or you could very well wind up outsmarting yourself.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697343 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 22:15:12 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697339 B A : Well to date I have not received "my letter", but after reading this post I am expecting one anyday now. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697339 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 22:14:50 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697069 gigahurtz : This is for those who seem to think that were complaining about the $2.97 charge because we simply "cant afford it".

The charge Bellsouth has put out on it's customers of $2.97 is ridiculous. It's not a matter of paying 3 bux more for a good quality product, its the fact that they ADVERTISE their service as being $49.99 yet these additional fees bring it to higher than that. Another reason why i'm pissed off about this additional fee is that while I see Cable Internet and other DSL providers upping bandwith and LOWERING their prices, BSFA does the exact opposite.

I will be the first to say that my connection has been as stable as a rock. I have had very few instances where I needed to contact CS (thank god...) and other than the fiasco I went through switching lines, my service has been basically flawless. It's tough to swallow the $49.99 charge but knowing your getting a good quality product makes it ok. When an additional $2.97 is added on top of this, it makes you wonder how much hi speed internet is REALLY worth? I mean, were talking over 50 bucks for hi speed internet while RR is offering hi speed internet DOUBLE THE SPEED for 44.95 a month with NO OBLIGATION to have Cable TV from Brighthouse.

Hmm.. makes me wonder...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697069 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 21:51:15 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697007 technick :

quote:

---

And remember, there is NO need to get upset at Adelphia for their lack of common sense, intelligence, support, and overall service. Just come back to BellSouth!

---

I'm still looking for these traits in regard to BSFA. I must admit, I have had only a few issues in the past year and a half, though their tech support has the equivalent intelligence of a pack of wild boars, and common sense, well let’s think about that one for a second. All of the current providers with the exception of Bellsouth in my area (NE Atlanta) is offering 2 megs or higher download speeds. I don’t believe common sense has played any roll in their lack of competitiveness. If I didn’t live in a Bellsouth neighborhood (All the people in my neighborhood are stuck with crappy Bellsouth Entertainment television as well as slow DSL) I would probably go with Comcast. I hate this monopoly that my apartment complex has setup with Bellsouth.
--
"Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising everytime we fall." - Confucius - - - - - - - - - - - Streamfire.net - - AIM - CoNFuCiUsNiCk]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9697007 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 21:44:50 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9696218 Skilos : Sure glad I droped my land line, never looked back. With a cell phone If your bill is higher than you were expecting at least you know you did it. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9696218 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 18:58:31 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9696194 Matt :

said by hailinfantry :

---

(Charter is the only cableco that has dropped the non-video fee)

---

There is no "extra" charge for Time Warner RoadRunner, at least in my area, if you don't have cable TV service.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9696194 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 18:56:00 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695920 Zoder : If the charge is for the USF, it should be cheaper for DSL Lite customers since it's based on a fixed percentage of the circuit price. Lite is $22 and regular is $33.60. But Lite customers are also going to be charged $2.97.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695920 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 18:22:27 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695861 hailinfantry : "Well ive had enough, im switching to cable, at least i dont have to have cable tv to get cable internet unlike bellsouth which makes you have phone service to get dsl, goodbye bellsouth."

No...you don't have to have cable per se. You only have to pay for it and not get it (there is a connection fee) on top of what you pay for the HSI services. Enjoy!

(Charter is the only cableco that has dropped the non-video fee)
--
Bay Networks Sucks]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695861 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 18:15:10 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695852 hailinfantry : The universal service fund is for POTS. Since DSL is an unregulated charge, it's interesting they've decided to tap into that for usf funds. I'd like to see the fund dropped altogether. You can thank your liberal representatives for that one...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695852 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 18:13:16 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695754 Drex : The reply I received from BellSouth in regards to the email I sent them:

quote:

---

BellSouth imposes a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee of $2.97 per month to
offset its costs incurred in complying with obligations and charges
imposed by state and federal regulatory bodies, including the recovery
of the Federal Universal Service Charge, and state regulatory orders
affecting broadband. BellSouth?s Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee is not a
tax or charge imposed by a government entity. The Federal Universal
Service Charge: All telecommunication service providers are required to
contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund. The universal service
fund subsidizes programs for schools, libraries, and health care
providers. BellSouth recovers the cost of these contributions through a
surcharge on its customers? bills.

---

Nothing new there, but I like Justin's take on it. To coin a phrase "Show me the money!"
--
If I got smart with you, how would you know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695754 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 18:00:41 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695467 uruist : Well ive had enough, im switching to cable, at least i dont have to have cable tv to get cable internet unlike bellsouth which makes you have phone service to get dsl, goodbye bellsouth.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695467 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 17:28:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695234 clecrupt9 : The business class DSL used to be cheaper as well.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695234 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 17:04:30 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695176 TheGiant :

said by brandon :

---

But the bottom line is that, as a user of Bellsouth FastAccess, there have been NO price increases until this one. Regardless of phone companies lawsuits with the government, the fact remains that no increases to the end user have come about until now.

---

How long you had the service 2 weeks? My Dad had BSFA for several years I think he started out @39.99 a month for like the first 2 years Whats it up to now? Over $50 a month for 1.47/256 not much value there.
--
Maddox has come Home!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695176 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:59:38 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695140 justin : Its an excuse based around FUSF and SBC and SBC/Yahoo do it, so bellsouth is following.
In MY opinion its a complete ripoff that these companies are treating DSL lines like phone lines and larding on charges BELOW the advertised line price. Sure, they gotta pay a bit in taxes of one kind of another, but so does everyone operating any business. Buy a sandwich for 2.99 and you do not get charged 35 cents extra for "payroll tax" or other taxes.

In my view they need to show the money gets directly deposited to the USF, and not a penny less, or they need to eat the charge and stop getting away with wacky marketing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695140 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:56:10 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695126 clecrupt9 :

said by ScrubbedIn :

---

said by clecrupt9 :

---

Whats funny about that letter is the half page of legalize on the back in small print.

---

It must be in very small print, because the back of my letter appears to be completely blank.

---

I meant that lovey dovey card.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695126 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:54:29 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695123 kingofdsl :

said by Zoder :

---

It basically means that it's not a fee the government is mandating that gets sent back to the government. Instead, Bellsouth is saying there are federal and state regulations on broadband which costs Bellsouth money in order to abide by them, and instead of leaving the cost as a business expense they are passing it along to their customers.

The thing that doesn't add up though is that the only regulation on broadband that I know of is linesharing but that has been around for years. So why add the charge now? They could also be referring to the Georgia and Louisiana ruling on "naked" dsl, but the fee isn't limited to those states so it doesn't seem likely.

---

Whatever is, this double speak in the letter doesn't cut it.
This is the E-mail for the Georgia Public Service Commission
gapsc@psc.state.ga.us , everyone should E-mail them to get BellSouth to give a clear reason for the increase but yet still advertising the same "base" rate.

Or are they going to change all their Ads that it is now $52.92 ?

Is this just limited to Georgia and Louisiana customers?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9695123 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:54:21 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694994 Zoder : It basically means that it's not a fee the government is mandating that gets sent back to the government. Instead, Bellsouth is saying there are federal and state regulations on broadband which costs Bellsouth money in order to abide by them, and instead of leaving the cost as a business expense they are passing it along to their customers.

The thing that doesn't add up though is that the only regulation on broadband that I know of is linesharing but that has been around for years. So why add the charge now? They could also be referring to the Georgia and Louisiana ruling on "naked" dsl, but the fee isn't limited to those states so it doesn't seem likely.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694994 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:41:37 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694928 ScrubbedIn :

said by clecrupt9 :

---

Whats funny about that letter is the half page of legalize on the back in small print.

---

It must be in very small print, because the back of my letter appears to be completely blank.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694928 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 16:35:57 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694491 kingofdsl : Got my letter today and it does not seem Kosher at all:

We are writing to inform you that Bellsouth will begin charging a regulatory cost recovery fee of $2.97 per month for your FastAccess Service. This Fee is intended to offset the cost BellSouth incurs in complying with regulatory obligations and includes the recovery of the Federal Universal Service Charge. This regulatory cost recovery fee is not a tax or charge imposed by a government entity.
-------------------------------------------------------
I'm no Lawyer but this double talk sounds like complete and utter illegal nonsense.

How can you say this cost is NOT a tax or charge imposed by a government entity and then in the very next sentence after you say that it is "intended to offset the cost BellSouth incurs in complying with regulatory obligations and includes the recovery of the Federal Universal Service Charge" ? So Federal is not the U.S. Government? Then what Country are we sending our money to???

What is the "recovery" fee for if not a tax or charge imposed by a Government entity?

This is the biggest bunch of blatant bull from a Telco yet.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694491 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 15:45:42 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694423 huey7 : Just be glad that along with the increase they are not limiting services, that is what happened to me when I used BellSouth so I changed. That is the wonderful thing about living in this country if you don;t like something you have other choices all you have to do mis make them. But if you do change like I did be forewarned their billing department runs behind so be ready to pay for services you no longer have or they will disconnect your phone. I've been there and was without any service for a week. When I did contact them about it it was a running battle of who I had to talk to about what and they asked me why it took so long to call in about it? Lets see no dsl, no phone and nobody would be responsible for any of it. Have fun with BellSouth.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694423 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 15:37:29 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694401 kingofdsl :

said by kenn10 :

---

Vote with your feet. I moved to Comcast. Even though I have higher monthly fees (don't have cable TV), I saved overall. I dropped my Bellsouth copper line with the DSL and got Vonage VOIP service for $15/month (including taxes) and ported my Bellsouth home number to them.

In my area, Comcast has been very stable with excellent speeds. They answer the phone when you call and actually seem willing to help. Every time I called Bellsouth.net for help, they were idiots.

I am Bellsouth-free since December and have no regrets. I know Duane Ackerman has high overhead with planes and country club dues but I don't intend to continue supporting him. The stock prices aren't showing tremendous gains either so I dumped my BellSouth stock.

---

Not everyone has the cable option as you do. There is no other High Speed Internet Access option for where I live.

Isn't having NO Choice in America beautiful?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694401 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 15:34:35 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694221 timcuth :

said by logic1977 :

---

If the government forced me to charge and collect on certain taxes/fees and it cost me money, I'd raise my prices to cover it too, Especially if my competitors do not have to collect a similar fee.

---

That is exactly what I would like them to do. Raise the price!

Don't tell me that my price is $49.95, just like it has always been, but, btw, we are tacking on a $2.97 "cost recovery fee". Just suck it up like a man and say, "We are raising the price to $52.92."

Please just be honest with me.

Tim
--
As Milton Berle said, "My wife and I have a perfect understanding. I don't try to run her life and I don't try to run mine."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694221 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 15:14:59 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694203 Zoder :

said by logic1977 :

---

I'd be interested in any link's you have to what the CFO of SBC stated. TO my knowledge no ILEC has turned a profit yet on DSL, and Bellsouth was the furthest along it that department. The initial costs of deploying the network have yet to be recovered.

---

It was in the last issue of DSLPrime (Feb. 29) in the article about AOL leaving the broadband market. »www.dslprime.com/News_Articles/n···cles.htm
It is possible he's talking about wholesale and not retail here but there are a bunch of retail prices mentioned in the quote.

quote:

---

AOL needs to take bold risks or sink to a minor player at best, with much dismal news on the way down. It just lost 2M subscribers, and the loss would have been much greater without hugely expensive promotions and massive price cuts. The remaining dial-up lines are now likely to move even faster, as telco/cable competition is keeping DSL prices down. SBC's $32 DSL price is aimed directly at them, and some DSL and cable offerings will be $19.95 to $25 this year. SBC CFO Randall Stevenson says DSL makes money at $27 (with volume) because costs are down, and chip, network equipment, and bandwidth costs will keep falling. Prices will follow if competition continues (not a sure thing.) As part of a bundle, the natural cost of low-end cable modem offerings is $14.95 to $19.95, with one MSO already considering the move. AOL has to pray Ivan Seidenberg, Ed Whitacre, Brian Roberts and a few friends take their jets to a high security meeting and cut a deal to keep prices up (unlikely) or that they find more apparently legal means to get around the anti-trust laws (signaling, as Roberts and Ackerman seem to be doing in public statements.)

---

]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9694203 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 15:13:36 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693962 clecrupt9 : Whats funny about that letter is the half page of legalize on the back in small print.

Fee's generally must be charged in accordance to state and fed law. MCI, Sprint, SBC and other have had multi million dollar settlements from what known as "cramming". Cramming is the addition of charges to a bill where the charge isn't an authorized charge.

Normally a business can price how it likes. If Publix charges $10.00 for bread, we'd go to Kroger. When you don't have a Kroger to go to, pricing becomes regulated to prevent predatory and discriminatory pricing. You can make the case that cable is the Kroger, however the way Cable franchises operate, and came to be, is not the same as the Regional Bell companies.

The DSL Fee could not stand charged to POTS for this reason. Even so, some State's may feel this DSL fee is illegal and take action. This is part of the reason Bellsouth desperately wants DSL free from all regulation. If that happend expect to see many more fee's because like has been stated, the Telco's really don't make much money on DSL.

I believe there is only one way a Bellsouth can keep from raising prices. Tough decisions are ahead.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693962 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:50:20 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693885 kenn10 : __________________________________________________________________
they also have a tech bringing me breakfast in bed every weekend.
__________________________________________________________________

I want to sign up for your service plan!!!!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693885 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:40:47 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693848 Drex : How much did it cost BellSouth to mail out all of those letters? To compose those letters and print them out?
Could they not have taken that money and used it against this "fee"?
--
If I got smart with you, how would you know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693848 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:36:05 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693809 logic1977 : One issue I have not seen mentioned is the issue of why Bell is charging a recovery fee in the first place.

Are these fees that bell is trying to charge for only telco imposed fees? If so I can't blame them too much for charging for it. If the government forced me to charge and collect on certain taxes/fees and it cost me money, I'd raise my prices to cover it too, Especially if my competitors do not have to collect a similar fee.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693809 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:31:26 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693765 Drex :

said by superht1 :

---

Why isn't anyone complaining about natural gas and gasoline prices more then they are about 3$ measly increase that are just pennies in comparison? Gee, i wonder :huh:

---

Who says I don't complain about my electric bill or the price of gas? I most certainly do. And I go to the place with the cheapest gas.
Gas prices fluctuate WAY more than DSL prices. Yes, there are factors that control the price of both. Two completley different markets though.

I'm just tired of paying these "recovery cost fees". What "costs" are they trying to "recover"? Government mandated?
Well guess what? I have to pay government mandated fees too...it's called taxes. Suck it up, BS.
--
If I got smart with you, how would you know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693765 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:27:00 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693763 logic1977 :

said by Zoder :

---

According to the CFO of SBC, DSL turns a profit now at $27. Bellsouth's base price is 92.5% higher. Even giving Bellsouth the benefit of the doubt and assuming they don't hit a profit until $35 (a 30% difference) they are still making a nice profit on DSL.

Now I don't begrudge them for wanting to make a profit as that is is what they are in business to do. But it would be nice if they could give an honest answer for why they have to add hidden fees to their DSL price when the other RBOC's have been lowering their prices. Heck SBC is now offering 6 mbps DSL, cheaper then Bellsouth's 1.5 service. Yes I know it's a 1 year promotional price but we don't know what the market will be like in a year and at that time their customer's 1 year contract will be over anyways.

---

I'd be interested in any link's you have to what the CFO of SBC stated. TO my knowledge no ILEC has turned a profit yet on DSL, and Bellsouth was the furthest along it that department. The initial costs of deploying the network have yet to be recovered.

That $27 amount qouted I'd be willing to bet is only the wholesale portion of DSL. If you look at the same prices for bellsouth I believe its 33 or 28 dollars depending on what type of service you order. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693763 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:26:54 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693529 superht1 : Why isn't anyone complaining about natural gas and gasoline prices more then they are about 3$ measly increase that are just pennies in comparison? Gee, i wonder :huh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693529 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 14:00:45 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693245 neutral :

said by BIGMIKE :

---

CAN you say "F--k Off!"? Bellsouth Finding Broadband »/allreviews

---

Nope but I can say "Why do users from California care enough to come in and curse at us over southern ISP fees" :uhh:

This rules. All of you rushing to cable providers over $3, enjoy. They never ever impose fees or price increases, the phone techs have CS degrees, and they also have a tech bringing me breakfast in bed every weekend.
--
glass on the pavement under my shoe, without you is all my life amounts to
#dslr | audioscrob | Shield fans!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9693245 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 13:37:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9692525 hailinfantry : know Duane Ackerman has high overhead with planes and country club dues but I don't intend to continue supporting him. The stock prices aren't showing tremendous gains either so I dumped my BellSouth stock.

Oh that's right...I'm sure Comcast's board are supporters of the homeless and have had absolutely no contact with the finer things...:uhh: Where do some of these folks come from?

Comcast is constantly shown to be anti-competitive, anti-employee, anti-union (if you're into that), they pay substantially less to their technicians than bellsouth, etc. Bite Me Comcast.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9692525 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 12:10:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9692037 anon : Seriously all I gotta say to all you people on this board complaining is if you are gonna cry about the extra $3 a month or whatever it is than get rid of it, if you cant afford to pay the extra $3 get a better job so you can accomodate your "need" for faster internet service. Remember girls, 10 years ago you didnt have this so how were you "getting by" than huh?????????]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9692037 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 11:04:50 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691720 BIGMIKE : CAN you say "F--k Off!"? Bellsouth Finding Broadband »/allreviews]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691720 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 10:18:49 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691481 kenn10 : I have 4 VOIP lines running and work at home with heavy WAN access back to my corporate network. I have never encountered the so-called "Invisible cap." I side with the cable company on limiting those who download huge volumes continually. Such activity limits the network for the rest who don't.

I suspect that any average user will never encounter the download cap.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691481 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 09:47:36 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691340 Drex : I have Time Warner in my area and I have heard great things from friends of mine about them.
After receiving this letter in the mail, I sent an email to BS saying as a loyal customer for 4 years, I was not happy about these "fees". I also stated that should these "fees" be imposed I would definitely be switching since I have not seen any service increase while other providers have increased their service without imposing "fees".

I have had nothing but great things to say about BellSouth and their service. But I've reached a point where I'm tired of these companies imposing "fees" just to recover costs. Put it in the damn price! Stop calling it some bullsh!t "recovery fee"!
--
If I got smart with you, how would you know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691340 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 09:29:05 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691225 Rob :

said by kenn10 :

---

Vote with your feet. I moved to Comcast. Even though I have higher monthly fees (don't have cable TV), I saved overall. I dropped my Bellsouth copper line with the DSL and got Vonage VOIP service for $15/month (including taxes) and ported my Bellsouth home number to them.

In my area, Comcast has been very stable with excellent speeds. They answer the phone when you call and actually seem willing to help. Every time I called Bellsouth.net for help, they were idiots.

I am Bellsouth-free since December and have no regrets. I know Duane Ackerman has high overhead with planes and country club dues but I don't intend to continue supporting him. The stock prices aren't showing tremendous gains either so I dumped my BellSouth stock.

---

And what is your opinion about Comcast's invisible cap? I mean, sure the service isn't unlimited, but don't you feel it's unethical for them to impose invisible caps and not tell you what the caps are?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691225 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 09:15:27 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691008 kenn10 : Vote with your feet. I moved to Comcast. Even though I have higher monthly fees (don't have cable TV), I saved overall. I dropped my Bellsouth copper line with the DSL and got Vonage VOIP service for $15/month (including taxes) and ported my Bellsouth home number to them.

In my area, Comcast has been very stable with excellent speeds. They answer the phone when you call and actually seem willing to help. Every time I called Bellsouth.net for help, they were idiots.

I am Bellsouth-free since December and have no regrets. I know Duane Ackerman has high overhead with planes and country club dues but I don't intend to continue supporting him. The stock prices aren't showing tremendous gains either so I dumped my BellSouth stock.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9691008 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 08:39:07 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690855 Rob : It's all how you perceive it. Look at it this way, if the "speculations" are true, March 26 3000/384 packages will be released. Look at it as you are helping them get ready for the increase. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690855 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 08:09:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690783 kingofdsl :

said by jtudor :

---

Personally, all these "cost recovery fees" stink in my opinion.

I don't have a problem with Bellsouth or others itemizing the taxes etc that they pass along.

I do not like this however. I believe it is a cost of doing business, and should be left as part of the base price.

Imagine if you went out to buy a loaf of bread, and were told that it cost 50 cents. but there is a 10 cent regulatory cost recovery fee added on, then there is a 10 cent delivery fee, and a 10 cent shelf stocking fee and a 5 cent cashier fee, and a 5 cent bagging fee, and yet another 5 cent bag loading fee.

On the other hand, if you go to the store and the bread is price at 95 cents, all those fees are built in, and you never hear about them.

I just don't like the whole idea of this.

It also allows to falsely show the price of DSL as remaining at $49.95, because they will not add this fee to the price they advertise. Following this model, they can add on other fees ad nauseum, and still claim that BSFA is only $49.95.

---

Exactly, have to get the Public Utility Commissions and FCC to force them to publish the "Base" price plus what all of the extra costs will be resulting in "Net" price.

Otherwise it is clearly "False" and "Misleading" advertising.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690783 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 07:47:38 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690773 kingofdsl :

said by Drex :

---

Just got my letter today as well.
Anyone know where I can go to complain? I'm already paying a "recovery cost" on my long distance with Bellsouth.
I wonder if I can start charging the water company a recovery fee for the water that I use on my lawn. I mean eventually they're going to get it back again anyway right? So why am I being double billed? ;-)

---

"So why am I being double billed?"

Time to start petitioning and complaining to the FCC and local State Government Officials. It is an obvious double billing for monies supposedly going into the same Fund.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690773 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 07:44:30 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690241 watuzi :

said by Rob :

---

said by joepwpb :

---

I'm sure having second thoughts about holding on to BSFA after almost 4 years. It's not that there are any problems nor have I had any, it's just that I can't help but to see the obvious price difference between them and cable, and the service being offered. Adelphia is offering a 3000/256 service for $32.95/month for the first 12 months, no contract and a free modem. I would sure hate to give up my email address but the switch would save me almost $250 per year!!

I have two months to mull this over because that is how long I have remaining on the free modem contract I entered into.

Joe P

---

Adelphia is not the company you want to switch to. Especially in the condition they are. They continue to raise their prices, they are still in chapter 11 and overall, they have horrible service in FL.

I have adelphia for six months now and the service has been very good.i get good Dl speeds of 3000 and average of 200 upload.I am satisfied with my adelphia powerlink

---

:)]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690241 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 03:13:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690132 FLECOM : isnt economics/business just screwing as many people as you can for as much money as you can? basically that is really what it is...

i understand these companies want to make money off of bandwith, but at what cost in the long run?

they are hindering other technologies from wide-spread adoption like real-time streaming video and such...

dunno, i just wish these companies could have a little more vision for the future... instead of trying to screw their customer base to get as much money asafp...

but i know that is wishfull thinking... the telcos wont listen to their customers until somone else offers a faster cheaper connection system...

will cable come up to the plate? i doubt it, the cable network is horrible when you think about it... its like one giant hub for your whole neighborhood... ya, that sounds like a great idea... :uhh:

i will just keep dreaming of FTTH ty ;)

--
BellSouth sucks]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9690132 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 02:37:53 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689960 hailinfantry : It isn't being screwed...it's economics. I know you wouldn't want to give your customers something for nothing.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689960 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 01:58:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689931 FLECOM :

said by hailinfantry :

---

Would you rather it say, "F--k Off!"? Bellsouth buys bandwidth from AT&T, Level3, etc. They set a price for Bellsouth to pay. The bandwidth costs aren't magical artificial numbers. Tier1 providers have to cover operating costs AND attempt to make a profit.

---

but the Tier1 providers already have insane amounts of bandwith that they can get easily... by lighting up dark fiber and such... i understand that they are there to make money, its the same as the oil industry and such

and i know that bellsouth buys there bandwith from somone else, thats why i was refering to top tier providers and gettingn a little more screwed the farther down the line you go
--
BellSouth sucks]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689931 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 01:50:09 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689526 hailinfantry : Would you rather it say, "F--k Off!"? Bellsouth buys bandwidth from AT&T, Level3, etc. They set a price for Bellsouth to pay. The bandwidth costs aren't magical artificial numbers. Tier1 providers have to cover operating costs AND attempt to make a profit.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689526 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 00:36:31 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689504 FLECOM : i dont get why cable net services and dsl get more expensive...

shouldent the price of bandwith be going dowin in price?

these companies are really all monopolies when you think about it... there is literally unlimited (to an extent) bandwith available to all the top tier providers the only "price" of bandwith is the ones they make up and screw everyone down the line a little more...

these people are worse than OPEC...

anyway my DSL provider (i am in BS teritories) isnt charging me that fee, and they also do my phone service... ive been bellsouth free for a while now, couldent be happier :)

and bellsouth sends some funky "please come back" letters!

i got a card, in a wax paper envelope addressed to me, inside was a card with some roses and it said (and i am reading this off of the card, its a tri-fold)

quote:

---

Okay, we admit it, we let the romance slip away

---

then you open it and it sais on the inside left

quote:

---

Maybe we didn't say "we care" as much as we should have.

---

inside right

quote:

---

Maybe you were right about everything.

---

then you open it again and in the center it sais

quote:

---

Please come back. We promise to be really, really, good to you from now on.

---

then it goes on and on about the BellSouth(R) PerferredPack(SM) Plan!

blah blah

i was like :o
--
BellSouth sucks]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689504 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 00:32:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689370 hailinfantry : SBC recently started charging a similar fee.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9689370 Tue, 16 Mar 2004 00:10:01 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687393 zno : do any other ISPs charge this fee? or just BSIS?
--
got anti-virus and firewall?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687393 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:52:12 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687357 Skynet2029 : I hate the idea of switching because Ive been with them a long time but i also hate them adding fees and not improving anything or giving us new services while i see RoadRunner with faster speeds 3.0/384 and for way less (first 3 months are hella cheap!). Its all in the principle of the adding of the fee its just plain wrong of them.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687357 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:49:28 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687087 Zoder : Well they don't break down the operating revenue for DSL in their quarterly reports so thet makes it pretty hard to do. It's all lumped together with their other data services.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687087 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:26:24 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687024 hailinfantry : Bellsouth is NOT SBC. SBC has a much different operating structure and isn't an original RBOC. Just because one of the new companies that was the product of a merger is turning a profit doesn't mean Bellsouth is. Bellsouth could very well be operating at a higher overhead. I'd wager you don't go over their books very often...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9687024 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:20:47 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686876 Zoder :

said by logic1977 :

---

And just how have the costs of supplying DSL gone down? It still costs money to deploy the network, and to date I don't think that any ILEC has actually turned a profit selling DSL.

Bellsouth is not and does not attempt to be the low cost provider. Their services usually cost more, but the desire is that you also get more for that premium.

You get what you pay for, and for me Its money wellspent with bellsouth

---

According to the CFO of SBC, DSL turns a profit now at $27. Bellsouth's base price is 92.5% higher. Even giving Bellsouth the benefit of the doubt and assuming they don't hit a profit until $35 (a 30% difference) they are still making a nice profit on DSL.

Now I don't begrudge them for wanting to make a profit as that is is what they are in business to do. But it would be nice if they could give an honest answer for why they have to add hidden fees to their DSL price when the other RBOC's have been lowering their prices. Heck SBC is now offering 6 mbps DSL, cheaper then Bellsouth's 1.5 service. Yes I know it's a 1 year promotional price but we don't know what the market will be like in a year and at that time their customer's 1 year contract will be over anyways.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686876 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 20:06:21 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686809 namsu22 : still no letter :) for me]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686809 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 19:59:32 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686621 nick s : Yes that indeed is a nice strategy. Too bad (for them) that they don't even flag users who do so.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686621 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 19:40:12 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686353 Zoder :

said by zno :

---

so it's fair to compare between ILEC's and RBOC's?

---

I meant RBOC. Thanks for pointing that out I'll correct it in my other post. I do know Bellsouth does not compete with SBC, Verizon, and Quest in the DSL market but it is telling that all of them have been able to offer lower prices for DSL service in their respective markets.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686353 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 19:10:12 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686347 hlross :

said by pro7070 :

---

I just received a letter from Bellsouth today notifying me that they will start charging me a $2.97 "regulatory cost recovery fee" What the hell is this?

---

I too received the letter and I called Bell South to cancel my service. They offered to take $20/month off of my bill for six months if I will stay. I accepted and put a flag in my date book to cancel the service 6 months from now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686347 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 19:09:41 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686232 logic1977 : And just how have the costs of supplying DSL gone down? It still costs money to deploy the network, and to date I don't think that any ILEC has actually turned a profit selling DSL.

Bellsouth is not and does not attempt to be the low cost provider. Their services usually cost more, but the desire is that you also get more for that premium.

Your mileage may vary, but that has been true for alot of people or Bellsouth would not be doing as well as they are.

True some people have no other broadband solution, but thats not really anything Bellsouth can control as they can't force their competitors to deploy independant facilties in their areas.

Bellsouth does not to come up with a higher speed package just to stay on par with cable, but don't be shocked and amazed when it costs more than what cable may be charging.

You get what you pay for, and for me Its money wellspent with bellsouth]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686232 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 18:57:50 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686094 zno :

said by Zoder :

---

You shouldn't be comparing what Bellsouth charges for DSL to Comcast's cable rate increases. All cable companies have been increasing their cable tv prices the past few years. On the other hand, all of the ILEC's except Bellsouth have lowered the price they charge for DSL since the service was launched.

---

so it's fair to compare between ILEC's and RBOC's?
please name a few ILECs that have lowered their price in Atlanta so i can make a switch. because last time i checked everyone was charging the same.

quote:

---

The cost to provide DSL service has also gone down since Bellsouth intro'd Fastaccess in the 90s and that has never been reflected in a price reduction. The $2.97 in "regulatory fees" that Bellsouth says they incur have more than been made up for in what it cost's Bellsouth to provide DSL service.

---

can you please show me the figures actually support what you're saying?
maybe the cost of equipments have gone cheaper but like you said it's still a "service" which involves more labor than manufactured goods. when did cost of labor go down in this country?

after all, it's a fair market. you ultimately have a choice to go with the raise or not.
i do have to agree it's pretty lame they disguise the rate increase with some stupid recovery fee.
--
got anti-virus and firewall?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9686094 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 18:43:02 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9685765 superht1 :

said by nick s :

---

Based on my source of the rumor, a friend in FL who asked a tech, they will be increasing speeds instead of simply coming up with new packages.

---

Until it is official, it will remain as that and should be taken as a grain of salt. The need for higher speed is just not demanding enough, we could be crawling at 768/128 and theres not a damn anyone can do about it.
What we have here is a monopoly, there is no competition. so their are many folks still w/out dsl today in the south, most would kill for this kind of speed for 49.95 a month.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9685765 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 18:08:14 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9685240 Zoder :

said by hailinfantry :

---

Keep in mind that Comcast customers recieve NO letters, yet their rates are increased around 2-3 times/year.

---

You shouldn't be comparing what Bellsouth charges for DSL to Comcast's cable rate increases. All cable companies have been increasing their cable tv prices the past few years. On the other hand, all of the RBOC's except Bellsouth have lowered the price they charge for DSL since the service was launched. The cost to provide DSL service has also gone down since Bellsouth intro'd Fastaccess in the 90s and that has never been reflected in a price reduction. The $2.97 in "regulatory fees" that Bellsouth says they incur have more than been made up for in what it cost's Bellsouth to provide DSL service.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9685240 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 17:14:47 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9685203 Drex : Just got my letter today as well.
Anyone know where I can go to complain? I'm already paying a "recovery cost" on my long distance with Bellsouth.
I wonder if I can start charging the water company a recovery fee for the water that I use on my lawn. I mean eventually they're going to get it back again anyway right? So why am I being double billed? ;-)
--
If I got smart with you, how would you know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9685203 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 17:10:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684369 nick s : Based on my source of the rumor, a friend in FL who asked a tech, they will be increasing speeds instead of simply coming up with new packages.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684369 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 15:41:27 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684354 Jon J : Just had a short instant exchange with a BSCSR whose only response to my wanting to find out more about the price increase was, "Okay. Anything else?"

Buh bye BS.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684354 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 15:39:22 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684303 Dan Koerner : I believe it will be a huge mistake to add a higher speed tier and also raise their price on it while others are pushing speeds up and/or lowering prices. This $2.97 appears to be, in effect, a price increase that is not reflected in the cost of service.
--
Dan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684303 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 15:33:28 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684110 MonkeyLicker : I said "Comcast has more than doubled their DL speed since they bought @Home." I didn't mention anything about them doubling @Homes DL speed.
You better believe it's bell bashing. I've seen quite a few companies on these forums raise their caps while BS does nothing.
]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684110 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 15:05:46 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684104 raydog1 : I just received my letter too and it also mentions "special pricing based on where you reside. . . only if you signed up between 9/1/03 and 3/26/04.

WTF is THAT about? :o

So I'm not eligible because I've been a long time customer?

Does anyone know what these special rates are?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684104 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 15:04:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684058 superht1 : I don't mind the small fee but they should at least up our speed a little to say 2000/384 or 3000/256.. I would dump them asap if there was cable at 3000/256 in my area for the same price i'm paying :mad:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684058 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:59:08 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684050 hailinfantry : Funny...since most CLEC's around here charge 10.00 more than complete choice with bellsouth. Plus the service is better with Bellsouth.

"I well aware that they capped it when they bought @Home, but that takes nothing away from the fact that BS is still far slower on average."

But you just said they increased their caps...hmm. Seems like bellbashing, pure and simple.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9684050 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:58:42 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683922 MonkeyLicker : I well aware that they capped it when they bought @Home, but that takes nothing away from the fact that BS is still far slower on average.
I've seen horror stories from people trying to get their DSL started as well, so lets not act as if it's been so one sided.
Most people on Comcast and BS get what they pay for. You rarely see a topic about how every thing's going well. It's sort of like plane crashes....you never hear about all the flights (most of them) that land safely, you only hear about those that had trouble.
Neither company is perfect, and Comcast might very well have had more costumer complaints, and while most are probably happy with both services, BS just seems lazy and unwilling to give an inch.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683922 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:44:46 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683911 clecrupt9 :

said by hailinfantry :

---

My basic residential line hasn't changed in price much since the divesture.

---

"The average household's bill for
local and long distance telephone service has fallen by about 23 percent and
American consumers are saving $11 billion a year since local phone competition
began to take hold in 1999, according to an analysis released by
CompTel/ASCENT and The PACE Coalition. "

»www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stori···09:45+AM]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683911 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:43:21 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683834 hailinfantry : Comcast has more than doubled their DL speed since they bought @Home

Actually...no. Initially @home was totally uncapped. In many areas it remained that way UNTIL Comcast took the systems over. As far as your argument that the internet has improved. Well, first for many people it has become a nightmare of wading through customer support, etc. Also, the rate increases have included Basic analog cable, which hasn't really improved since the implementation of HFC. It's still substandard in many areas and certainly not worth $40+/month.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683834 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:34:44 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683811 MonkeyLicker : While it's true that cable companies have raised their rates faster than BS, they've also done their best to improve the service.
Comcast has more than doubled their DL speed since they bought @Home. Not only that, but they've also listened to costumer complaints and actually did something to improve.
They raised their caps from 1.5 to 1.8 after people complained about not getting their advertised speed.
They then raised their caps to 3.0 down, but made sure to set the cap at 3.3 so that people could yet again get their advertised speed.
If BS would have at least put a little effort forward to make sure people to get the impossible 1.5 they advertise then maybe people might be a little more forgiving.
They might not have raised rates before, but they haven't done much else either.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683811 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:31:40 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683765 hailinfantry : Keep in mind that Comcast customers recieve NO letters, yet their rates are increased around 2-3 times/year. Furthermore, in regard to clecrupt's explanation of why the bells would need to increase rates: telephone service is cheaper today than it was in 1945. My basic residential line hasn't changed in price much since the divesture. The only things that have been tacked-on are the result of the Universal service fund and the line portability charge. Two things I couldn't give a damn about.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683765 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:26:02 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683532 dig_it : :mad: Just received my letter today..not very happy]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683532 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 14:00:10 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683286 timcuth : I pretty much agree. They are trying to disguise a price increase, in effect saying to the consumer, "We really don't want to do this, but we are forced to." It would really be more intellectually honest to just say, "Hey, we haven't raised rates in several years. We have now decided to raise them." I would have a better appreciation for that, anyway.

I also agree with the sentiment that it is actually about time they started thinking about lowering rates to increase their customer base, instead of trying to squeeze a few more dollars per month from their current and, mostly, loyal customers.

Tim
--
As Milton Berle said, "My wife and I have a perfect understanding. I don't try to run her life and I don't try to run mine."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9683286 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 13:30:31 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9682453 jtudor : Personally, all these "cost recovery fees" stink in my opinion.

I don't have a problem with Bellsouth or others itemizing the taxes etc that they pass along.

I do not like this however. I believe it is a cost of doing business, and should be left as part of the base price.

Imagine if you went out to buy a loaf of bread, and were told that it cost 50 cents. but there is a 10 cent regulatory cost recovery fee added on, then there is a 10 cent delivery fee, and a 10 cent shelf stocking fee and a 5 cent cashier fee, and a 5 cent bagging fee, and yet another 5 cent bag loading fee.

On the other hand, if you go to the store and the bread is price at 95 cents, all those fees are built in, and you never hear about them.

I just don't like the whole idea of this.

It also allows to falsely show the price of DSL as remaining at $49.95, because they will not add this fee to the price they advertise. Following this model, they can add on other fees ad nauseum, and still claim that BSFA is only $49.95.
--
Best of luck

"Do, or Do not, there is no try!" Yoda]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9682453 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 11:49:18 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9682029 brandon : But the bottom line is that, as a user of Bellsouth FastAccess, there have been NO price increases until this one. Regardless of phone companies lawsuits with the government, the fact remains that no increases to the end user have come about until now.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9682029 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 10:45:06 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681984 clecrupt9 : Brandon,

I don't have the time nor energy to dig it all up. You can search through, pretty much any state, PSC and look at the billions in refunds, fines, law suits, ant-trust cases, and other issues. I'm sure CABLE has its share, but not like the phone companies. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681984 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 10:38:17 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681958 brandon :

said by clecrupt9 :

---

Cable isn't perfect, but RBOC's have a worse consumer history.

---

Explain. After the breakup of Ma Bell, what has Bellsouth done that has been worse than what Comcast, OOL, and other cable compaines have done? Once again, remember that this is the FIRST price increase for fastaccess in its entire history, and also remember that cable companies and VOIP aren't subjected to the USF, which it appears is what Bellsouth mostly intends to recover here.

It appears that with price increases, Bellsouth recovers costs, cable companies increase profits.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681958 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 10:34:00 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681934 clecrupt9 : Cable isn't perfect, but RBOC's have a worse consumer history.

Price increases for Bellsouth are inevitable, they are inefficient on so many levels. However a price increase in the name of fighting the Gov against competition, competition that Bellsouth agreed to have in return for LD, LD that they have with 90% of the market....seems a little strange...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681934 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 10:31:40 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681831 brandon : One rate increase in the entire existence of fastaccess. Plus numerous discounts now included.

Compare it to the number of cable price increases and THEN decide who needs to be regulated.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681831 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 10:19:14 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681093 dandeman : Their wording is a CROC!.. didn't have the balls to call it a price increase... I think they should outsource their lawyers who wrote the wording..

If anything with the competition, prices should be dropping...]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9681093 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 08:31:53 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9680975 ATLHSI : Call me crazy, but aren't you supposed to cover your costs in your PRICE!?! Next are we going to see a fee to cover employee's coffee or MARTA passes?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9680975 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 08:06:52 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9680228 hailinfantry : ...since Comcast would never charge you any unusual or unjust fees...:huh:]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9680228 Mon, 15 Mar 2004 02:19:03 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9679089 elitedreamr : I haven't gotten a letter yet either, but it's the principle of the matter. I think I will finally make the switch to Comcast if any (unjust) fee is added to my bill. I like bellsouth, I've been a DSL customer since 2000.....but enough is enough!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9679089 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 23:01:44 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9678871 namsu22 : im with pro its more of the principle more then anything...but yea we will see there official response, and i have yet to recieve the tax, or whatever they say it is so im kinda jumping the gun here....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9678871 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 22:40:20 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9677113 clecrupt9 : What a crock.

I will refuse to pay this fee. Interesting how Bellsouth just continues to show it needs oversight.

I think they should take that $3 and spend it to try enhance customer service, or clean up their internal dysfunctional wreck of departments, or perhaps even try and raise the lowest employee moral anyone can remember.

Hell I'd give them an extra three dollars to get rid of Ackerman and Dykes...but I won't give them three dollars for actively trying to get out of obligations they agreed to.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9677113 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 19:04:26 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676681 Drex :

said by Zoder :

---

Here's what it says on the FastAccess website.
»www.fastaccess.com/content/consu···#RCR_Fee

"BellSouth imposes a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee of $2.97 per month to offset its costs incurred in complying with obligations and charges imposed by state and federal regulatory bodies, including the recovery of the Federal Universal Service Charge, and state regulatory orders affecting broadband. BellSouth’s Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee is not a tax or charge imposed by a government entity."

---

I have not received a letter/email yet. I just checked last month's bill and I'm already paying a "Carrier Cost Recovery Fee" and a "Federal Universal Service Fund Fee" on my BellSouth long distance. Does this mean it's going up or that I'm now going to be charged the SAME thing on my DSL?
--
If I got smart with you, how would you know?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676681 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 18:06:57 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676317 attsbcisgay :

said by pro7070 :

---

I just received a letter from Bellsouth today notifying me that they will start charging me a $2.97 "regulatory cost recovery fee" What the hell is this?

---

You think that's alot to pay?? funny how you don't mind paying income taxes and sales taxes that are much more. You're not the only one thought, sbc is doing the same thing! Not mention, I have long distance fee that is 4.95 a month whether I use it or not. comcast charges me 6.36 for franchise fee just for basic cable tv. feel lucky now punk?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676317 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 17:17:30 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676103 anon : Pleaze do not hesitate 2 make good on threat to leave Tiger Woods guy. Yez we know the technicians smarter than you no reason to come here and cry about it. You will not be missed I promise let other ISP contend with yu.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676103 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 16:46:28 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676069 anon : Oops ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9676069 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 16:42:24 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9675862 Zoder : Here's what it says on the FastAccess website.
»www.fastaccess.com/content/consu···#RCR_Fee

"BellSouth imposes a Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee of $2.97 per month to offset its costs incurred in complying with obligations and charges imposed by state and federal regulatory bodies, including the recovery of the Federal Universal Service Charge, and state regulatory orders affecting broadband. BellSouth’s Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee is not a tax or charge imposed by a government entity."]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9675862 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 16:07:33 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9675573 clecrupt9 : An official Bellsouth response may shed some light. What does the Bell say when asked "what the hell is this charge?"]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9675573 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 15:27:24 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674679 pro7070 : I have no other choice as far as Broadband goes but I do with voice. Right now I am paying @ $200/month for two lines + DSL. For voice I am going sctrictly with cell phone service from verizon. I figure I can save $75-$100 per month. Been thinking of doing this for a while and now this makes it easy for me. 3$/month isn't a whole lot but it's the principle. Hell of a way to treat a loyal, on time paying customer. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674679 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 13:27:59 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674571 namsu22 : I havent gotten a letter yet, but if i do im going to start looking around. I'm tired to of hearing other people like my next door neighbors tell me of how they can download at 250 kb or something and get 30 pings when i cant get lower then 115. Comcast would be looking really good, but thats IF i get one....]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674571 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 13:14:25 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674425 Dan Koerner :

said by clecrupt9 :

---

I'll bet they want to recoup the legal costs of trying to get DSL out of state control. If that is the case, then you are essentially paying the full cost for them to seek the ability to charge you higher prices.

---

I have to agree with this assessment. If I get a charge like this, I will be gone...

If BS would do what is ethical, instead of just what is legal, they wouldn't need all the staff of lawyers they now have... or their clients having to pay the legal bills. Any kind of business just pass these s... costs along to the customer.
--
Dan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674425 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 12:52:08 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674020 Zoder : I mentioned this in a post a few weeks ago. »Re: Have to pay for phone line for BellSouth DSL?

As for why there is a fee, I don't think it has anything to do with taxes. There is no federal tax on DSL and not all of the 9 states in BellSouth's region collect taxes on DSL.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674020 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 12:00:48 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674014 contra21 : Well I would have to say Mediacom is looking better and better to me. Not only is Mediacom faster but cheaper as well. Could someone give a clear definition why the rate increase??]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9674014 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 11:59:31 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673946 clecrupt9 :

said by kingofdsl :

---

said by pro7070 :

---

I just received a letter from Bellsouth today notifying me that they will start charging me a $2.97 "regulatory cost recovery fee" What the hell is this?

---

What "Regulatory" Agency increased their rates? The FCC up the USF or something???

---

I'll bet they want to recoup the legal costs of trying to get DSL out of state control. If that is the case, then you are essentially paying the full cost for them to seek the ability to charge you higher prices. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673946 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 11:48:15 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673389 W5JGV :

said by joepwpb :

---

I would sure hate to give up my email address but the switch would save me almost $250 per year!!

Joe P

---

Yeah, I know the feeling. When I changed from dial-up ATT to BellSouth, I had a horrible time changing my email address on everything I had subscribed to / corresponded with for then previous 9 years. I still find stuff I missed. But I wised up, and when I switched, I decided never to use my new BellSouth email address for anything.

I bought a couple of web sites that have unlimited POP3 capability and set myself up with a bunch of addresses on them. I can also access these addresses via a web interface, of course, so I can get to my email from anywhere.

Later, when I change from Bellsouth to something else, I won't have any more email hassles - as long as I remember to change my BellSouth email address on the master login to my web sites!!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673389 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 10:08:14 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673259 Rob :

said by joepwpb :

---

said by Rob :

---

---

Adelphia is not the company you want to switch to. Especially in the condition they are. They continue to raise their prices, they are still in chapter 11 and overall, they have horrible service in FL.

---

With no contract, a free modem, and a locked in price of $32.95 per month for 12 months, how could I go wrong? Even if they do have financial problems I am confident the they would not go "out of business" but would more likely be acquired by another cable company. I am in a development of about 1000 homes and our cable service is rock solid.

Joe P

---

Yup. So I'll see you back at Bellsouth in 4 months. Good Luck!

And remember, there is NO need to get upset at Adelphia for their lack of common sense, intelligence, support, and overall service. Just come back to BellSouth!]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673259 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 09:40:25 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673211 joepwpb :

said by Rob :

---

---

Adelphia is not the company you want to switch to. Especially in the condition they are. They continue to raise their prices, they are still in chapter 11 and overall, they have horrible service in FL.

---

With no contract, a free modem, and a locked in price of $32.95 per month for 12 months, how could I go wrong? Even if they do have financial problems I am confident the they would not go "out of business" but would more likely be acquired by another cable company. I am in a development of about 1000 homes and our cable service is rock solid.

Joe P]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9673211 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 09:29:15 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672890 Rob :

said by joepwpb :

---

I'm sure having second thoughts about holding on to BSFA after almost 4 years. It's not that there are any problems nor have I had any, it's just that I can't help but to see the obvious price difference between them and cable, and the service being offered. Adelphia is offering a 3000/256 service for $32.95/month for the first 12 months, no contract and a free modem. I would sure hate to give up my email address but the switch would save me almost $250 per year!!

I have two months to mull this over because that is how long I have remaining on the free modem contract I entered into.

Joe P

---

Adelphia is not the company you want to switch to. Especially in the condition they are. They continue to raise their prices, they are still in chapter 11 and overall, they have horrible service in FL. ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672890 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 08:07:22 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672859 Dan Koerner : No. They stopped that on my last months bill.

BS is also supposed to refund all collected sales tax here in TN. When? Who knows... I put my name on the list for the refund.
--
Dan]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672859 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 07:54:26 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672855 joepwpb : I'm sure having second thoughts about holding on to BSFA after almost 4 years. It's not that there are any problems nor have I had any, it's just that I can't help but to see the obvious price difference between them and cable, and the service being offered. Adelphia is offering a 3000/256 service for $32.95/month for the first 12 months, no contract and a free modem. I would sure hate to give up my email address but the switch would save me almost $250 per year!!

I have two months to mull this over because that is how long I have remaining on the free modem contract I entered into.

Joe P ]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672855 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 07:51:24 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672011 MonkeyLicker : When I had Fast Access 3 or 4 months ago they were charging sales tax on my internet service here in Tennessee.
Does anyone know if they're still doing that?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9672011 Sun, 14 Mar 2004 01:52:20 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9671109 kingofdsl :

said by pro7070 :

---

I just received a letter from Bellsouth today notifying me that they will start charging me a $2.97 "regulatory cost recovery fee" What the hell is this?

---

What "Regulatory" Agency increased their rates? The FCC up the USF or something???]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9671109 Sat, 13 Mar 2004 23:21:53 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9669409 pro7070 :

said by WILDTECH :

---

Yep i heard they got the rate Increase Approved. Then they sent out the letters...Wish they would give more warning than that...

WILDTECH

---

Rate increase for what. They havn't improved my service any. As a matter of fact its gotten worse. They should use this increase to hire competant Help Desk employess. If I had any othe roption I would be gone too.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9669409 Sat, 13 Mar 2004 19:25:51 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9669026 WILDTECH : Yep i heard they got the rate Increase Approved. Then they sent out the letters...Wish they would give more warning than that...

WILDTECH]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9669026 Sat, 13 Mar 2004 18:23:39 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9668949 Gizmo : That's Bellsouth's new fee to collect/process state and federal taxes/fees from you each month!!
--
~giz]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9668949 Sat, 13 Mar 2004 18:15:31 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9668930 JimCo20 : I just received the same letter. Seems like bull to me! I'm considering switching to cable which offers higher speeds and cheaper fees.]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9668930 Sat, 13 Mar 2004 18:11:36 EDT http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9668853 pro7070 : I just received a letter from Bellsouth today notifying me that they will start charging me a $2.97 "regulatory cost recovery fee" What the hell is this?]]> http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,9668853 Sat, 13 Mar 2004 18:00:53 EDT