pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC | [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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? | |
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 JimCo20
Premium
join:2002-10-17
Glen Allen, VA | Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 I just received the same letter. Seems like bull to me! I'm considering switching to cable which offers higher speeds and cheaper fees. | |
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WILDTECH
join:2002-07-27
Indianapolis, IN | Yep i heard they got the rate Increase Approved. Then they sent out the letters...Wish they would give more warning than that...
WILDTECH | |
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pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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. | |
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kingofdsl
join:2002-12-11
Afton, OK
| 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??? | |
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| clecrupt9
join:2002-01-22
GA
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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. | |
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| | Dan Koerner
join:2000-08-05
Clinton, TN
1 edit | Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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.
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Dan | |
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| | | namsu22
join:2003-08-16
Snellville, GA
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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.... | |
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JakeToday
@Dial1.Atl
| Re: your DSL bill. You might like this news. This week I found the site below as to wireless options being tested by companies (BellSouth is one of the companies). Maybe this new wireless, non-line-of-sight technology will help rural residents like me who have no DSL or cable options, and will help you price-wise by making the bandwidth market more competitive. Maybe the price for residential broadband wireless access (BWA) will be cheaper than the BellSouth DSL price you pay, even if BellSouth is the one selling the service.
Check out the Business Communications Review's article about BWA at »www.bcr.com/bcrmag/2003/11/p18s1.asp
Re: carrier cost recovery fee (CCRF), I found thelinks below concerning CCRF as to BellSouth's long-distance (LD) service, the "Dollar Value Plan" and its other long-distance plans. Perhaps you can find CCRF info. online re: BS DSL.
»www.tariffs.net/bsld/index.mv?co···93858381 or go directly to the "Residential Services Pricing and Service Guide" at »www.tariffs.net/tariffs/481/Res_···uide.pdf.
A portion of the paragraph about changes to the Carrier Cost Recovery Fee states that the CCR "fee will apply in full for any portion of a billing period in which the Customer has applicable interstate or international charges.".... (Read the full content at the link above.)
The BellSouth representative I spoke with today, April Fool's Day 2004, said the CCR fee of 99 cents/month per line is charged every month whether I make a LD call or not and whether or not I call out of state. Is it that the $1 base charge is considered the "applicable" charge that triggers the CCR fee, so that, in essence, it is the potential for action, for placing a state-to-state or international call, that triggers it? Maybe so.
Maybe finding the CCRF disclosure appropriate to DSL will help you when you look into it further; I know $2.97 extra per month bites, even a "legal" $2.97 charge.
I have always appreciated BellSouth--its telephone service and its representatives (although I've been long tired of the 26.4 Kpbs dial-up speed); but, perhaps discontinuing BellSouth entirely and using only my cell phone is an option. Hmm, a nice savings plan.
The airlines in the recent past were required to disclose their fees with their promotions, to avoid the sticker shock to their travelers (not to mention the animus). The same requirement of BellSouth would be appropriate: "...you will pay $2.19 per month per phone line if you sign up for Bell South's 10-cents-per-minute long-distance plan, whether you call intrastate, state-to-state or internationally.
From whom did BellSouth learn to charge cost recovery fees? Note the $6.50/month FCC charge [TAX] (plus $7.00/month FCC charge per additional line) to "recover costs associated with connecting to a telecommunication service provider's interstate network."
Best wishes.
Jake | |
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MonkeyLicker
join:2004-02-03
Hixson, TN | 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? | |
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| Dan Koerner
join:2000-08-05
Clinton, TN | Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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.
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Dan | |
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joepwpb
Premium
join:2000-12-15
West Palm Beach, FL
1 edit | 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 | |
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Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
 ·Comcast
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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. | |
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joepwpb
Premium
join:2000-12-15
West Palm Beach, FL
1 edit | Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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 | |
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Rob
In Deo speramus, God Bless the USA
Premium
join:2001-08-25
Kendall, FL
·Comcast
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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! | |
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technick
Premium
join:2000-12-16
Loganville, GA
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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.
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"Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising everytime we fall." - Confucius - - - - - - - - - - - Streamfire.net- - AIM - CoNFuCiUsNiCk | |
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| | | | adelphiasux
Hope Tw Is Better
join:2003-06-29
Horseheads, NY
| 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-
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Adelphia -Grrrrr | |
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BillyJoeJim
@bellsouth.net
| Don't forget, cable is shared bandwidth. The more people on it, the slower speeds you get. If you have 1000 people on one water pipe and everyone turns on the faucet at the same time, you don't get water pressure. Same with shared bandwidth. BellSouth has no shared bandwidth. Each has its own dedicated bandwidth up to 8 meg. Of course, the more speed, more money. | |
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| | | | | ATLHSI
join:2003-02-13
Roswell, GA
1 edit | Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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. | |
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| | | | | | bmn
? ? ?
Premium,ExMod 2003-06
join:2001-03-15
hiatus
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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.
Switches dude, switches... DSL connections terminate at the DSLAM which is basically a router that switches the DSL connections that terminate at it. Cable doesn't do that at the node.
--
Communism never failed, because it never existed...
Conservatives = enemies of personal freedom || Liberals = enemies of economic freedom | |
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| | watuzi
join:2003-11-21
Port Saint Lucie, FL
| 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
:) | |
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| | Sunpacer
join:2002-04-29
Buford, GA
| Best bet is to go to a domain register such as »www.Godaddy.com and get yourself a domain name for about $8 and keep that as your email address. Simply create an email address, yourname@yourdomain.com, and have it forwarded to your ISP email address, emailaddress@isp.com. Then just send out your new email to everyone, and even if you have to switch providers again, you simply have to forward that email address to your new ISP email address. You will own your own email forever. | |
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| W5JGV
join:2001-02-03
Natchitoches, LA
 ·WildBlue
| 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!! | |
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Hayward
K A R - 1 2 0 C
Premium
join:2000-07-13
Key West, FL
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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.
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»haywardm.com (Hayward's Key West) | |
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slimpickinz
join:2003-11-29
Conyers, GA
| Consider getting yourself a domain 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
You may want to consider getting yourself a domain. Even the bare bones registry will offer several email boxes. For a small fee, as low as $5 a year, you have an email address that will stay the same regardless.
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Visit Us Here! | |
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BillyJoeJim
@bellsouth.net | I called in and found out that because of some of the other services I have, I got an extra $10 off per month. Might want to check, thats $120 per year. | |
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contra21
join:2002-06-12
Theodore, AL | 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?? | |
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Zoder
join:2002-04-16
Miami, FL
| 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. | |
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pro7070
BJ "The Prodigy" Penn
Premium
join:2002-06-28
Inman, SC
| 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. | |
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clecrupt9
join:2002-01-22
GA | An official Bellsouth response may shed some light. What does the Bell say when asked "what the hell is this charge?" | |
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| Zoder
join:2002-04-16
Miami, FL
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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." | |
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See 20 replies to this post |
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| namsu22
join:2003-08-16
Snellville, GA | 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.... | |
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| | elitedreamr
Premium
join:2003-06-24
Acworth, GA | Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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! | |
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hailinfantry
Bizarro Quinn
Premium
join:2004-01-18
Brooklyn, NY | Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 ...since Comcast would never charge you any unusual or unjust fees... | |
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Eddie Gong
@216.127.x.x | 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. | |
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attsbcisgay
join:2003-03-18
Beverly Hills, CA
| 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? | |
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ATLHSI
join:2003-02-13
Roswell, GA | 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? | |
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dandeman
Premium,MVM
join:2001-12-05
Chapel Hill, NC
2 edits | 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... | |
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jtudor
Xm 60's On 6 Freak
Premium,MVM
join:2002-12-07
Morganton, NC
| 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.
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Best of luck
"Do, or Do not, there is no try!" Yoda | |
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timcuth
Braves Fan
Premium
join:2000-09-18
Pelham, AL
clubs:
 ·AT&T Southeast
|  Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97
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." | |
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| kingofdsl
join:2002-12-11
Afton, OK
| 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. | |
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dig_it
join:2001-09-19
Louisville, KY |  Just received my letter today..not very happy | |
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hailinfantry
Bizarro Quinn
Premium
join:2004-01-18
Brooklyn, NY
| 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. | |
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See 10 replies to this post |
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MonkeyLicker
join:2004-02-03
Hixson, TN
| 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. | |
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hailinfantry
Bizarro Quinn
Premium
join:2004-01-18
Brooklyn, NY
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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. | |
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superht1
join:2001-02-22
Kennesaw, GA
·AT&T Southeast
| Re: [Services] My DSL going up $2.97 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 | |
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MonkeyLicker
join:2004-02-03
Hixson, TN
1 edit | 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. | |
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