AT&T Uverse vs Comcast Triple Play

August 20, 2010

We have the Comcast Triple Play package and have been a Comcast customer for 10 years but may soon switch to AT&T Uverse when we move. If you’ve ever had to pay the fees involved when selling your house and buying a house, you’ll know the last thing you want to do when moving is pay another fee!

Comcast Activation Fees

When I called Comcast to switch our cable, internet, and phone service to our new house I found out they’re going to charge me $150 in activation and setup fees.  I asked the customer service rep if he could waive or reduce the fee since we’ve been a customer for 10 years but he refused.

AT&T U-Verse Promotion

So I got online to see what AT&T could do, turns out that not only do they charge a much lower fee, but the latest AT&T Uverse promotion will pay us to become a customer! I’d rather just stay with Comcast because they’ve done a good job for us for 10 years but if they’re going to charge me $150 to remain a customer, what choice do I have?

Switching to AT&T

I’d think it’d be worth it to Comcast to waive or reduce the activation fee to keep me as a customer for another 10 years but apparently it’s not. I’m going to try one more time, I’ll let Comcast know what AT&T is offering me and ask them to waive our fees.  If not I’ll change my transfer work order to a cancel work order and sign up for AT&T Uverse at the new house instead.

Below is the transcript of the web chat I had with AT&T yesterday:

Welcome to AT&T. My name is Jake.

Jake: I will be happy to answer your questions regarding AT&T U-verse products.  To start, could you please tell me which State you’re located in and the zip code?

you: XXXXX

you: Are there installation and activation charges if I switch to U-verse?

Jake: In order to answer your question I’ll need some additional details. Let me ask you a few questions so that I can provide you an accurate answer.

Jake: Which services are you looking to order online today (e.g. Home Phone, Internet and TV)?

you: all 3

Jake: Glad to know that!

Jake: There is a one time TV activation charge of $29.

Jake: Standard installation for the first 3 TV’s, Voice, and 1 computer comes at no additional cost.

Jake: Could you please tell me which TV, Voice, and Internet plan you are interested in so that I can offer the best online promotions today?

you: I’m with comcast, moving 1 mile away and they’re going to charge me $99 hookup fee plus $20 per TV

you: so $29 is much better

Jake: Good to know that!

Jake: AT&T U-verse will get you the best services + satisfaction. Trust me you will love our services and never regret for your decision.

Jake: By ordering any AT&T U-verse TV plan + Internet plan + Voice plan online today you qualify for $300 Visa Reward Card as well.

you: cool, how far out are you scheduling? would I be able to have it setup by next week?

Jake: I do not have the exact date;however, as you proceed, you will receive an option for the installation day and time. You can select your desired date while ordering the service online (if available).

you: ok, I would probably just go with the base package, I don’t see the difference between the $99 on and the $112 one

you: oh, now I see, one has more channels

you: where can I see the list of channels with each package?

Jake: On the order page you get the option to build your own bundle by selecting from different plans. So, you will get the prices depending on your choices.

Jake: Click here to view the Channel Line-up.

you: great, so what do I need to do to get the $300 Visa Reward Card?

Jake: You would just require to place the online order to qualify for the online promotions.

Jake: After you make the selections and able to see ‘Completed’ under the TV, Voice, and Internet section, then click on ‘Continue’ button to proceed to the Shopping Cart page.

Jake: It hardly takes a few minutes to complete your online order, and I am right here to assist you in completing it today.

you: great, thanks for your help!

Ben

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Ben
Ben Edwards, the founder of Money Smart Life, saved up enough to buy a Nintendo back when he was 12 years old. When he used the money to buy shares of Wal-Mart stock instead, he knew he wasn't like the other kids... His addiction to personal finance has paid off for his family and now he's helping you to afford the life that you want. Check him out on the web at Google Plus, Twitter and Facebook.

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Comments

3 Responses to AT&T Uverse vs Comcast Triple Play

  • Margaret

    glad you had a good experience but mine is a nightmare. after calling ATT to lower my monthly phone/internet bill, the rep suggested u-verse. I specifically asked about modem/equipment and installation charges, fees, etc and was told there were none and I would receive $200 in gift cards. Imagine my surprise when I received a bill for $218, most of which were charges. and I will get my first monthly bill, larger than my original before I switched services. Customer service is looking into this and I am waiting for a call back.

  • The Biz of Life

    I got rid of my land line and cable tv because I was sick of their constantly rising prices and all the stuff they nickled and dimed me over. I do have internet, but that is it. Haven’t regretted the decision.

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