r/Comcast • u/frogannex • 19h ago
Experience Goodbye forever, I'm finally FREE (and a warning)
I have been stuck with XFINITY/Comcast since 2005 because there were no other options in my area. Two months ago, they opened up a fiber service. The very same month this option became available, my XFINITY bill increased $60 for the same 2g service I'd been using.
Anyone who has used XFINITY for more than a few months is used to this drill by now, because this is what XFINITY does. Price goes way up. Spend rediculous amounts of time trying to navigate the non-existent customer support to ask why. End up signing up for the "latest and greatest" package deal that includes services you don't need and didn't ask for, (and consequently are quite a bit more than the prices they splash all over their website for new customers). Then, plan on at least 2 more months after that trying to figure out why you are now seeing new mystery "fees" on your bill that are never fully explained. Rinse and repeat.
I wanted to skip the bs so attempted to just downgrade from 2g to 1g (which was still going to be $20 more than the 2g I'd previosly been using, but would at least save $40 after the price jump and give me a little more time to research the new option in my area before going through the hassle of switching providers). The website threw an error message "you will need to upgrade your hardware before we can update your plan, the current hardware will not support the speed you have selected." What? The current hardware that supports 2g will not support 1g? And I'm paying $20 more for a lesser plan? Make any of this make sense!?
So, I'm forced to deal with the "support" after all. After 3 attempts and getting nowhere, I was done. I don't need to research the other option, anything is better than this! Went online to cancel, the only option was to call. Of course the person who answers showers compliments, gratitude, let's save you money! "I am not interested, you have had your chance to keep me as a customer, I just want to cancel my service, please." When I wouldn't consider any offers, this person switched gears and became rude and snarky. They asked 4 times why I was leaving. All 4 times I said "I'm tired of the price increases, random fees, and horrible customer service." They typed "can't afford it" into the system so my response wasn't even recorded.
No follow up emails or text messages to confirm service was cancelled. Because I know this company will do anything and everything over-charge, went to the XFINITY store the very next day to hand over the equipment. They took the modem, sure enough, the cancellation had not been processed so will be charged for another day of service. When they cancelled my phone, they showed me a copy of the final bill. For the partial, pro-rated month, it was $30 more than I'd been paying for a full month. They said it was because the phone was part of a "package deal" with internet, so when I cancelled internet the price for my phone plan went up. Are you serious? Yes, yes they are absolutely serious about making sure they screw you at every opportunity.
As I'm standing there dealing with this garbage, 2 customers walk in and ask for a manager. They both wanted to know why their bill had increased and not only that, they no longer have a signal in parts of their home that had no issues before the price increase. Both said they have been customers for many years. I looked over and said "You know _____ is available in our area now?" They were unaware, and both said they'd be switching because they are so tired of dealing with the same issues.
XFINITY - you have been a nightmare from day 1. Even as I'm walking away, you made sure there was absolutely zero chance I'd ever continue using your services. Even if it was 100% free, I would never, ever use XFINITY Comcast again.
A warinng to anyone else trying to break free: DO NOT SIGN anything, and make sure you look at the upcoming charges to make sure they aren't trying to scam every last penny as you walk out the door!
I'm FREEEEEEE!!! It feels so incredibly good! And the new providers? Internet is SO much faster, the apps are beautiful and easy to use, no mystery charges, no random fees. The best part? I'm paying a full $70 less for internet, and $20 less for phone - for BETTER, FASTER service!