We are one of the legion of people who have cable TV. Our reception is so bad that we wouldn't bother to turn the TV on if we didn't have cable or dish reception.
About two weeks ago, DH turned the TV on and discovered there was absolutely no picture. We had a fuzzy gray screen and noisey static. So, he called to report that we were having a problem.
If you have never experienced cable, the first thing they do is ask you to dry some things at home so they can run a diagnostic through the lines. In our case, they were unable to assist us, so they arranged for a repairman to come out on Monday. (One entire weekend without cable, so far. And nobody missed it.)
The repairman asked me if I knew what the problem was. I looked at him in exasperation and said "That's YOUR job!" He did his job, and found that the neighbors had sliced the line when they installed an invisible fence for their dog.
He fixed it in no time flat.
So....we enjoy TV for the week, and on Friday, it goes out again. DH calls to report the problem, and we're told there is an outage in our area. We call back the next day to tell them we STILL don't have cable and we go the diagnostic root again. No luck. Okay....a repairman will be at your house next FRIDAY afternoon. Will someone be at home?
So, we spent the week mostly without TV. Oddly, the local channels and the lowest number cable channels came in, but most of what we pay for was missing. You'd think they would worry about letting us go a week without TV. We might realize that there are other ways to entertain ourselves that are cheaper, more fun, and perhaps better for us.
So, today, the same young cable repairman shows up with a new digital box. In talking with him, I discovered that it was most likely Comcast who messed up the box, trying to shift all their clients over to the new system. He installs a new box and discovers that it won't work. It's a refurbished box from the home of a smoker.....
He goes out the the truck and brings in a new box, and hooks it up.
Remind me next time to TRY the TV before letting the repairman go. We have picture, but no sound. (sigh)
I'm thinking this isn't worth the frustration.
Did I train the customer service staff at your cable company? Or was it just the repair staff?
If you're up for another giggle, try withholding the portion of your bill for which you did not have cable service.
Sure sounds like a typical month to me. You have my empathy!
Wow! Sounds a little scary! I didn't think that service would be all that bad in the U.S. I agree with the previous commenter, withhold the part of the payment for the outage period
Frustration! Time to switch providers??
Our cable was excellent, before the digital and after ... just a bit pixelly looking on the larger tv, so we went for a dish (excellent on both tvs!)
... do you have to give your money to this one company that is obviously not providing very decent service?
Des, I'm willing to give them one more chance. I've talked with them six times in the past 24 hours (inluding two LIVE visits) and it's still not working.
The good news is, they have given me credit for the first two weeks of October. At least, they said they did. I'll find out in a couple of weeks.
They've tested, and it appears that the second receiver they put in is also malfunctioning. No guide, nothing above channel 99, no movies, no sports, no news...yada yada yada....
Essay....these guys are pleasant but they don't have a CLUE!!
Buffy, pleasant is fine and dandy, but a little technical know how would be desirable.
Strangely, my sister who lives in Maryland was having problems with the said Comcast when I was viiting her earlier this year.