Time Warner Cable, are you paying too much?

[bobsbrat]

 

http://www.wgrz.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=46859

 

Are You Paying Too Much for Time Warner Cable?

 

 

Posted by: Mike Igoe, Reporter

Created: 4/4/2007 4:20:02 PM

Updated: 4/4/2007 5:18:40 PM

 

 

Tom Stasio of Amherst is a Time Warner cable customer.

 

He's had cable in his house since Adelphia originally owned the company.Recently when asking Time Warner some questions about his bill, he got a surprise.

 

"I discovered there's two differen't rates, says Stasio. "There's an Adelphia rate and a Time warner rate. I found the Time Warner rate was less, almost $11 a month."

 

Tom claims he got the lower rate only because he asked about options.

 

Tom says that if he had not spoken up, he would still be paying the Adelphia rate.

 

Tom tells 2 On Your Side to get the lower price, he didn't change anything in his service.

 

"I don't think they'd hesitate to tell me my rates have gone up," says Stasio. "But to covertly discover a lesser amount, I don't think is fair to me or other subscribers."

 

Since others have pointed this out to 2 On Your Side, we asked Time Warner about it.

 

Mike Igoe: "Customers who used to be with Adelphia found out there's a Time Warner rate that's less expensive for the same package, same channels. How is this happening?"

 

Robin Wolfgang, Time Warner Cable: "Time Warner Cable, as a national company, has cable packages that differ from what Adelphia was offering."

 

Mike Igoe: "What can you say to existing customers who feel they paid too much since Time Warner took over?"

 

Robin Wolfgang: "Time Warner came into the market and adverised with print, radio, television and even sent flyers to people. I think it's up to the customer to be educated as to what's out there for them."

 

Time Warner says there will not be any credits for people who paid the higher Adelphia rate. They do suggest you call the company and ask about all the options that are available.

 

Robin Wolfgang: "People just need to pick the package that works best for them and then they'll get the best price."

 

If you want to find out if you're getting the best rate from Time Warner you can call them at (866) 668-6044.

 

Phone lines are open 24 hours a day.

[bobsbrat]

I called and lowered my bill by $16.00 a month. I was told that I was sent a mailer in my TW bill but the woman on the phone couldn't tell me when I recieved it. She also said it was on TV and radio. How did I miss it? Did you miss it?

 

My question: How can a company charge two different rates for the same product? I think this could be a good case for the Attorney General to look at.

 

 

Oh yeah, I also asked about my credit for the October storm. Due to the fact that I was "missing a code", they didn't give my my credit. I had that corrected as well.

[ParoxysM]

This is true and old news. They did put in it the monthly bill during switch over period, but just like our back statements, everything goes in the trash instantly except the bill itself. You have to call and get your package/rate codes switched to obtain a new rate. It is against FCC regulations for TWC to switch everyone's package/rate codes to another, whether to lower or raise the price.

 

SNEAKY TWC BASTARDS!!

[PurSuiT]

BTW: if you are paying the Adelphia rate and push the subject enuff on the phone you can get any current TW new customer specials (like the 6 moth deals).

[ParoxysM]

What was your IEX login PurSuit?

[irons]

no love for me. Still on orginal Rochester.RR.com

[bobsbrat]

This is true and old news. They did put in it the monthly bill during switch over period, but just like our back statements, everything goes in the trash instantly except the bill itself. You have to call and get your package/rate codes switched to obtain a new rate. It is against FCC regulations for TWC to switch everyone's package/rate codes to another, whether to lower or raise the price.

 

SNEAKY TWC BASTARDS!!

 

They advertised they had different packages to chose from. I do not recall them telling me I had to call them to change my rate code. Where was that part? I certainly didn't hear that on the TV or radio. See the article below and read what is in red. This article was put up today.

 

If they did just advertise that they had different packages to chose from and I was happy with what I was getting already, they why the hell would I call them up to change to something I already have?

 

And when I did call and spoke to Lindsey the customer service rep, she DID say that MY SERVICE will NOT change. So I am in fact paying $16.00 a month less than I did two days ago for the exact same service per Time Warner.

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------

Time Warner Cable: Call to Cut Your Costs

 

 

Posted by: Mike Igoe, Reporter

Created: 4/5/2007 4:29:10 PM

Updated: 4/5/2007 9:31:21 PM

 

 

Jeff Mott is another Time Warner customer who discovered former Adelphia customers could get a lower rate on their cable bills.

 

Jeff's monthly rate was reduced by $14 but only because he asked. Then the company asked him...

 

Jeff Mott, Time Warner Customer: "Would I like to do that? I really wanted to say No! I'd like to continue paying $14 more a month than I should be! I certainly switched at that point."

 

Jeff says he then sent an email to the company saying..

 

Jeff Mott: "I want a $14 a month credit for the past 8 months now. They have not responded to that email yet."

 

On Wednesday, Time Warner told 2 On Your Side they wouldn't be issuing credits claiming they extensively advertised all their new programs and services. So it was customer's responsibility to call.

Jeff Mott: "Their advertisement at no point as I recall said call us and get a better rate than what you're currently paying."

 

Since many of you have asked..2 On Your side asked Time Warner if they'd reconsider their position.

 

Mike Igoe: "Our viewers don't understand why they have to ask to get the lower rate. Why isn't Time Warner doing this automatically?"

 

Robin Wolfgang, Time Warner: "Adelphia and Time Warner are two different companies. There really is no way to say someone is getting the exact same services or exact same package. So the packages we offer come with a very low rate. We are pleased to offer that to Western New York."

 

Mike Igoe: "So people who say they're getting a lower rate for the same thing are not truly getting the same thing?"

 

Wolfgang: "It's not the same thing."

 

Jeff Mott's not satisfied with Time Warner's explanation. That's why he's filing a complaint with the Federal Communications Commission.

 

Click here to file a complaint on-line with the FCC.

[PurSuiT]

Want to save money? Go with pir-8 sat or free-to-air sat or even over-the-air HD! damn even rabit ears will take care of the whole issue! or else call up and get your bill changed. When there is lower priced gas at a station of the same brand 4 blocks away are they required to tell you? I think not.

[B.Ob.]

Want to save money? Go with pir-8 sat or free-to-air sat or even over-the-air HD! damn even rabit ears will take care of the whole issue! or else call up and get your bill changed. When there is lower priced gas at a station of the same brand 4 blocks away are they required to tell you? I think not.

 

/me looks at wire coming into house... /me whispers.... its the same....

[ParoxysM]

TWC call center was swamped yesterday after Mike reported about this, everyone bitchin and complainin. The thing he forgot to point out (probably because he didnt know), some people's rates went up after switching to the "TWC rate" and the grandfathered Adelphia rate was cheaper. Generally this wasnt the case, but it was for some. Most people called, screamed, escalated and saved $2/mon. Very few people saved > $10/mon.