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General discussion

Negotiating with an internet company

May 4, 2009 9:58AM PDT

I was wondering if anybody had some experience dealing with the companies that provide internet services.

I recently called up Comcast to try and get cable internet installed. They offered me a deal at $19 a month. Problem being, I had an account with them years ago (in 2004) and cancelled it, and apparently there was still a balance left over which the phone rep said I'd have to pay before I could get service.

I don't remember owing anything back then. I figured they'd be happy to have a new customer and would work things out, but after talking to 4 separate people, I kept getting the same message. Pay the old amount first, or forget it. No compromise, no negotiating.

This seems strange to me. Is this typical in the industry? I figured it was so long ago, they'd let it go. I'm wondering if there is a way, some person or department to contact in order who would be sympathetic and wave the old balance. It's not a lot, just enough to be annoying.

Or is Comcast a company that just isn't gonna cry uncle? There isn't much competition in my area, unfortunately.

Discussion is locked

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I know exactly how it is,
May 4, 2009 11:48AM PDT

because I am in the same boat as you are. I am not about to hand Time Warner my money when it's not my fault. The mistake was made by Adelphia (they bought Adelphia). Of course I am not tied to them as you might be (I got other alternative).

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Is this typical in the industry?
May 4, 2009 11:26PM PDT

Of course it is. Why would they give you service when you might cancel again? When you pay what is owed, you get service.

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I can't say for other,
May 5, 2009 2:24AM PDT

but for me I don't owe them a cent. It was their mistake (I won't go into it). It was their screw-up between the front office or installer and the accounting department.