FIGHT THE COMCAST
So I decided to write an e-mail to Comcast to express my displeasure with their decisions on the new Big Ten Network and also the NFL Network. They are trying to put both channels on their “sports tier”.
I was surprised when I received an e-mail reply tonight. But I wasn’t surprised that “Keith” the “Comcast Customer Care Specialist” did a little cut and paste job in his response. You’d think a “specialist” would be able to craft his own riposte. Instead I received a blah, blah, blah and an interesting non sequitur.
First though, here is my e-mail:
It’s ridiculous that you are putting the NFL Network on the sports
tier. If you had initially done that when the network did not broadcast
games, it would have been acceptable. But now that they do show games
you are putting it on a pay tier and it’s obvious it’s a money grab.
Also aggravating is that you are trying to put the Big Ten Network on a
pay tier. That would be acceptable for most of the country–but here in
the Midwest?
Are you trying to make people switch to Dish and DirecTv? If so I’ll
venture to say it’s working.
Now here is the response. He must have forgot to paste some pertinent information.
Thank you for contacting Comcast Cable. I apologize for the inconvience.
The Big Ten would like for us to offer their Big Ten Network as part of
our expanded basic package, which would increase costs to the majority
of our customers, including those who are not interested in receiving
the Big Ten conference games.
We want to offer the Big Ten Network in a way that is fair to all of our
customers – both to fans of Big Ten schools and other customers – the
majority of which are not Big Ten fans. We think that the best and
fairest way to bring the network to customers is to make it available as
part of our Sports Entertainment package in the eight-state Big Ten
region, and as an individual subscription package (similar to MLB Extra
Innings) for customers that are not located in these areas. That way,
Big Ten fans would be able to subscribe to the Big Ten network, while
the majority of our customers who are not Big Ten fans would not be
burdened by paying the high costs of their network.
The case involved our ability to offer the NFL Network on a digital
sports tier. We’re pleased that the NY Supreme Court ruled in Comcast’s
favor allowing us to move ahead with having the NFL Network on a Digital
Sports Tier. This allows our customers who are NFL fans to watch the NFL
Network, while those who aren’t NFL Fans won’t be burdened with extra
costs.
What?? So it was ok to put NFL Network on a regular package but now when they show actual games it goes on the pay tier? Whatever. I’ll be moving to a dish soon enough.
