By jonetta rose barras Examiner Columnist It’s easy to understand why Comcast donated $10,000 to the D.C. Democratic State Committee through Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray. The cable company’s license soon will be up for renewal; it may need some help from its friends.
Politicos may enjoy a good relationship with Comcast. But some customers are taking a beating: “Comcast has been playing the bait-and-switch game for the past few years,” said one subscriber, who, like others I spoke with, requested anonymity.
Once upon a time, Comcast offered a generous package of more than 50 channels to its limited basic and basic subscribers. In recent years, there has been a steady reduction, leaving those customers with fewer than two dozen channels.
“It’s been reduced to the point that you’re better off with one of those converter boxes the government provided last year and an antennae,” said another basic customer.
“We know and understand that channel changes can cause some customers discomfort, and they are difficult decisions for us to make,” Comcast spokeswoman Alisha Martin said, adding the company has been rolling out its so-called World of More initiative.
“Expanded basic analog channels were moved to digital format, and digital equipment is now needed to view those channels,” Martin continued. Customers have been offered up to “three pieces of digital equipment at no additional monthly charge to receive all their programming — additional digital channels, On Demand and more.”
Those who decline the World of More are “automatically moved to limited basic service,” Martin continued.
She failed to mention the “new” limited basic service has far fewer channels. (Goodbye, MSNBC, ESPN, A&E, etc.). And, according to Comcast customer service representatives, the company would begin charging for that digital equipment after the promotional period.
“That’s a shrewd scheme to keep [customers] satisfied and quiet while [Comcast] massages politicians,” a subscriber said. “Once it receives its new license, it will hit us all with a thumping monthly bill. By then, they would have received their license and suckered all of us into paying more.”
Is that what Comcast means by the World of More?
“I don’t agree it’s a bait and switch,” said Eric Richardson, director of the D.C. Office of Cable Television, which regulates Comcast. He defended the company’s right to upgrade from analog to digital — although he hadn’t heard about “any promotional period.” He agreed there should be a “discussion” about lowering the rates for those subscribers receiving fewer channels, and offered that as a “basic customer” he currently pays $199 per month for digital service.
Richardson confirmed Comcast’s license is up for renewal in 2012; preliminary discussions have begun. He said there are limits imposed by the Federal Communications Commission on what local governments can demand.
“We are looking for a stronger franchise agreement,” he added.
Don’t expect that. Unless the council jumps in before 2012, things could get worse: Comcast and NBC Universal are poised to merge.
Goodbye, NBC 4. Hello bait and switch, part five.
Jonetta rose barras can be reached at [email protected].
