We’ll be moving into our new house in a few weeks, and one of the key impending decisions for us is: what to do about TV and internet coverage?
At our old house we went with cable-based service provided by Time Warner. Our TV and internet coverage was generally reliable, but it was expensive and we really grew to dislike — actually, “hate” is more accurate — Time Warner and its employees’ collective attitude about customer service. They seemed to revel in making us jump through stupid hoops for no apparent reason. We won’t go back to TW because we know we’ll just end up infuriated. WOW is the other cable provider in Columbus, but its on-line reviews seem extremely mixed — it’s great or it’s awful, with not much in between.
The second option is a satellite service. Our new house already has a dish on the roof. I think it for DirecTV, but I haven’t paid attention because I don’t like the idea of a dish on my roof. Now I think it needs to be considered as an alternative. However, satellite services seem to only provide TV and “partner” with another company to offer internet — which just means, apparently, that we’ll have to deal with two providers rather than one.
A third option is AT&T U-Verse “internet TV,” which would provide one-stop internet and TV. The house we’re staying in now has it and we haven’t had any service problems, but the TV offerings are limited and don’t include some of the “basic cable” channels that we’ve come to like, such as the Big Ten Network. Of course, that may just be a matter of getting a different package. The more high-end TV channels, too, aren’t simple to get to and involve juggling multiple remotes.
And the final option is: only internet service and no TV. Since we’ve been at this house, I’ve gone for days without watching any TV. We’ve got friends who’ve forsaken TV and seem perfectly content. Maybe that’s an option — but I think we’d regret it when the next seasons of Game of Thrones and The Leftovers start and I want to watch a football game.
We want to make an informed decision in selecting among a confusing array of choices. I’d be very interested in any thoughts on these options, and particularly in personal experiences with WOW, DirecTV or Dish, and AT&T U-Verse.
Reblogged this on robert's space and commented:
pls leave room for the audiences of foxnews.
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I have a pretty basic AT&T plan, no premium channels, but it includes Big Ten Network. I also have Internet and dvr. I’m happy with it and have been happy with service too. I left Time Warner for the same reasons you mentioned and I’m glad I did.
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We moved from a city to a rural setting seven months ago. Since we moved out in the country our options were somewhat limited. We ended up going with internet through the cable company and no TV service. Instead we have been using our laptop as our TV and have a paid Hulu subscription. We have also been able to find live streaming for special events and a few of our favorite shows from their networks. We also use You Tube for music and movies. We’re always looking for ways to do things better, but so far it’s working for us.
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We have DirecTV and they partner with FairPoint for DSL. Our satellite bill is $70 monthly, no premium channels and our internet bill is $24 monthly. I’m not satisfied but have limited options in the hinterland.
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How have you been, EJ? Happy New Year!
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I’m working like it’s my job, WB, it’s crazy! I don’t have any time to be the slacker I aspire to be. I need to read back to find out more about you and Kish and the big move. Yes, Happy New Year to you too!
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