[brianlees]

Like many on this board, I received a postcard from Comcast saying I could get two additional digital boxes free for one year. It is clear that they are making a push to strip analog from their systems.


My question to everyone is this - what happens one or two years down the road when they do force the switch? Are they going to force everyone to rent additional boxes at additional costs? I already give Comcast $125 a month (cable modem, no premium channels). It would seem within reason that they could throw in two or three digital boxes since:


- they have had record profits (if I recall) several quarters/years in a row

- people are going to be pissed that their TVs won't work anymore without paying for a box

- although I don't know the exact costs involved with the boxes, I can't imagine they are that high and Comcast will make that money back within a few months (or less!)


Thoughts? Am I that far off base? I would love to hear what others think. Should I be talking to my Congressman/Senator about this (not that they ever do anything for people since I don't have millions of dollars to donate to their campaigns)?


Thanks


Brian

 

[mjones73]

"Should I be talking to my Congressman/Senator about this (not that they ever do anything for people since I don't have millions of dollars to donate to their campaigns)?"


Why? Comcast isn't doing anything illegal nor are you forced to use their service.

 

[Tulpa]



Quote:
Originally Posted by brianlees /forum/post/0


It would seem within reason that they could throw in two or three digital boxes since:


- they have had record profits (if I recall) several quarters/years in a row

I think that's kind of irrelevant. They're a company in a capitalistic economy. If they're making money, and can get away with making more money, they'll do it. Unless:

Quote:
- people are going to be pissed that their TVs won't work anymore without paying for a box

That would be their motivation to provide free boxes. They want to keep customers.

Quote:
- although I don't know the exact costs involved with the boxes, I can't imagine they are that high and Comcast will make that money back within a few months (or less!)

I imagine those boxes aren't cheap. From the cost of Canadian boxes, it looks like they cost at least a couple hundred.