Shave your cable:

[question everything]

Shave your cable: Want to know how a cheapskate (that would be me) handles a cable upgrade? Comcast's basic cable costs about $16 a month but since a low-priced introductory digital package got me hooked on the high-definition channels and the info guide from the HD cable box, I now pay an extra $7 a month for the HD channels and set-top box rental. Mind you, this is not standard cable that costs about $50 a month for more than 60 channels. Basic is only about 30 channels. Be forewarned: Many readers have told me that Comcast staffers don't want to acknowledge that basic exists, so you may have to ask for a supervisor. Remind the person that the federal "buy-through provision" requires cable companies to offer the el-cheapo basic plus, if desired, premium channels without an upgrade for an extra amount. Estimated savings: $400 per year or $35 per month.

From http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/yourmoney/25731844.html?page=2&c=y

[SomeGuyInEagan]

1. A friend did just that ...

... and actually in the Twin Cities (the article referenced is from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune).

His intention was to get Comcast basic at about $10 a month, add Comcast broadband Internet access ($50 a month) and then add a satellite subscription. The Comcast basic/broadband bundle was cheaper than Comcast broadband access alone - I believe that is still the situation.

After setting up the Comcast service, by the time he got around to setting up the dish subscription they rarely watched TV anyway and just stuck with the basic/broadband package.

[LiberalFighter]

3. It is still cheaper for the package than just broadband.

[jtrockville]

2. Here's the FAQs

It's the tier buy-through prohibition (it prohibits cable companies from making you buy all available tiers in order to get the one tier you want):
http://www.fcc.gov/mb/facts/DOC-231469A1.pdf

If your cable provider won't acknowledge the basic tier (locals + PEGs), report them to your local franchise authority (LFA). By law, the cable company must provide LFA contact information to you. Normally they do it on the back of the part of the bill you tear off and send in (if you mail your payment).

[Breeze54]

4. I did 'shave' mine... I fired them!

:P

[CountAllVotes]

5. no dish here

I don't want one. AT&T will give me one for free. That way they can monitor all that goes on here in my home. F_ them!

:dem: