No good Internet-only choices in Atlanta (Alpharetta, Gray: promotional, buying, live in)

[AlDesign]

I'm looking for a better Internet-only choice and there is little to choose from. I tried to upgrade U-Verse from 12Mbps to higher and was told there was nothing higher in my area (Alpharetta). Streaming on U-Verse can be slow at times. Comcast only has up to 6Mbps for Internet-only (which I confirmed with two people) unless you want to pay $70 after intro rate to get unnecessary TV together with it. I have not paid for satellite or cable in over 6 years and don't even want it now. Is there some other choice here?

[atltechdude]

Comcast is really your only choice for faster speeds.

And while it's true the internet only tops out at 6mpbs, that plan is $50 per month, whereas the $70 month plan is 25mbps. So for $20 more per month you get 4 times the speed plus basic TV and HBO. Seems like a good value for $20 to me.

Secondly, you can always try and get a new promotional rate after the first year. It's pretty easy to do.

[taurus2000]

I'm going on my second year of Comcast $29.99 6Mbps internet. It's still a promotional offer where the price is only for 6 months, but when I call to cancel for uverse, they extend the deal.

I'm not sure of your user case, but for your comparison, I'm a heavy Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Video streamer all in HD. I'm also a heavy downloader and constantly connected with phone and iPad not to mention 2 Rokus and 2 computers.

I've not yet had a problem with bandwidth. Hope this helps you make your decision.

[mike929]

I'm with Comcast 100Mb down 20Mb up. I was paying 79.99 it's now 105 and Comcast has implemented a 300Gb monthly limit. When you exceed this you will get extra charges. I live in Grayson and don't really have another option.

[noah]

Yikes, $80 or even 105 per month. That is $1,260 a year.

[flyonpa]

I'm on the I think im 6/10Mbs $45 from Clear (now Sprint).

I run lots of streaming, heavy computer use. Have not had issue with bandwidth.

[Tarzanman]

The 300GB limit has me considering options other than Comcast.

[erick295]

In many areas there are no other options because Comcast has a pseudo-monopoly on both cable and broadband, and since merging with NBC/Universal they now control the production, sale, and distribution of content, as well as the availability of their only serious competitor (the Internet).

Comcast is doing everything they can to prevent consumers from streaming video in leu of buying cable service. So far they have restricted bandwidth to non-cable subscribers, introduced data limits, and most recently worked to make it possible to restrict access to particular sites (no doubt with the intent to extort companies like Netflix).

The actions of Comcast are immoral and should be illegal. It's beyond time for the government to protect our access to Internet service, but that's never going to happen until citizens have more influence than corporate lobbyists.

[mike929]

The cap from Comcast has me wishing i had other alternatives.

[mike929]

Originally Posted by erick295

In many areas there are no other options because Comcast has a pseudo-monopoly on both cable and broadband, and since merging with NBC/Universal they now control the production, sale, and distribution of content, as well as the availability of their only serious competitor (the Internet).

Comcast is doing everything they can to prevent consumers from streaming video in leu of buying cable service. So far they have restricted bandwidth to non-cable subscribers, introduced data limits, and most recently worked to make it possible to restrict access to particular sites (no doubt with the intent to extort companies like Netflix).

The actions of Comcast are immoral and should be illegal. It's beyond time for the government to protect our access to Internet service, but that's never going to happen until citizens have more influence than corporate lobbyists.

I totally agree with you!