QWest + Cox = hassle (Tempe: work, company, costs)

[Andre5140]

Originally Posted by aj661

We finally went with Cox for everything. I think what we have is called "expanded" basic. The one down side about the phone I hadn't considered when we switched to Cox was when the power goes out. With Qwest, we still had the phone, but with Cox everything went down. It's not a big deal though because 1) the power almost never goes out anymore and 2) we have cell phones in addition to the land line. We haven't had a single problem with cable internet in the 1.5 years we've had it.

Thanks aj! yeah, Expanded basic is what I'm looking for....channels like Fox News, CNN, Lifetime, TBS, TNT and stuff like that.

Expanded Basic and Internet. I will be living in a campground for 1 year or maybe a little less so only need those 2 things. For phone, I'll rely on my cell.

I'm assumined I'll get abetter deal if i combine those 2 services with one company? I was curious if Cox or Qwest would be cheaper for those 2 services.

Thanks all!

[sablebaby]

Qwest = Hassle. I hate Qwest, so I got rid of them years ago and went with Cox for everything. They are much better and I could care less if it's more or less expensive. Qwest was one headache after another.

[HX_Guy]

Originally Posted by silverbear

One thing to keep in mind is that if you have an alarm system with monitoring service, the system will not be able to call in to report an alarm if the power is out and your phone service is power-dependent. This is an unlikey scenario, but something to keep in mind.

They have alarm systems now that use a cell phone signal to call in and report an alarm.

[AksarbeN]

Cox can provide good video but there have been some problems with them in my neighborhood. I believe picking a provider has alot to do with where you are living in the valley or other cities in the state. Not all neighborhoods are equal - cox may do a good job in one area but not all. Same thing goes for Qwest - some of the neighborhoods can’t have all of their services. Cox telephone service is dead whenever the power is out in the neighborhood, again some areas have more trouble then others. The last thing I want to find is picking up the phone to call and find that there is no dial tone, storm/power outage or not. Emergencies happen only once in a lifetime, and dial tone gets the call to 911. Cell phones have had problems with call trace in the past but things are improving in that area, you just have to make sure that the battery in the cell phone is always good.

I had mistakenly deleted my browser software that was recently added to the pc for the new DSL from Qwest about a month ago. I was able to make one phone call today and Qwest had helped me get everything reinstalled within 20 minutes total time. The person on the other end at Qwest was very knowledgeable and helpful.

When all things are equal in an area of town, Qwest has a better price package and service then Cox. I don’t have Cox for video because of all the original problems with cable service locally in my area. I couldn’t get Qwest video so I went to Dish for video and I’m happy with the price and quality. Qwest gives me the best rate for Long Distance, DSL, and local service 24-7 and no outages “ever” power on or off. My cell phone battery seems to always be dead or low every time I’ve needed to use it. I don’t rely on cell phone service other then when I’m away from home.

I’ve asked Cox to match Qwest dollar for dollar and they can’t. Again, I don’t can’t get video from Qwest but Dish is great.

Now can someone help me get Salt River Power and get off APS electric?

[aj661]

Originally Posted by AksarbeN

Now can someone help me get Salt River Power and get off APS electric?

Livin' in the wrong part of town friend, sorry! . APS is a huge ripoff!
Even though Cox may cost a little more for internet, I'm spoiled by the speed. The difference between Cox and Qwest is very noticeable and for me, it's well worth it. Having entered the 2nd and undoubtedly last half century of my life, faster computers, faster internet, faster cars, (better stop here before I get in trouble) etc. are important .

[Andre5140]

Originally Posted by AksarbeN

Now can someone help me get Salt River Power and get off APS electric?

Hmm....what town or part of the valley do you live in? Why is APS so bad? I'll be living in Tempe...will I get to choose my providers for electricity?

Sounds like Cox is a tad more money but better service and internet speed based on what I'm hearing. Here in Michigan, Comcast is my internet provider and they provide the cable modem (that you give back if you cancelled service). Is it the same deal with Cox?

Thanks for all your help!

[AksarbeN]

Salt River is getting low priced government generated power at Roosevelt Dam and APS is a profit driven corp. getting higher priced power from another energy corporation.

[Andre5140]

Originally Posted by AksarbeN

Salt River is getting low priced government generated power at Roosevelt Dam and APS is a profit driven corp. getting higher priced power from another energy corporation.

Alrighty. So how do we get power from the provider we choose?

[aj661]

Originally Posted by Andre5140

Alrighty. So how do we get power from the provider we choose?

By living in an area that uses the provider you want. No other way. We don't get a choice.

[Andre5140]

Originally Posted by aj661

By living in an area that uses the provider you want. No other way. We don't get a choice.

Sorry to be such a rookie here and dwelling on the subject...

What about Tempe? Specifically, areas new ASU. Which electrical provider do they have?