Charter cable customers to become Comcast, if TWC deal is approved. (system, Time Warner)

[SoCalTechie]

I live in Pasadena an area served by Charter Communications. So I just found out that if the Comcast-Time Warner Cable deal (that is currently pending approval) is approved, not only will Time Warner Cable customers will become Comcast, but also Charter customers as well due to a agreement between Comcast and Charter to divest some TWC customers, and swap customers in certain territories so that both companies have a major presence in a geographical area.

Comcast, Charter execute blockbuster customer swap

I'm a bit concerned because although Charter may not be the best cable provider,(and I've had my share of problem with them in the past) they are not so bad when you compare them with Comcast. Comcast is notorious for their strictly enforced internet caps, and their overages if you go exceed your internet usage, they purposely slow down your Netflix streaming regardless on what internet speed you're subscribed to.

Some of the "pros" if the deal goes through is that we will finally have better equipment. The Charter cable boxes are very bulky and ugly, and the UI is very outdated and old. At least the Comcast has nice and more modern Cable boxes, and other equipment too.

I personally hope that this deal doesn't get approved because it will make Comcast a very big and dominant company (than it already is). What do you guys think?

[eggalegga]

Can't say anything about Comcast internet service as I don't have internet at home. But don't get too excited over Comcast's newer equipment. The new X1 DVRs are riddled with bugs. Here's a link to their message boards where customers have posted their concerns/opinions/problems.

I have 2 DVRs that are not X1. They have their issues from time to time, but I'm avoiding the "upgrade" to X1 like the plague. Comcast's customer service is useless when troubleshooting tv problems that can't be solved with a reboot to the signal. If they can't fix your problem with a reboot, they'll want to send out a technician. There is no true customer service troubleshooting over the phone.

[Pruzhany]

Originally Posted by SoCalTechie

Comcast is notorious for their strictly enforced internet caps, and their overages if you go exceed your internet usage, they purposely slow down your Netflix streaming regardless on what internet speed you're subscribed to.

I've had them for decades. They have never enforced the internet cap in my experience. We're on the 105 plan and some days we've caught them ratcheting back into the 70's (usually happens when too many computers are running). So we call into their 1800# and have a reset done and back we go to where we pay to be within a few minutes. Just keep a speed test link on your computer and you'll be fine. As to Netflix, they consider them competition to their On Demand. So if you have an older Netflix box you may have to replace it. But keep in mind that Netflix buffers what you are watching. So if Comcast slows down the signal you'll only notice it in the few first few minutes. But Netflix has gotten revenge on Comcast by allowing three units in the same IP zone (same cable modem) to play different downloads at the same time. Also Netflix now allows up to six units to be activated in their system.

[jzeig104]

Well, I have Comcast by choice as I have had many other providers and prefer Comcast-even though they have a huge monopoly in this area. Now I find out that with this merger we will NOT have Comcast in this area. (I think it will be Charter, but not sure). So I am very leery. Our Senator, Al Franken, has communicated with many people in the industry, including Netflix, and Netflix is concerned, as are many, that this will result in even more of a monopoly and price increases and underhanded price fixing, etc. I saw the letter the head of Netflix sent to Mr. Franken. What we need are MORE providers, not fewer.