Is Comcast my only option? (Rule: lease, month-to-month, townhouse)

[juilletdix]

Moving into a townhouse off Waugh, zipcode 77019, in 2 weeks and I'm trying to get all my utilities set up.

I was really bummed to learn ATT U-verse is not available in this area (What's up with that?).

I'm looking over the available options with Comcast...all I want is TV and internet because we use a VOIP. Comcast doesn't offer a lot of options and the "special deals" I'm seeing for new customers require a 2-year commitment. We're only signing a 1-yr lease, so that isn't going to work.

What other (good) options are out there? I'm guessing Comcast is the only option for cable TV, but is there another internet service provider in that area. I looked at Clear, but the reviews scared me off.

[chris_ut]

Typically your only option for internet is cable or dsl so find out who the local phone provider is. If you plan to use voip ask for "naked dsl" which does not include phone.

[NTT]

Have you checked Dish Network and Direct TV? Both are available in our areas, have internet services and satellite networks (more tv channels availability too).

Dish Network: DISH Satellite TV Packages From $19.99. Ask About HD Free For Life.
Direct TV: http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/index.jsp?topnavtype=-1

[juilletdix]

Thanks NTT, unfortunately, my lease states that I cannot "affix" a satellite on the property, so I guess both of those options are out.

I guess I can handle Comcast for a year, I am just really ticked off that they are going to force me into a 2-yr contract.

[14Bricks]

Originally Posted by juilletdix

Thanks NTT, unfortunately, my lease states that I cannot "affix" a satellite on the property, so I guess both of those options are out.

I guess I can handle Comcast for a year, I am just really ticked off that they are going to force me into a 2-yr contract.

They can hook up a sateliite with out it being phsically attached to the building, they can attach it to a pole.

[HoustonRonnie]

Comcast is your only option.

[sheikh.yerbouti]

Originally Posted by juilletdix

Thanks NTT, unfortunately, my lease states that I cannot "affix" a satellite on the property, so I guess both of those options are out.

I guess I can handle Comcast for a year, I am just really ticked off that they are going to force me into a 2-yr contract.

Depending on how and where the satellite (or other over-the-air reception devices such as old-school TV antennas) is mounted, you may have a way around your lease if it is in an "exclusive access" area. Your landlord may also agree to having it mounted on a pole instead of attached to roof or wall.

Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule | FCC.gov

If the antenna is going up in an exclusive access area and is not permanently attached to the building itself, then the landlord cannot enforce such a clause in the lease. Restrictions are allowed for common access areas and physically attaching to buildings - Though some landlords are willing to let you mount on a pole in a common access area.

CLEAR may be another option, for internet, if you're OK with over-the-air TV and/or satellite. But I would see if you could try-before-buy for a few days before signing any service agreements. They have a coverage map and service locator where you can input your address, just like Comcast or AT&T. - Wireless Internet — Mobile 4G Wireless Internet Access from CLEAR

It may be worth your while to see if any adjacent neighbors can get AT&T U-Verse. If so, you may request an address validation - Questions/Inquiries regarding Pre-qualification for U-Verse - AT&T U-verse | DSLReports Forums

Have you tried talking to a supervisor to see if you can get a better deal on a month-to-month or 1 year basis?