I have my NASA Insight Mission to Mars boarding pass. How about you?

Oh Comcast (a.k.a. xfinity)

DATE/TIME: 2015-04-24 20:00:27

Your chat transcript

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You : I'm looking for a simple internet service with no contract.

Chris : I'll be very glad to assist you with our internet services. Do you mind if I ask a few questions to better assist you?

You : No.

Chris : Just to check before we move on, are you a current Comcast customer or have you had Comcast service in your name within the last 120 days?

You : No.

Chris : Thank you for considering Comcast! Prices vary by location however we can definitely take a look at the available offers in your area. May I have your street address with zip code and apartment number?

You : XXXXXXXXXXXXX, 01945

Chris : Thank you for providing me your street address with zip code.

Chris : May I ask for your apartment number?

You : It doesn't have a number, other than the street address. It's an in-law apt.

You : Last name "Gates".

Chris : We were unable to identify your location. You can either select your address from the list below or change the address you entered. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX, MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945, XXXXXXXXXXXXXX, MARBLEHEAD, MA 01945

You : ok. Apt 2

Chris : Thank you for providing me your apartment number.

Chris : To check what internet plan works for you, may I ask what types of things you usually do online?

You : Can't you just tell me what plans are available?

Chris : Here's a link to a new window where you can see all the Internet promotions that are available in your specific area. Please Click Here to see the page.

Chris : Do you watch streaming videos, play online games and/or download music online?

You : I was on that page when Comcast presented this chat window.

Chris : Please let me know what you do online.

You : Are the prices quoted on the page the complete cost per month, or are there additional fees and taxes?

Chris : The price shown does not include taxes or franchise fees that may be added for your area.

Chris : How many computers or gaming devices do you connect to the internet? Are any of them laptops?

You : So how much will the $34.99 USD plan cost?

You : I'm really only interested in getting a few of my questions answered. I'm of the opinion that my activities are my own business.

Chris : Just to clarify, are you referring to the Economy Plus plan?

You : Yes.

Chris : The regular price of Economy Plus plan costs around $39.95 per month however, for a limited time only, you can get it for just $34.99/month for the first 12 months before it rolls out to its regular price.

Chris : Do you have a laptop or a desktop?

You : I have a computer.

Chris : What do you usually do online?

You : access the internet.

Chris : Just to check, do you currently have TV and/or home phone service/s with another provider?

You : Does it matter?

Chris : Yes, please. Do you currently have TV and/or home phone service/s with another provider?

You : I have internet through another provider, currently.

Chris : Before we move on, we currently have amazing offers available to you. I understand that you are interested in getting our Internet service; however, you may want to consider our Double Play offers which include amazing features and would provide you with substantial savings. Would you like to know more about our Double Play packages?

You : I'm not asking about phone and/or TV services.

Chris : I understand. I just want to let you know the benefit of bundling services. Thank you for those information. Great news! Based on your preference, the Economy Plus plan with download speeds of 3 Mbps and upload speeds of 768 Kbps for surfing the web as well as checking your email best suit your needs.

Chris : The Xfinity Wireless Gateway is available to all of our internet plans starting from Performance and higher. However, Economy Plus and Performance Starter do not come with the XFinity Wireless Gateway when you lease our modem, with those plans you will receive a regular modem. At that time you will still need to buy a wireless router if required. You can lease our modem at around $8-$10/month. The regular price of Economy Plus plan costs around $39.95 per month however, for a limited time only, you can get it for just $34.99/month for the first 12 months before it rolls out to its regular price. How does that sound?

You : Shouldn't it cost less than that? What if I buy my own modem? Can I get service for around $20 USD?

Chris : You certainly have the option to buy your own modem as long as it is one of Comcast's approved modem however, the benefit of leasing our modem is that you will rest easy knowing that the modem we provide will be compatible and that we will be able to assist you with any software or hardware issues you may encounter. The best part is that if the modem you lease has to be replaced, we will replace it for you and it will not cost you a dime!

Chris : Here's a link to a new window where you can see a list of Comcast approved modems. Please Click Here to see the page.

You : Thank you for the list of modems.

Chris : You are most welcome! Let's go ahead and get you started. What other questions can I answer for you before we proceed with the order process?

You : I'm pretty sure that if I lease a modem it will cost me more than a dime.

You : Anyway...

Chris : I understand. Are there any other questions that I can answer for you before we proceed with the order process?

You : Why will the plan increase in cost after a year?

You : Shouldn't it get less expensive?

Chris : I understand your concern however, our services are not intended for life long reduction so after the promotional period, regular rates will really apply.

You : Regular to what?

Chris : Economy Plus plan is at $39.95 per month stand alone rate.

You : Can't I get something like the following: http://www.uswitch.com/broadband/compare/deals_and_offers/

Chris : I'm afraid we do not offer broadband internet.

Chris : What other questions can I answer for you before we continue with your order?

You : Comcast doesn't offer broadband internet?

You : What kind of internet does Comcast offer?

Chris : Yes, that is right.

Chris : We have cable internet plans with Comcast.

Chris : What other questions can I answer for you before we proceed?

You : What's the difference?

Chris : You will pay for our services per month. Comcast Internet service is powered by an enhanced fiber-optic network, it's faster than any other internet provider. We have the most reliable speed. You'll surely get your money's worth.

Chris : Just to set the right expectations, prices are at their lowest right now, and would tend to change from time to time. It would be best to take advantage as soon as possible.

You : By the numbers, it seems that Comcast's internet is slower (3Mbps down and slower up) and more expensive.

Chris : I understand but with our cable internet service, you'll get the fastest, most reliable and guaranteed internet speeds.

You : As long as it's $34.99 a month for 3Mbps, I'm not sure how that's true.

Chris : We cannot guarantee what the actual speeds are since external factors can affect your Internet connection. However, with XFINITY, you can enjoy lightning-fast download speeds even at peak times!

You : How about $10 a month without the price hike?

Chris : Just to clarify, what is the $10 per month fee that you are referring to?

You : For internet access. I'm not shopping for anything other service.

You : ...any other service.

Chris : We do not have an internet plan at $10 per monnth.

Chris : *month for new customers.

You : I think Comcast could.

Chris : Just to set the right expectations, I can only offer you the packages and plans that are found on our website with its corresponding eligibility.

Chris : How are things coming along?

Chris : Are you still with me?

You : Almost lost the chat window while looking for a better deal than what appears offered.

Chris : I am still here.

You : So why does Comcast think it's service should get more expensive as time goes by?

You : Everywhere else in the world, Internet service is getting cheaper.

Chris : I do not have information with that as I can only offer you the packages and plans that are found on our website with its corresponding eligibility.

Chris : Do you have any other questions that I can answer for you before we proceed with the order process?

You : What other internet plans have discounts available?

Chris : We have the Extreme 150 plan with download speeds of 150 Mbps and upload speeds of 20 Mbps. The current monthly charge of the Extreme 150 plan usually is at around $114.95 per month after 12 months however, it is on promotion for the first 12 months at $89.99/month before its regular pricing would take effect. How does that sound?

You : How much is Internet plus after the taxes and fees are added?

Chris : Internet Plus is a TV and internet bundle. Taxes would vary depending on your area and the services you will be getting. For double play bundles, it usually ranges between $10 - $20 per month.

Chris : Would you like to take advantage of our TV plan?

You : No. But how much would internet be without the TV service?

Chris : Internet Plus includes the Performance internet plan. Performance internet plan is at $66.95 per month for new customers in your area.

Chris : How does that sound?

You : Why does it cost more when you subtract TV service?

Chris : Performance internet plan at $66.95 per month is not on promotion.

You : Is it ever?

Chris : That is the price of the Performance plan in your area.

Chris : Which plan would you like to take advantage of?

You : When's the last time there was a promotion for the performance plan?

You : Can I get a deal now? How about $20 USD a month?

Chris : I'm afraid I do not have information with that.

Chris : We do not have an internet only plan at $20 per month in your area.

Chris : Please keep in mind that our installation dates are filling up fast. Signing up today will give you the greatest chance of getting the date you desire or the next available date in your area.

You : Shouldn't it be near same day? The cables are already on the poles.

Chris : Please take note that it is Comcast standard procedure that a technician has to come over at your home for the installation of the services. Even if your new home has lines already, the connection of this lines has been / will be fully disconnected upon service disconnection of the current or previous resident. Restoration of the connection has to be done by a professional technician.

Chris : Which plan would you like to order?

You : The one with the best price:performance ratio. Which one is that?

Chris : Performance internet plan is at $66.95 per month for new customers in your area.

Chris : Fantastic! Let's add that to your shopping cart. I'll be very happy to assist you while you go through the order.

Chris : Here's a link to a new window where you can see all the Internet promotions that are available in your specific area. Please Click Here to see the page.

Chris : Please click on the Products tab, located at the top of your page, and click on Xfinity Internet to see the High-Speed Internet packages available in your area.

Chris : Click the yellow 'Add to Cart'' button to add the Performance plan to your shopping cart.

You : Does that have a good price:performance ratio? Compared to what other services?

Chris : Yes, since with our Performance plan, you'll get the fastest, most reliable and guaranteed internet speeds.

Chris : We have the Blast! plan with 105 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed at $78.95 per month. How does that sound?

Chris : How are things coming along?

You : I thought you stated "...We cannot guarantee what the actual speeds are since external factors can affect your Internet connection..." Does the "Performance plan" really offer "guaranteed internet speeds"?

Chris : Yes, since Performance has fast download speeds.

Chris : Please add the Performance plan to your cart.

Chris : Please feel free to ask any questions throughout the process, I am here to assist you as best as I can.

You : That's still too much money. There simply has to be a better plan available.

You : Are there any promotions available?

Chris : Only the Extreme 150 and Economy Plus internet plans are on promotion in your area.

You : Are provided through subsidiaries or virtual operators?

You : "Are they provided..."

Chris : Just to clarify, may I ask what you mean?

You : Are the promotions offered by Comcast or by some other business?

Chris : Promotions are offered by Comcast. Please take note that my support is limited to Comcast. Have you added the Performance plan to your cart?

You : Not for $66.95 USD per month.

Chris : I understand. May I offer any additional assistance for you today?

You : Yes. I'd like a plan offered that is better than what you've presented so far.

Chris : I really can only offer you the packages and plans that are found on our website with its corresponding eligibility.

Chris : Do you have any additional questions that I may address?

You : I see the Internet Plus plan is $44.99 USD, but it includes TV service.

Chris : Yes, that is right.

Chris : You have mentioned earlier that you are only interested with our internet plan.

You : Can I just have internet for around $25 USD?

Chris : We do have an internet plan at $25 per month.

Chris : Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Chris : How are things coming along?

You : You could help me with acquiring internet at an attractive price-point.

You : I simply want to buy service for a reasonable price and don't want TV services.

You : ...internet service...

Chris : We do have the Performance Starter that gives you 6 Mbps download and over 1 Mbps upload speeds at $49.95 per month. How does that sound?

You : ok. What if I buy my own modem?

Chris : You really have the option to buy your own modem as long as it is one of Comcast's approved modem.

Chris : Which internet plan will you order today?

You : It's strange, though. That is slower than the internet offered with TV from the "Internet Plus" plan.

You : ...and it costs more than the bundle.

Chris : I understand. The prices and speed in your area are what I can only offer you. \

Chris : Which plan will you take advantage of

Chris : *of?

You : Who in Comcast can put together a more attractive offering?

Chris : If you do not wish to place an order online and want to order over the phone with our Sales team you can reach them at 1-877-424-2027.

Chris : Our Sales team is available Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 8PM and on Sunday between the hours of 8 AM and 7PM.

Chris : Is there anything I can help you with today?

You : How about $25 USD for 25Mbps. Somebody at Comcast should be able to work out the numbers.

Chris : We do not have an internet plan at $25 per month. I am not able to offer that as it is not available in your area.

Chris : Thank you for visiting Comcast today. I hope you'll come visit us again soon.

Chris : Have a great evening.