How to reduce cable internet bill?

[NetSkyBlue]

Does anyone have any tips on how to get my cable internet bill reduced? We only have one company here that provides cable internet, otherwise it's DSL or dial-up. I started out at an "introductory" rate, which they raised as soon as they could, and recently raised again.

I'm kind of a pushover and not so good at negotiating.

[GREENBACK]

I usually just call them and say that I'm thinking of switching my service to someone cheaper because my rates keep going up. They invariably lower my rate everytime.

[disneysteve]

I agree. Call and say that when you started you were paying X and now you are paying Y and really can't afford it. Ask if there isn't a promotional price that you are eligible for. If you don't get anywhere, ask for a supervisor and threaten to cancel.

[NetSkyBlue]

Thanks, I guess I should just suck it up and call and ask. I just keep thinking they will know I’m bluffing – I’m not going to cancel my service because there isn’t another cable internet provider to choose from. And if they say they can’t do anything for me, I’m left looking dumb because I won’t actually cancel.

[riverwed070707]

You don't have to lie. Just tell them the truth -- the rates keep going up and its getting expensive. Ask if they have any promotional rates for existing custmers. Sometimes it works for us, sometimes it doesn't.

A friend recently told me that every time their promo rate is up they call and cancel and sign back up in the other spouses name the next day. Said they've never been questioned and they always get the new customer promo.

[GREENBACK]

Thanks, I guess I should just suck it up and call and ask. I just keep thinking they will know I’m bluffing – I’m not going to cancel my service because there isn’t another cable internet provider to choose from. And if they say they can’t do anything for me, I’m left looking dumb because I won’t actually cancel.

I'd emphasize the "I can't afford it" part. Not very many people actually call to do this from what I've heard. A lot of companies want you as a satisfied long term customer and it's not a big deal to lower your rates some, even if they do have a monopoly in the area.

[BudgetSurgeon]

Here's how you do it: Call them and ask to be connected to their "disconnect" (or equivalent) department. Be firm, but courteous. When they connect you, tell them that you are moving to another provider (don't provide the name), and tell them that you want to be disconnected in 2 (or 3) Business Days, because that's when your new provider will be activated. Usually, they will go along with your bluff, and before you hang up, they will try and negotiate with you on a better deal. Be resistant at first and tell them that you've already scheduled things with your new provider......this will help justify the largest deal that they can cut with you. If, for some reason, they hang up with you and have not offered you a better deal, you now have 2-3 Business Days to crawl back to them, and tell them that you've changed your mind, and that you will stay with them.

Usually, they would rather have you stay with them at a lower rate, than lose you completely, since the incremental cost of having you as a customer is negligible, since they are delivering service to your area already.

DO NOT CALL THEM AND ASK THEM FOR A BETTER DEAL AND THREATEN TO LEAVE. NO LEVERAGE WITH THAT METHOD. USE MY METHOD ABOVE.

[9symphony9]

Check into how much you may save if you combine your phone, Internet, and cable all in one package deal. It may save money if you get a all 3-in-one deal.

[NetSkyBlue]

I don't have cable or a landline, so no bundling. I also recently found out that Mediacom "owns" my street (which is lined with apartment complexes). No other internet provider services our street, so I have absolutely no leverage at all.

[Wino]

There is no mobile service in your area? Call and tell them you're canceling and going to AT&T or whomever, because with the rates you're paying, you might as well be able to take it with you in your pocket on your phone.

Use the "I'm cancelling" method, not the "I want a better rate" method. It does work. The only time I was not offered a better rate was the time I called to actually cancel and said, "Unless you plan to pay me $50 per month for the aggravation of dealing with your crappy service and crappier customer service, I won't be staying with you. So, will you pay ME to stay, or can you just do what I'm asking and cancel it?"

[gjo]

Usually you have to cancel in order to get a better deal. Unfortunately they feel they already have you, so why give you a deal.

[Keenan3]

Unless you're absolutely, 100% in for HBO and can't live without it, Netflix streaming or the new Amazon version are the way to go. Or just read a book.

[DRILLINDK]

A friend recently told me that every time their promo rate is up they call and cancel and sign back up in the other spouses name the next day. Said they've never been questioned and they always get the new customer promo.

Do they avoid the activation fees?

[ernies]

Just threaten to switch with a competitor They will do pretty much anything in order to keep you aboard including frequent discounts on tons of stuff.

[lrodptl]

Doesn't work with Comcast in my neighborhood. If you ask for the cancellation desk,they give it to you and the cancellation is started. No offers except less channels for less money if that's the issue.