Ken Larsen's web site - Spectrum internet, phone, DVR service
I have Spectrum (formerly Time-Warner Cable) for internet, phone, TV, and DVR. They provide everything that I need, but they keep raising their rates. I find this very infuriating.
In September of 2017 my monthly bill was $ 159.54.
In October of 2017 it was raised to $ 171.66.
In August of 2018 it was raised again to $ 193.12. On August 27, 2018 I visited their Chapel Hill office to complain and also to cut back a few of my services. Their response was that they could cut back what I didn't need, but that would cause my bill to go up!!
On January 24, 2019 my bill was $ 299.53!
On January 25, 2019 I drove to the Chapel Hill Glen Lennox office to complain. Service rep Otis Saunders found a way to remove the parts of my service that I didn't need. My new monthly bill be $ 131.09. Cheers to Otis! His demeanor, knowledge, and willingness to help the customer were top notch. [Update: This only took 12 minutes! ... from the time I parked my car to the time I turned my car back on to drive away. 14:06:49 to 14:18:49 per my car's dash camera.]
Oops: When I got home I learned that I no longer have access to Turner Classic Movies (67) and the Golf Channel (51). I watch them regularly, so I'll have to see what it would cost to add them back in.
The complete list of channels that I lost are: 35, 47, 51, 63, 66, 67, and 68. I wish Fox News (58) were excluded, but I already block it. Blocking still works. That's good.
Here are the features that I have with Spectrum:
| Service | Features | Comments | Alternatives |
| Television |
Has a remote. Displays HD channels in HD. Displays channels beyond 100. |
I don't need channels higher than 100. My TV is located in my family room which is on the first floor. |
SlingTV Roku Chromecast |
| DVR |
Is an ARRIS DVR. Can record two different shows at once. |
I don't need to record two different shows at once. | Tivo |
| Internet |
I have an internet speed of
200 mB per second. Faster options that are available (but more expensive) are 400
mB and 1 gB. Has a wireless feature which permits other computers at my house to access the internet. |
200 mB is adequate for me. I'd need my current email address (Klarsen1@nc.rr.com) supported by any service that I migrate to. |
Netgear modem |
| Phone |
Displays phone number of an incoming call. Can be muted. No extra charge for calls with the entire U.S. |
I have phone service with Spectrum but only to two phones I have at
my house ... which I bought elsewhere. I don't have a
SmartPhone. I would need my current phone number supported by any service I migrate to. |
Magic Jack OOMA |
I love all of the Spectrum features. I give them an A+ on that measurement. I give an A+ to Otis Saunders for customer service.