OK, so I'm looking at replacing DirecTV and comparing ComCast to Dish Network...
Comcast has been advertising the 'Comcast Triple Play' - with the tagline "Save big on Digital Cable, High-Speed Internet, & Digital Voice". A bundle for $99/mo that includes high speed Internet, Digital Cable, and Voice with unlimited long distance sounded great, so I went to sign up...
So I went to the web site, selected the features I wanted, and got to the checkout, at which point they put you in contact with a web-chat screen with someone who actually enters your order (the web site apparently doesn't do this for them).
Here's the rub, I wanted to add a DVR and HD reception to this package, and well, long story short 'Digital Cable' in this package is not actually digital cable, but rather the 'enhanced cable' package with access to a couple of digital features, so things like the DVR (which, BTW was easily added during the enrollment process) will not work... So to get the things I was actually trying to sign up for, that will be $125/mo... Probably still a good deal, but I'll need to sit on this a bit to decide if I really want to trade in 2 devils (DirecTV and Verizon) for another (ComCast)...
OK, long story long, here's the chat session with the Comcast Sales rep...
chat id : sales6_SQ_acc55d67-b6bb-46aa-8a07-0d96600255f4
Problem : no problem given
Linda > Thank you for contacting Comcast, my name is Linda. Unfortunately our billing system is currently offline for maintenance, so I will be unable to process your order at this time. Please feel free to chat back with us later or call our sales department at 1-800-266-2278 between 9 and 5, monday to friday to finish processing your order. I apologize for the inconvenience.
comcast_guest > Hi Linda
Linda > Hi Chad
comcast_guest > Does this mean that I need to reapply again later?
Linda > Sorry for the inconvenience
comcast_guest > Or that the install date just won't be confirmed until later?
Linda > Yes I am afraid so Chad.
comcast_guest > No biggie. Which channel lineup is in the $99 package?
Linda > I am unable to process your order at this time.
Linda >
> I do apologize, I do not have the information to show you due to the length of the lineups, and due to the different lineups depending on your location. If you would like to know what the channel lineup is in your area, please visit www.comcast.com, place your cursor over the blue heading "Customers" a list should appear, left click the option titled "Channel Lineup". This will bring you to the channel lineup information for your region, from here you can use the "View by Package type" drop down menu to see what channels each of our packages offer. If the information you require is not listed, you can call your local sales at 1-800-COMCAST (266-2278) during regular business hours, to inquire.Please refer to https://www.comcast.com/Support/ChannelGuide.ashx for a complete listing of channels offered with our packages.
comcast_guest > Ah, yes, I suppose there is a lot to keep track of..
comcast_guest > I mean which 'package' is in this?
Linda > Enhanced cable
comcast_guest > m
Linda > Do you have any more questions I can assist you with today?
comcast_guest > Isn't this a digital package?
Linda > It is not a digital package as such but it does have a digital converter and you will get digital quality.
comcast_guest > What is the difference?
comcast_guest > Also, what channels are in the HD add-on outside of the locals?
Linda > The difference is the enhanced cable will have a standard channel lineup with an added converter to give you digital quality with some on demand features.
comcast_guest > Will the DVR record in digital or is it a conversion from analog? Linda > You can not have a dvr with enhanced cable
comcast_guest > Why does it let me order it?
Linda > You would need to have digital classic or hifger
Linda > Because the site does not see what else you have ordered
Linda > Do you have any more questions I can assist you with today?
comcast_guest > What does the package that includes real 'digital cable, high-sepd internet & Comcast digital voice' (as advertised on your home page) really cost then?
Linda > I am sorry but like I said earlier the package is The phone service, Internet service and enhanced cable. That cable package is a digital package but you will need digital classic or above to get the dvr. The enhanced cable is a digital package but not a full digital package. Is there anything else I can help you with today?
comcast_guest > Is there a way to get Digital Classic instead of Enhanced Cable?
Linda > No
Linda > But you may be able to add the digital plus add on
Linda > It is 10.00 to add to the package.
comcast_guest > OK, that can work then, so adding HD, DVR, and Digital plus is an extra $25/mo?
Linda > yes
Linda > Do you have any more questions I can assist you with today?
Linda > Can you please acknowledge that you are still at your computer? If I do not receive a response from you, I may have to close this conversation to assist another customer.
comcast_guest > I'm still here, but if you cannot enter my order yet, then I will need to try again. Any ETA on the repairs?
Linda > No you can try back in 3-4 hours.
comcast_guest > OK, thanks Linda, I think I know what the deal is now.
Linda > Thank you for choosing Comcast. Have a great day! If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to chat with Comcast again.
Linda > You are welcome
Linda > Bye Chad
Linda > Analyst has closed chat and left the room