Comcast: The Fleecing of a Subscriber (cont.)

(This is a continuation of my Multichannel Blog. Click here to read Part One Apologies for the inconvenience. A software glitch put the squeeze on character limits.)

He first tries to sell me on the triple play. Then, he states that in order to receive my missing HD channels I will have to upgrade to a newer cable package.

This upgrade has little to offer above and beyond my current package, other than Cinemax and some sports channels. The cost: another $120/year on top of the January 2007 $144/year rate hike.

When I upgraded to HD in 2005, Comcast never disclosed - not once - that they would require a shift into an even more expensive cable package.

So, this is how Comcast has decided to milk me for more money - hold the HD channels hostage.

As it stands, Comcast offers a paltry 22 HD channels (give or take). And why isn't Comcast offering subscribers one of the flagships of HD - Mark Cuban's HDNet?

Is this what the FCC intended when they approved the AT&T acquisition? Kevin Martin, are you listening?

Comcast, I've been a loyal subscriber but you don't deserve my fealty. I'm fed-up with the bait-and-switch and shakedown tactics.

Last month, AT&T was spotted wiring up my neighborhood for U-verse (they said) and Verizon Fios lurks. I have choices and you're driving me straight into the arms of your competition.

UPDATE: A person employed as a Comcast contractor posted interesting comments about working conditions on Church of the Consumer.

UPDATE: FCC complaint info - "Our Consumer & Mediation Specialists are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET to answer your questions and assist you in filing a complaint. Call toll-free at 1-888-call-FCC (1-888-225-5322) voice or 1-888-tell-FCC (1-888-835-5322) TTY."

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