Alternatives to Comcast
There are several alternatives to Comcast. If you are lucky enough to live in an area of the country that Comcast does not serve, you will likely be able to find a company that works great! I have had a positive experience with a company identical to Comcast in features, but far superior in customer service and function. Click here to read about my issues with Comcast.Here are some alternatives to use instead of Comcast.
Satellite TV
Dish Network - Starting at $10 a month, the Dish Network offers several different levels of TV programming. Their most expensive package is $73 per month, and it includes an extremely large variety of channels, including several movie channels, sports channels, and everything else you could possibly want. Dish Network also offers DVR at an additional cost, and local channels are not included in certain packages.
DirecTV - Packages start at $30 per month, and range up to $90 a month. DirecTV boasts more HD channels than any other TV channel provider with over 130 HD channels. They offer free installation in up to four rooms in a household, and they offer local channels to most of the United States. DirecTV offers DVR at an additional cost as well.
There are, however, a few downfalls of satellite television:
- Without a clear shot to the sky, satellite TV does not work. I have heard on several occasions that in order to get full service, trees had to be cut down in the yard.
- In order to get as many channels as a cable company, a customer must pay for one of the more expensive plans.
- Satellite TV does not offer Internet. Although, DirecTV will recommend some Internet service providers and will even give you a discount on your TV service should you decide to use one of them.
Fiber-Optics
Verizon FiOS - Verizon is the only company offering fiber-optic television and Internet. They also offer home phone, similar to that of Comcast. Verizon is capable of bundling all three services for $100 per month, which is comparable to Comcast and other cable companies. In fact, Verizon is basically a cable company offering the exact same services at very similar prices. There really isn't much of a difference other than the technology used to transport the information to your home.
Bresnan Communication
I have experience with only one other cable company other than Comcast. I had absolutely great success with this company. They offered the exact same services as Comcast at a comparable price, but the good thing about this company was...well, everything.
The customer service I received was excellent. Not once did I come across a representative of Bresnan that rubbed me the wrong way. From technician to phone rep, I was treated as a valued customer.
The function of the cable and internet was second to none. I never had any issues with my cable. The DVR worked consistently, and the On Demand service was flawless.
If you have the opportunity to use Bresnan, I highly recommend it.
Overall, I would recommend any cable company other than Comcast. I have heard great things about DirecTV, but it is expensive and draws the inconvenience of forcing you to pay at least two different bills.
I have heard that Verizon FiOS is fast, however the function is not so great, so I would give it some time before making the switch.
Being able to bundle services is very convenient and the cable companies have this under control. They are cheaper than the competition with comparable services, and are able to offer better features.
Whatever you decide...if you can...STAY AWAY FROM COMCAST!
- Verizon FiOS
- Bresnan Communications
Bresnan Communications is a provider of high speed internet, digital cable services and digital phone services. - DirecTV
- Dish Network