I work in television, television has been my friend, babysitter, informant. It's even been the bread and butter for my family. My parents worked in television back in the Philippines, and I work in television as well. So deffinitely, TV is a part of my life. Though I don't get to watch it for pleasure as much anymore, I still get a kick out of it. So naturally when I moved into my new place, I had to get cable, at least the basics. I got a bundle that included digital cable and high speed internet from Comcast. For the first year, my bill was about $70. But after that year, it became a headache.

The bill shot to $110 a month, of course I know it's expected to happen. Introductory rates last for so long. With the bad economy and high cost of living, I can't afford it. I needed to downgrade. The problem with Comcast's options, is there are no options. A man does not need 300 channels. One hundred Channels is more than plenty, but with the way the packages are set up, it's almost all or nothing. The cheapest package which is about 20 something dollars will only get you a dozen local channels. I need my CNN, ESPN, Spike, etc. But you can only get those in the $60 package. The one that I have trouble affording.

As I start this hub, Dish Network is installing a satellite on my balcony. Dish Network is offering 100 channels for $15 bucks for 6 Months. The prices goes up to $40 after that. Now that's more affordable, than $60 for stuff I kinda just force myself to watch. At least for 6 months, I buy time, maybe the economy will thaw out, maybe I'll get a raise. Either way it's a possible winning situation, since I'll only be spending $40 instead of $60 for my television fix. Even if I tag on HD and some premium channels, it's mathematically still more bang for my buck. As soon as this is done, and I'm all set up, I will call Comcast to cut the cable. They might try to talk me out maybe offer me some crazy deals, but it's too late. By the time they call I got my base command tower here.

This may be one of the last Hubs I publish from my home, because I will have to take measures to cut my Internet as well. It's a $45 cost right now. I'm still trying to make accounting moves on it. Like Comcast's Cable options, this is also one of the few options I have here. I may try to switch to something like Netzero, but it could be tricky since I don't have a land line. I may not be able to enjoy my bootlegs if I cut this other cord. My computer is limited at the office with the Firewalls, etc. I'm still exploring the options here. Maybe for a few more months, I can hang on since Internet plus TV will end up costing me $60, which is cheaper than my trial offer. This is still an unresolved issue for me. Who knows what will be next.

One problem, I've always noticed as a kid, is cable companies somewhat have monopolies. Back in the day, growing up in South City, we only had one option at a time, Western Cable Co, then RCN came, and now for a majority of the Bay Area, Comcast is the main cable option. So even until today, you're geographically restricted. AT&T U-Verse seems to be a very good efficient cheap option, but not on my block. It's only in Redwood City from what I hear. Other Internet providers aren't able to get here. I'm actually surprised that Dish, and DirecTV are available here. However, both are satelite services, so Comcast still has a hold on the cable in the area. The installer actually just told me, that a lot of ex-Comcast subscribers are also switching over because of the price. I'll admit, I'll miss the Comcast On Demand Features, and the Dish is a big old thing. Comcast gives good services, but as this economy struggles, I don't know how well they can keep customers. Rent, Mortgages, Credit Card Bills, Food, and Cars trump entertainment. You figure as families struggle, more are either just going to take the $20 for 12 channels, or completely unload the $60 expense. I don't know if the building manager will say anything about the command tower, but I think there's a few people out here with DirecTV. Money is of the essence, and I must concede. No use in having hefty cable bills if you're going to drive yourself nuts.

Well, it's up and running now, so it's time for a break up call with Comcast. I'm with Dish for at least 24 Months.

 It was a clean breakup with Comcast, they were just like return your equipment at the local site. My account and bills will be adjusted. They said Internet would cost $58 if I chose to keep it. No thanks, so I can no longer Hub from home, at least not for now.

It seems like the Cable company is use to this, in an effort to save during these tough times, customers have to cut back on this luxury. Sorry Comcast, thanks for the TV memories and downloads, and maybe someday I'll come back to Internet. But for now, gotta make tipid.