We're getting ripped off. No matter what, we need to do something about it.

xfinity_att_debate.rst

A Fake Scientific Analysis of this Xfinity/AT&T bullshit

Abstract

We're getting ripped off. No matter what, we need to do something about it.

Introduction

Ya'll know the background, let's skip this part.

2. Methods (i.e. the story of my investigation)

2.1. Info from the website

AT&T's website offers (our address) "24 Mbps service" at a rate of $50/month for 12 months.

Reading the fine print, there are two other fees mentioned:

1) there may be a $100 installation fee
2) there may be an up to $10 equipment rental fee.
3) AT&T also gives new customers a one-time $50 rebate.

2.2. Info from AT&T customer service rep #1

I spoke to an online rep pretending to be a person considering moving to 1008 Alice St and asked three questions.

Q1) What happens after 12 months.
A1) The rate increases to $60.

Q2) Do we have to pay an installation fee at our address?
A2) Yes, $100.

Q3) Is the equipment fee a one-time fee? Do we have to pay it?
A2) The fee is waved for [our] address.

2.3. Mid-Story Recap

OK, so it sounds like a new customer, after a $100 fee, would pay $50/month, then after 12 months, would pay $60/month, the same thing we're currently paying.

But wait... Jenny said said we're paying for 18Mbps and this new customer pricing is all referring to 24Mbps service.

... are we getting ripped off?

2.4. Info from AT&T customer service rep #2

Yes. Yes, [we're] getting ripped off.

3 Results

From the info AT&T gave me and from what Jordan said it sounds like we have three options:

1) call up at AT&T and ask that they stop ripping us off --effect on internet: ~33% speed increase --effect on bill: $0-$14.17 decrease for 12 months (see Discussion section)

2) switch to Xfinity --effect on internet: ~1011% speed increase (in theory) --effect of bill: ~$1.67-$10 decrease for 12 months (see Discussion section) Note: Jordan already the necessary equipment and there is no install fee.

3. Do nothing... AT&T probably needs the money more than we do anyways, right? Plus I'm too busy for the hassle... obviously.

Discussion

Regarding the option 1 bill effect, we could maybe get AT&T to give us the promo offer since they've been ripping us off for who knows how long. Who knows, maybe they'd even give us the $50 new customer rebate (though that seems like a stretch).

Regarding the option 2 bill effect, after 12 months we could try to renegotiate, or worst case, go back to AT&T and repay the $100 installation fee -- note that we already would have saved 12x$10 = $120 due to the promotional offer.

Regarding Jordan's tears of joy when he powns some noob with his lightning fast no-lag connection, ... well they're tears of joy. Don't you want that.

Conclusions

I'm in support of Jordon's plan because...

1) it seems like a win-win
2) the tears of joy

Future Research

You couldn't pay me.