Comcast Double Play: $49.95 - With a few major caveats
Links: home · search · speed test · login · more ·
Links: New Topic
Forums »
anon @ 20th Dec 06:13PM:
VoIP Stability
I work for an ISP, and VoIP services are way too sunstable under 1 meg for us to be able to offer the service, and consider it to be reliable.
We offer the service, but anything under 1 meg we don't guarantee service for that exact reason, because the phone adapter out there today basically kill your internet connection, with 768kbps/384kbps, the VoIP should not even work, is this even legal?
reply
MikeG @ 20th Dec 06:15PM:
IMO..
That sucks..especially after the first 6months..
reply
MPScan @ 20th Dec 06:15PM:
WOW!
So let me get this straight. After six months, you have to pay $82.95 for crappy internet speeds (close to what Verizon offers for $14.95/mo) and crappy VOIP performance????
My god, there really is a sucker born every minute, huh?
reply
L Supreme @ 20th Dec 06:16PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
said by xD :
I work for an ISP, and VoIP services are way too sunstable under 1 meg for us to be able to offer the service, and consider it to be reliable.
We offer the service, but anything under 1 meg we don't guarantee service for that exact reason, because the phone adapter out there today basically kill your internet connection, with 768kbps/384kbps, the VoIP should not even work, is this even legal?
CDV is not using the internet like Voip, its running on Comcast's private network so the speed of the internet doesn't matter.
With CDV internet is not even required.
reply
anon @ 20th Dec 06:22PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
I don't get where you get the CDV part from? They are offering VoIP and HSI in a bundle..
My guess is they are using Linksys phone adapters for the VoIP part, and yes, it would have to work off your internet, hence the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), so basically, this service, if you look at it realistically, will be so unstable that these people will be forced to pay for sketchy service.
I don't know about you, but if you ask me, 764kbps/384kbps is not even fast enough to ensure VoIP services, like I said, I work for an ISP, a 512kbps/512kbps connection does not work AT ALL.. Either your phone works or our internet works, not both at the same time. The Comcast Upload speed is 384kbps, where is the logic behind this? This should not be marketed, this should be deemed illegal, since if you do your research, no companies offer VoIP services without atleast recommending a 1 mbps connection, it's all logic!
reply
L Supreme @ 20th Dec 06:24PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
said by xD :
I don't get where you get the CDV part from? They are offering VoIP and HSI in a bundle..
When they say VOIP, they are talking about CDV.
reply
en102 @ 20th Dec 06:25PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
Most cableco's are offering a VoIP that uses a separate channel / IP. While this does still use the cable modem, it goes over a separate data channel from your HSI bandwidth, and has QoS service. Sort of like how AT&T pushes IPTV over its DSL, but your Internet service portion can be as little as 1.5 Mbps.
--
Canada = Hollywood North
reply
anon @ 20th Dec 06:28PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
I know that, Comcast Digital Voice. Their network might be private, but it still works like a traditional VoIP line..
reply
MikeG @ 20th Dec 06:30PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
They're using packetcable with E-MTAs(cable modem/telephone adapter). Calls are prioritized on the cable network and don't rely on an internet connection. Its a separate channel/spectrum.
--
Success is measured by effort.
Discover Hamilton
reply
en102 @ 20th Dec 06:31PM:
Re: IMO..
Hmm... lets see the issue:
$49.95 for six months = not bad for 768kbps + VoIP
$82.95 after six months = highway robbery.
Even POTS + DSL is less expensive
POTS Unlimited local + ld = $44.95 (including Canada)
DSL's Cheapest = $14.95, most expensive = $34.99
POTS + 768kbps = $54.99
Almost $28/month more for Comcast VoIP + 768kbps than AT&T POTS + 768 kbps. WOW!
AT&T's POTS + DSL is only $5 more than Comcasts intro rate!
Now if only they could get rid of those fees/taxes.
--
Canada = Hollywood North
reply
ftthz @ 20th Dec 06:39PM:
wow
after 6 mo. watch out.
reply
en102 @ 20th Dec 06:40PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
Somewhat... it works like a traditional VoIP line, however, since its in its own channel over cable, HSI and VoIP traffic are not competing for bandwidth.
--
Canada = Hollywood North
reply
BrokenZOdiac @ 20th Dec 06:42PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
108kbps per call leg at max using most terminal adapters. How does this kill an internet connection with 384 upload and 768 download.
Unless you have a children playing online games or filesharing, basic internet service and VOIP would work fine on that connection.
reply
xirian @ 20th Dec 06:45PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
said by xD :
My guess is they are using Linksys phone adapters for the VoIP part
No, the ata is built into the modem. It goes over a seperate channel and does not share the user's internet bandwidth, but rather has its own bandwidth. so the user could have 20 kbps up and they'd be fine, because the phone won't be using any of it.
reply
cypherstream @ 20th Dec 06:48PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
Correct. In my Motorola SBV5220 diagnostics page I have two upstream modulations. 16QAM for internet and QPSK for voice. QoS works well and there is absolutely no impact even if doing heavy uploading/downloading and on the call at the same time.
With the package in question they can provision the data side at 768k down and voice is not affected.
Much like Verizon Fios uses the data spectrum for video on demand. You might pay for a 15MB connection, but when you fire up VOD, the CO bumps up your connection speed to compensate for the VOD bitrate.
reply
anon @ 20th Dec 06:49PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
Even with 108kbps Upload, the quality of service will be horrible. Your voice will be cutting out on the far end since your using basically all your Upload speed to maximize your quality.
With Vonage for example, any speed under 512kbps is not good, your service will be junk, again, the far end having trouble hearing you, your voice cutting out, etc.
The service would just be too unreliable at 384kbps for Upload to pay 82.95$/month after 6 months. I'm sorry if this offends anyone, but you have to be absolutely clueless to the service to pay even the 49.95$ they advertise. With my ISP, you get 5mbps/800kbps and VoIP + Long Distance plan, for 59.95$/month, no price hikes EVER! It just goes to show you how much of a rip-off this is, the moral of this is basically that Comcast is looking at ripping off unsuspecting customers, which in a sense could lead to legal troubles advertising products that they can't insure stability for. I see lawsuits coming..
reply
cypherstream @ 20th Dec 06:50PM:
Re: IMO..
That's Comcast's pricing for you. What are they going to say about it? That Comcast is a BMW and AT&T is a Hyundai?
Now when I saw the commercial on TV I thought it was the regular internet speed and phone service. That paired with DirecTV would be a winning combination. DirecTV would fulfill the almost non-existent HD lineup Comcast has in my area, while Comcast is the fastest ISP in my area.
reply
Comcablrtl @ 20th Dec 07:00PM:
Good deal
This deal is not meant to replace the current double play bundle. It is an option for cost-conscious customers, or customers that don't need the fastest Internet available and/or long distance phone service. I'm not sure where people are getting the roll-to price of $80+/month. $80+ is around the price for 6Mbps HSI and full CDV. The permanent price is $49.95/month and includes economy HSI and basic CDV (Unl. local calls & $.5/minute LD). This is an excellent deal for people that are looking to save money over their current POTS services. There will be quite a few new options for customers coming in the next few months.
People have been getting way too negative around here lately. It seems like no company, especially Comcast, can do anything right.
reply
David @ 20th Dec 07:03PM:
Re: IMO..
said by en102 :
AT&T's POTS + DSL is only $5 more than Comcasts intro rate!
Now if only they could get rid of those fees/taxes.
Try it dry loop... even better (see note at bottom!)
Dry loop express (384-1536/128-384): $23.99
At&t call vantage: $24.99
Total for this pkg (per month): $48.98
Internet speed: 384-1536/128-384 (dynamic IP)
Contract terms for DSL: None
Contract terms for At&t callvantage: $29.99 ETF if under 1 yr
Possible other fees:
49.95 (DSL modem) (could be rebated or if you have your own $0)
$9.95 shipping for callvantage VoIP adapter.
Now let's do pro speed.
Dry loop express (1536-3008/384-512): $28.99
At&t call vantage: $24.99
Price per month: 53.98
Contracts:
DSL dry loop= no term
Callvantage= $29.99 ETF if under 1 yr
Equipment and fees:
DSL modem: $49.95 (could be rebated or if you have your own $0)
$9.95 shipping for callvantage VoIP adapter.
Now let's do basic!
Yahoo internet basic speed (384-768/128-384): $19.95
At&t call vantage: $24.99
Total monthly cost: $44.94
Terms:
AT&T yahoo basic: $99/etf if under 1 yr (this might be wrong)
Callvantage= $29.99 ETF if under 1 yr
Equipment and fees:
DSL modem: $49.95 (could be rebated or if you have your own $0)
$9.95 shipping for callvantage VoIP adapter.
Note: some states still charge taxes for Internet access. I know TX is one of them so the prices might not be 100% accurate. I might also be missing some information as well. I was aimed at more of the month to month price.
--
If you have a topic in the direct forum please reply to it or a post of mine, I get a notification when you do this.
Koetting Ford, Granite City, illinois... YOU'RE FIRED!!
reply
MikeG @ 20th Dec 07:10PM:
Re: Good deal
said by Comcablrtl :
I'm not sure where people are getting the roll-to price of $80+/month.
Its in the article..
quote:
Users in our Comcast forum note that Comcast is now offering a new double play bundle of broadband and VoIP for $49.95 in a number of markets. The catch(es): The broadband component is only 768kbps/384kbps (which hey, our friends at the FCC say still constitutes broadband), and after six months, the deal increases to $82.95/month.
Edit: After reading the thread in the Comcast forum, there seems to be a bit of confusion regarding the pricing and whether it really does go up to $82.95.
said by jwhite4 :
When I called up (Phila office) last week, they said it was $49.95 for 6 months, the up to $82.90/month after that (which sounded like $42.95 for HSI and $39.95 for voice).
[..snip..]
I do remember the commercial saying "$49.95 forever", so maybe there is an alternate plan with the forever cost, but with slower internet speeds.
--
Success is measured by effort.
Discover Hamilton
reply
BrokenZOdiac @ 20th Dec 07:19PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
No not quite, 108 upload is using the g711 codec at 64k and a 10ms sample rate at 44 kbps overhead.
Are you saying there are terminal adapters commonly available that use better than this?
reply
FanaticGamer @ 20th Dec 07:36PM:
Re: wow
Actually in this area that's incorrect. the 24.95 Tier for CHSI is 1Meg/384 and its not a promotion. Its the reg price. The CDV is all 12 features Long Distance at 5 cents a minute and 3.95 a month for Voicemail. Not a bad deal, also 24.95 regular price.
-FG
reply
Cabal @ 20th Dec 07:47PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
No, it doesn't. The VoIP piece runs on its own channel and frequency with its own distinct bandwidth. This is why Comcast CDV (and similar setups) don't suffer from fluctuating quality like clients that run over standard bandwidth.
--
Interested in open source engine management for your Subaru?
reply
rody_44 @ 20th Dec 08:00PM:
dont believe everything you read
the article is incorrect the price doesnt go to 82.95
reply
antonio010 @ 20th Dec 08:15PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
Wow, are you really that dense? It was explained to you multiple times already. The CDV does not use traditional data packets from the cable modem side. It is being modulated on it's own frequency so modem speeds have no effect on call quality.
reply
anon @ 20th Dec 08:29PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
said by xD :
I don't get where you get the CDV part from? They are offering VoIP and HSI in a bundle..
My guess is they are using Linksys phone adapters for the VoIP part, and yes, it would have to work off your internet, hence the VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), so basically, this service, if you look at it realistically, will be so unstable that these people will be forced to pay for sketchy service.
I don't know about you, but if you ask me, 764kbps/384kbps is not even fast enough to ensure VoIP services, like I said, I work for an ISP, a 512kbps/512kbps connection does not work AT ALL.. Either your phone works or our internet works, not both at the same time. The Comcast Upload speed is 384kbps, where is the logic behind this? This should not be marketed, this should be deemed illegal, since if you do your research, no companies offer VoIP services without atleast recommending a 1 mbps connection, it's all logic!
Because most people relate to VoIP, not Digital voice. Just like people refer to Sprint's wireless service as, well, cell service but Sprint has called it PCS and has for years, but you will not see many doing it now as people don't know what PCS means. Wideopen West (wow) doesn't refer to their phone service as VoIP but WoW digital telephone. People tend to forget, as with WoW and CC, if it hits a telco switch in packet form, it VoIP as the industry standard will dictate. I'll stick to my analog POTs line over VoIP/Digital voice/telephone any day. Regardless of the cost. This is one 2x VoIP user that not only had enough using.. I work with it at work (we provide the backbone for one of the above providers) and knowing what I know.. I'll stick with pots from home to the switch. Telco can do what they want after that.. Even if the NSA wants to listen.. :o
reply
fiberguy @ 20th Dec 08:51PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
said by xD :
but it still works like a traditional VoIP line..
... no it doesn't.
Not all VoIP is the same, for one, and two, it's not the same as 3rd party VoIP. Comcast, like all cable, manages their telephony network.. 3rd party voip is "hook it up and if all goes well, you'll get a phone call going"... basically.
reply
dvd536 @ 20th Dec 08:54PM:
yawn
i could get similar from cox at cheaper rate
internet 14.95/mo
cox digital phone with 3 features 19.95/mo
total---------------------------------------
$34.90/mo
--------------------------------------------
toss in the bullshit fees on phone and you're still under 49.99 with no contract BS or ETFs
--
You can never be too rich, too thin or have too much Bandwidth
reply
fiberguy @ 20th Dec 08:55PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
How are you being ripped off? How is any customer being ripped off?
First of all, you can't be ripped off by getting an offer that isn't "great".. they sell if, you buy it.. so be it. It's being ripped off when they say they are selling you he service at, say, $100 and then you get a bill for $120 and then do nothing to correct it.. THAT is being ripped off.
What you're talking about is not getting the best deal possible.. so common people think they are being ripped.
Please use less emotion and more fact in the future.
reply
BrokenZOdiac @ 20th Dec 09:48PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
I do not think the OP really grasps how voip, either third party, or from your ISP works. 10 bucks on him being a tier 1 outsourced canadian techsupport reboot monkey for a cableco.
reply
fiosguy1 @ 20th Dec 09:52PM:
Re: IMO..
So true.. HSI (3MB) + Freedom calling from VZC is $69.99 when bundled for a 12 month agreement. That's way cheaper and faster speeds or get FIOS (5MB/2MB) + Freedom calling for the same price..
reply
anon @ 21st Dec 12:05AM:
Re: VoIP Stability
It's a joke. Anything under 1MB is not broadband period. We all know this.
reply
i5050MbSoon @ 20th Dec 10:46PM:
Re: VoIP Stability
said by xD :
I don't know about you, but if you ask me, 764kbps/384kbps is not even fast enough to ensure VoIP services, like I said, I work for an ISP, a 512kbps/512kbps connection does not work AT ALL.. Either your phone works or our internet works, not both at the same time. blah blah blah snip
Doesn't say much for your DSL/VoIP product heh heh heh! The ISP you work for should probably stay out of the iptv business.
And for me, Digital Voice performs flawlessly, even when I'm downloading a full DVD and watching an OnDemand HD movie, Digital Voice never misses a beat!
--
Comcast has spoiled me rotten!
reply
Rick @ 20th Dec 10:47PM:
It's my understanding that the 49.95 month price..
is the regular price and there is no increase after 6 mos.
As someone else said above..it works out to be just under 25.00/month for each service.
From what I gather, the confusion is with the higher speed tier Hsi and unlimited phone together costing the higher price.
--
The Coyote captured the RR! Roadrunner Rick is now Comcastic!
reply
i5050MbSoon @ 20th Dec 11:14PM:
Re: IMO..
Now let's do the Coloma Township version of AT&T broadband.
So for a mere $41/mo. I could be downloading at a whopping 3K/sec.
--
Comcast has spoiled me rotten!
reply
KrK @ 21st Dec 12:09AM:
What a deal!
...NOT!
reply
ditka_b @ 21st Dec 12:13AM:
Re: yawn
I can "borrow" my neighbors wifi and get 8MB and scream out the window to make calls and pay nothing a month lol
reply
c17chief @ 21st Dec 12:39AM:
Double play should = TV + HSI
There's that useless phone service they are trying hard to push again. Seems like the #1 gripe about the triple play is people not wanting or needing the phone service, and would be happy with a double play package that offered similar savings and contract for just tv and internet. Well theres the double play and instead of dropping the phone, they dropped the tv. haha
reply
scooby @ 21st Dec 12:43AM:
Re: What a deal!
Its craptastic!
reply
haynosity @ 21st Dec 12:59AM:
Re: Double play should = TV + HSI
$90 bucks after 6 months? That blows! I have a dry loop from AT&T for $28.00 (3.0/512) and VOIP service from Callcentric for $25.00. So $58 bucks a months for faster internet and phone service. Comcast is a ripoff.
reply
en102 @ 21st Dec 01:05AM:
Re: IMO..
Now do they actually call it 'broadband' ?
--
Canada = Hollywood North
reply
tmc8080 @ 21st Dec 03:47AM:
what else can be said?
THIS DEAL SUCKS!
Don't even bother Comcast!
reply
dvd536 @ 21st Dec 06:37AM:
Re: yawn
said by ditka_b :
I can "borrow" my neighbors wifi and get 8MB and scream out the window to make calls and pay nothing a month lol
hook up a magicjack and you can call anywhere in usa/canada for $20/year using his wifi
»www.magicjack.com
-
i think you mean 8mb not 8MB(unless hes got a 64mbps connection)
--
You can never be too rich, too thin or have too much Bandwidth
reply
wruckman @ 21st Dec 08:44AM:
Re: VoIP Stability
I guess it depends how the ISP has their network setup. whether they decided to seperate the Voip and Data streams or consider them part of the same data stream.
--
William Ruckman
»ruckman.net
reply
wruckman @ 21st Dec 08:44AM:
Horrible deal
Don't get suckered in.
reply
fatmanskinny @ 21st Dec 09:50AM:
Big thumbs DOWN!
Another Comcrapstic offer. AT&T U-verse (ReVerse), come to town so I can at least check you out.
--
The only place where Success comes before Work is in the dictionary.
reply
TraumaJunkie @ 21st Dec 10:03AM:
Re: VoIP Stability
said by xD :
I know that, Comcast Digital Voice. Their network might be private, but it still works like a traditional VoIP line..
If you really know anything about VoIP you would know that the bandwidth usage for voice delivery is approx 8-12k.
Comcast uses differerent IP's, different servers, different routing for their CDV (VoIP) service and therefore the internet portion has no effect on the voice portion.
reply
TraumaJunkie @ 21st Dec 10:06AM:
Re: wow
said by FanaticGamer :
Actually in this area that's incorrect. the 24.95 Tier for CHSI is 1Meg/384 and its not a promotion. Its the reg price. The CDV is all 12 features Long Distance at 5 cents a minute and 3.95 a month for Voicemail. Not a bad deal, also 24.95 regular price.
-FG
Correct, in areas where this is offerd is it an Economy level of service for people who do not do a lot of heavy internet usage (mail, occasional DL, normal surfing) and who do not make a lot of LD phone calls and want a basic phone service. It is permanant pricing for those who take this level of service.
reply
TraumaJunkie @ 21st Dec 10:08AM:
Re: Double play should = TV + HSI
said by haynosity :
$90 bucks after 6 months? That blows! I have a dry loop from AT&T for $28.00 (3.0/512) and VOIP service from Callcentric for $25.00. So $58 bucks a months for faster internet and phone service. Comcast is a ripoff.
Before you make yourself out to be stupid in public, get the facts.
reply
TraumaJunkie @ 21st Dec 10:09AM:
Re: Horrible deal
said by wruckman :
Don't get suckered in.
Another "open mouth before I know the facts" guy. Do you believe everything you are told? If so, call me, I have a deal for you! ::snicker::
reply
wruckman @ 21st Dec 11:12AM:
Re: Horrible deal
How do you know that I am unaware of the facts? Do you know me? Have we met? The answer is no. If you can't figure that out. Looks to me like you are the one spouting unintelligent and unexperienced jargon onto the forum. Let me know when you have some supporting facts to your claim, Mr. Trauma Junkie. Good luck.
--
William Ruckman
»ruckman.net
reply
haynosity @ 21st Dec 04:47PM:
Re: Double play should = TV + HSI
Sorry $82.95. But after fees and taxes im sure its above $90 bucks. Happy now Mr. Nit Picker!
reply
ditka_b @ 21st Dec 06:49PM:
Re: yawn
Yes 8mb same as I have, was just making a point that compaining about every small thing is silly and a waste of time. If Comcast or any other company offers bundles some will be better then others. What we also did'nt hear about is 49.95 can be upgraded to other speeds at a discount off the other speeds prices..
reply
notwrth10 @ 24th Dec 04:29AM:
Re: It's my understanding that the 49.95 month price..
Ya know I gathered something the other day too. Did you finally find that consumerist.org leak and plug it? Haven't heard crap about stupid Comcrap policies as of late. I really missed that person.
reply
anon @ 25th Dec 10:44PM:
Parents have combo & it works
my parents have 768K roadrunner and digtial phone from rr, and cable. It all works just fine. The phone doesn't blimp or go out or fuzz. The high speed could be higher, but doesn't download most pages instantly and large files very quickly (4M takes a short wait, nothing to make me impatient.) They had phone problemms at first which rr fixed. It was in the pieces coming off the road to their house, but not inside the house. So, the lower speed works just fine with the phone.
reply
anon @ 25th Dec 11:41PM:
Questions - any one have answers????
Comcast's offering $99 triple play for what I want - standard cable, hispeed, digital phone for 12 months.
Anyone know if the following is true?
1. Their commissioned sales says when it expires, they can offer it to me again, theoriticaly no, but in reality yes. True?
Meanwhile they offer me $25 for two services for 6 months, and then I can switch to $99. Esentially they say, IF you call them, they'll come up with a plan to put you on. And no committments. Without plan it's over $200 for 3, so I don't want to be bothered if it's not true and will go DSL instead! (They also say I can now do any one or two plans for $33 each for 12 months.)
2. Being told for all three, fees & taxes are around $10 Montgomery county, MD. Anyone know what they really are? My standard cable now is $5.88 f&t.
3. DSL downside is I'm at 17,650 ft of the 18,0000 so they can't offer me 3M, only 1.5M (but still charge 3M).
4. Also, I haven't been thrilled for a few years with my phone line quality (in house is fine - they upgraded the neighborhood, and it went bad). Now it's gone back to okay. Does this effect DSL. Will getting DSL or switching to cable be a good bet or bad one on improving or not losing phone line quality? I don't go completely cell phone is the I like to hear people clearly!
5. If I go DSL, I'll go satellite (I can get Dish without a contract). Does it have trouble in heavy rain and snow any more than cable?
Any input would be greatly appreciated!!! I've been living with accelerated dialup, and I've got to get a REAL connection.
reply
Thank you for using lo-fi dslreports.com - report bugs
© 99-2008 silver matrix LLC