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Verizon Begins Charging a Fee Just to Use an Older Router (dslreports.com)
Karl Bode, reporting for DSLReports: Several users have written in to note that Verizon has informed them the company will begin charging FiOS customers with an older router a new "Router Maintenance Charge." An e-mail being sent to many Verizon FiOS customers says that the fee of $2.80 will soon be charged every month -- unless users pay Verizon to get a more recent iteration of its FiOS gateway and router. Since Verizon FiOS often uses a MOCA coax connection and the gateway is needed for Verizon TV, many FiOS users don't have the ability to swap out gear as easily as with other ISPs. "Our records indicate that you have an older model router that is being discontinued," states the e-mail. "If you do plan to keep using your current router, we will begin billing, on 9.29.16, a monthly Router Maintenance Charge of $2.80 (plus taxes), to ensure we deliver the best support."
Comcast is really bad. But when you live in area that actually has competition they get better.
Ex. In my area ATT began a fiber rollout and Comcast suddenly discovered customer service and competitive pricing.
That reminds me of a conversation I had with a FiOS installer circa 2009.
"Er, can you run CAT5 instead of coax?"
"No, you need coax for TV."
"You're not installing TV, though. Just Internet. Can we run CAT5?"
"You might get TV later."
"Nope. I won't. And even if I did, you'd be sending out another installer anyway. Can we run CAT5?"
"I don't know how to crimp CAT5..."
>Seriously, if this happened in the UK there'd be a gigantic 'fuck off' from the customers
Wait, wait, are we talking about the same UK where the citizens have to pay for a 'TV license'?
Is that the same UK where you have to ask your ISP to look at porn?