Rogers...bend over again

[nickelhead]

In my area The Golf Channel has been out for two days. It seems the "free" preview on 410 is now over and they want an additional $2.49/mo just for TGC. This seems a bit ludicrous for those like me who pay over $100/mo to watch 3 channels with any regularity but Rogers have obviously done their demographic homework and figure they can get away with it. Pass the lube please.

[Dan_L]

Call them and complain.

[wayland]

Yes, call them as I did last night and they will give you free 2yrs and turn it back on.

[nickelhead]

I did. In the end, I grimaced, took it like a man and subscribed. What can you do?

[jayda]

TGC was out for me yesterday - called and waited a hours (ROD was down also) then gave up.
called again today and they agreed to give me 12 months free (told them all me TGN friends got 12 mths free because losing analog channel 56).
still find it wrong to charge additional $2.50 for us whom pay $55 for cable and $100+ for all Rogers service!

Yes, call them as I did last night and they will give you free 2yrs and turn it back on.

how did you get them to offer 2 yrs FREE? :eek: which package are you paying?

[Bellyhungry]

Mine was down two evenings ago. Called them and waited 15 minutes on the line. When the customer service 'consultant' finally got on, she told me it was a $2.50 additional service, I simply told them my package include TGC, upon which she just turned it back on within seconds.

Until next time....

[focal]

This is their way to see who really WATCHES TGC. I too went down and called ...waited a LONG time on hold and it was reactivated in seconds....

conspiracy? DEFINITELY!

[nickelhead]

Well, thanks to all. I called back and stated that several acquaintances got TGC for two years "free" and they acquiesced. Seems a bit arbitrary that it's done this way as the first guy made no such offer but whatever works.

[Dusty_D]

2 years eh?! I called yesterday and was given a year free.. I think I foresee another call this evening :)

[hogannut]

It would be interesting to ask Rogers why the remove the Golf Channel due to the fact the ratings are better with MTV (their explaination to me when I e-mailed them) and now they have golf on demand? Hang on here....crappy numbers so I think I'll offer some more golf? Why would you offer more golf if the numbers for GC are already not worthy enough to be on regular cable? As we all stated in the begining this is cash grab and Rogers is following along according to plan. What a joke!!!!

[Dusty_D]

It would be interesting to ask Rogers why the remove the Golf Channel due to the fact the ratings are better with MTV (their explaination to me when I e-mailed them) and now they have golf on demand? Hang on here....crappy numbers so I think I'll offer some more golf? Why would you offer more golf if the numbers for GC are already not worthy enough to be on regular cable? As we all stated in the begining this is cash grab and Rogers is following along according to plan. What a joke!!!!

Well they were pretty straight up with me yesterday saying that the demand for it was very high in the local area so they were moving it to a seperate channel on it's own, not to be made part of a package.. that's going to be a lot of $2.49 for Rogers. Knowing how to milk a cash-cow is only part of doing business methinks. Have to give them credit even though I hate them for making it a paid channel.

[leftintherough]

I had called previously and got $20 off my package and TGC for a year. Guess they forgot about the agreement as my is off too. I am having the MRS call this morning and get it turned back on.

[Ben Hogans]

2 years eh?! I called yesterday and was given a year free.. I think I foresee another call this evening :)

I noticed they shut it down for me 2 days ago. Thanks for this post as I'm on hold with them now. I'll read every post to them (excluding names) and suggest that it be free for even longer.

I'll respond with my findings.

[el tigre]

I did. In the end, I grimaced, took it like a man and subscribed. What can you do? You could get Star Choice or Bell ExpressVu and then you don't have to worry about this stuff ever again.

[Bellyhungry]

I understand see some people see this as a matter of principle - which I respect. However, there are a lot of things in my daily life I want to gripe about. I won't bother with the extra $2.50. There are many worse ways to spend $2.50, which I do every day.

I just hope they go HD.

BTW, whatever happened to Stephanie Sparks?

[Ben Hogans]

Well that didn't work. Read every post and all I got was 1 yr.
Wayland What did you say to get it for 2 yrs?

Also, for those looking for the number to call and complain (as their website is as slow as molasses) it is 1-888-764-3771

[jcggolfer]

I am glad this has come up. I am phoning this morning. We pay $126.63 a month for TV/Internet. One of the main reasons I took the extra package was the Golf Channel. I am going to attempt to get my GC back on free. If not, then I will cancel everything. The CRAP they are feeding about MTV being more popular is intersting considering I would guess the majority of people who actually pay the bills are not watching MTV. It's also intersting given the fact the first 2 rounds of the PGA will be on the GC next year. I'm sure that has nothing to do with this, Rogers would never do that.

[Ben Hogans]

I'm on the phone with them again. My whole house is linked to Rogers including 2 cell phones. PLUS I have the ultimate sports channels (NFL, MLB, NASCAR etc) I explained to them I can't undestand why 1 channel is not included in the ultimate sports package and that I shouldn't have to pay for anything past 1 yr. I'm now on my 4th person to get this resolved and holding my breath.

[hogannut]

What they should do like they do with TSN is have a regular channel and a HD on the channels above the regular channels. Like jcggolfer said Rogers continues to practice monopolistic business practices but seems unaware there is now serious competition out there.

[Riviera]

I phoned customer service,and told them to cancel everything,cable,internet,home phone, the works.She told me I would get the golf channel and my digital box free for two years,to which I agreed.Complain,and they will turn it back on.What a scam.

[bigbertha]

I'm on the phone with them again. My whole house is linked to Rogers including 2 cell phones. PLUS I have the ultimate sports channels (NFL, MLB, NASCAR etc) I explained to them I can't undestand why 1 channel is not included in the ultimate sports package and that I shouldn't have to pay for anything past 1 yr. I'm now on my 4th person to get this resolved and holding my breath.

I too phoned and "asked" about why my channel is off. She said it's a mistake and passed me on to the "tech" dept. At which point, I was told I'll have it free for 2 yrs, without really trying.

I own a drug store and surely we get people complaining about things from time to time. I find that if and when I do go on the side of the customer and need to complain, I tend to be more polite and patient. I only raise my tone if and when I think I am talking to a wall. I think when I am dealt a demanding customer at work, if the attitude of the customer is unfriendly, I tend to be more strict with my approach and may not make much concessions. Just a suggestion for all those who want to give Rogers a call.

[hogannut]

I phoned customer service,and told them to cancel everything,cable,internet,home phone, the works.She told me I would get the golf channel and my digital box free for two years,to which I agreed.Complain,and they will turn it back on.What a scam.

What would be said in Rogers is to give the customer the service if they complain but don't offer it they don't. I agree with your statement. Either offer it free for 2 years, 1 year (that's what they offered us) or charge for the channel, but it should apply to ALL their customers. As I have said in previous threads on this I think it has to do with the fact good old Ted is looking to buyout the teachers union for the Leafs. Can you imagine if Rogers owned the TV rights AND some of the team? It is a scam.

[focal]

I looked at the alternative and it costs me MORE so nothing I can do....

[wayland]

To those asking how I got 2 years...

I've been paying for one of the "Ultima" packages which gives me Discovery, Bravo, HGTV, Food Network, Golf Channel along with many others. When I said "oh that's nice of you to remove a channel I've been paying for all this time to it's own channel and charge MORE for it" the rep. quickly gave me 2yrs before I ripped him a new ahole and got into the whole legal spiel about them changing the terms of my contract with them.

Maybe you guys weren't paying for it to begin with so you only got offered 1. Maybe it's because I'm a VIP customer with cable tv, home phone, 2 cells, extreme highspeed internet. I'm not sure.

Regardless when the 2yrs expires, I'll pay the monthly fee. I'm not pissed about $2.50 (or whatever it is), I'm more pissed that you need a digital box to watch it and I'm not going to pay for 3 boxes for the house.

[leftintherough]

My wife just called and was told its a "technical problem" in my area...... I'm going to call back on my lunch break.

[Ben Hogans]

I too phoned and "asked" about why my channel is off. She said it's a mistake and passed me on to the "tech" dept. At which point, I was told I'll have it free for 2 yrs, without really trying.

I own a drug store and surely we get people complaining about things from time to time. I find that if and when I do go on the side of the customer and need to complain, I tend to be more polite and patient. I only raise my tone if and when I think I am talking to a wall. I think when I am dealt a demanding customer at work, if the attitude of the customer is unfriendly, I tend to be more strict with my approach and may not make much concessions. Just a suggestion for all those who want to give Rogers a call.

Believe me, I work for a bank. I find I get more results when being pleasant.

To those asking how I got 2 years...

I've been paying for one of the "Ultima" packages which gives me Discovery, Bravo, HGTV, Food Network, Golf Channel along with many others. When I said "oh that's nice of you to remove a channel I've been paying for all this time to it's own channel and charge MORE for it" the rep. quickly gave me 2yrs before I ripped him a new ahole and got into the whole legal spiel about them changing the terms of my contract with them.

Maybe you guys weren't paying for it to begin with so you only got offered 1. Maybe it's because I'm a VIP customer with cable tv, home phone, 2 cells, extreme highspeed internet. I'm not sure.

Regardless when the 2yrs expires, I'll pay the monthly fee. I'm not pissed about $2.50 (or whatever it is), I'm more pissed that you need a digital box to watch it and I'm not going to pay for 3 boxes for the house.

This is a very good point Wayland brought up. I had to remind them a few times that my whole household is wired into to them, plus I pay $26.95 for a sports pkg that doesn't include Golf, but includes OHL hockey.

Funny though, the 3rd person I talked too was in the tech. dept and they transferred me to someone else. I'm not joking, I was very polite, comparing my service industry to theirs and it took me a total of an hour to get the 2yrs.

[hogannut]

FYI....I have sent an e-mail with our web address to Rogers customer service. I advised them they are not fooling anyone with their excuses. They tell everyone that complains it will be "free" on the digital box and then a few months later....oooop's....now there is a small charge. I also mentioned it was interesting that they did this just around the same time old Ted is looking into buying out the teachers union's % of the Leafs and therefore is looking for some liquid capital to spend. I remember when he bought the Jays. Your cable bill went up like $50 in 6 months back then in like 1997. I distinctly remember that because at that time I was living with a friend who is not into sports and during the time I was living there he switched to a dish after the second price increase.

[jcggolfer]

Well I got my Golf Channel turned back on immediately. All I said was "I would like to know what happened to the golf channel" and with apology it was turned back on right then. Then, I said I was interested in signing up for the home phone since we received a promo in the mail for free long distance for a year...no problem done! But then I got cocky....I wanted to cancel my Movie Channel I figured it was $20 bucks I did not have to spend...wrong after 20 minutes of being on hold for someone new because apparantley the first girl could not cancel channels, I got hold of someone who I thought could help me but I was wrong. Seems my "bundle is old and if I cancel the movies then I have to start over with a new bundle and that would cost me more... I think, to be honest I was on hold off and on for close to 40 minutes, putting my total time over an hour. Eventually I just said I need to think about this.
I swear they do it on purpose to wear you down.:confused:
Now I need a nap, Then I will start again. It would be helpful if I knew what I was paying for each service but my bill is not broken down that way.

[wayland]

jcggolfer,

You have what's called a "grandfather'ed" plan, an old plan that doesn't exist anymore. For customers who don't change much, you get to keep that plan. But once you ask for a change, they basically need to put you into a current plan (makes sense as the old plans aren't even in the system anymore). This thing happens ALOT with their cellular plans.

[BowmanvilleJim]

I dislike Rogers quite a bit. If I can convince the wife I'm going to move to Bell Express Vu

[rotator]

Well, I was leafing through the forum and saw the leader for this thread a short while ago.

Yesterday, I noticed the channel was out and called Rogers Tech. I told them the channel did not register on the box, flipping through from 409 to 411, no blue screen or 'unauthourized' message. She said she would try to authourize it and I went to the whole thing about pulling the power and rebooting and such. She finally says she will write a ticket and have the office do it from there and they will update. So, all day today still no change.

When I read this thread, I got really pissed and called them and asked them to give me the real story and the runaround yesterday. They said it would be fixed in 2 minutes, after I hang up. I asked why they did not fix it yesterday then. She could not answer that. It's the 2 free years deal, by the way, I suppose because I have been an "all you can eat" subscriber for many years, and I had the TGC included in my premium package from the beginning. I don't trust them, so I'm going to note this day in my Journal and watch for the expiry date.

If they had not fixed the problem by the end of the day, I was going to drop my account anyways, even if I would not have any specialty channels for weeks, until I got set up on Satellite. But, it's the principle and I always have gone that way.

I referred them to another service job they were to do today (their schedule, because as long as it's done before more damage is done, I don't give a hoot), regarding rehanging the cable feed from the pole. The cable had separated from the messenger wire and was hanging almost on the ground through the length of my back lawn. I had told them clearly yesterday, the back gate will be left open and they have permission to go back there to do the work, in case I'm not around. I see I had a message on the phone from earlier today, which said the rep needed access and could not do the work and it would have to be resched'd another day. Well, it is a miserable day to work outside, I suppose that's the story.

I have never been happy with the way Rogers conduct their business and their service, and have been on the verge many times in switching. Matter of fact, it's just a matter of time. I can live with some of the problems with the other services, but I cannot stomach Rogers. I have had poor reception and long outages with cable over the years, and not once did they acknowledge the problems. This is another example of their greedy and callous attitude to their customers. Perhaps, they need the extra bucks to win a World Series for Ted.

Someone should pass the story on to The Star or Sun and the rabble rousers there might fill-in with a tongue in cheek tidbit on "Rogers pisses off the obsessed golf nuts everywhere".

[gabagoo]

I too called Rogers last night to find out how much it would cost to subscribe to the golf channel. She said $2.49, but I get the first year free with a few addtional sports channels, so I said sure ...DO IT!!!. I then asked what could I take off my package to save money. I currently have the movie network stuff too. She said I would have to take the movie network off which I didn't want to do. She then said that She could look at my plan and increase my channels for no additional cost. HUH!!!? I said. Let me get this straight! Your going to give me more than I pay for and at no additional cost? She said THATS RIGHT! So now I get deja vue and tv land along with a whole pile of crap I never will watch and a few extra movie channels I didn't have before in the 312 range. I asked why they just don't give you the channels without me having to call in and I didn't get a response that made any sense so I left well enough alone. $2.49 a month for the golf channel is ok and if you consider all the Rogers bundles you can get and save 15% it's not that bad.
Now on another note Rogers home phone. Don't do it!!! There idiots !!! and liars. Switched about 6 weeks ago from allstream at my business. We have 2 lines and a fax line. They saved me a few bucks over Allstream so we said yes switch it. They assured me that there would be no disruption in service. 4 days later I notice the phone isn't ringing at work. I can call out so I figure everythings OK. I then get an e-mail asking why no one answers the phone. Seems the "no disruption" line was false. I tried calling myself and no ring was heard in the office and no voice mail was working either. Into the 2nd day I freaked on the call centre and demanded to speak to someone in upper management that has to know how their sales reps lie to get a sale. I actually got through to the presidents office. Although I didn't get a chance to kick Ted in the groin I did speak to a lovely women who within minutes had my phone lines up and working. OK now its this week and we get a call from Rogers telling us that if we don't send them $46.50 by days end we are going to lose phone service. Naturally I freaked out on this poor unsuspecting accounts receivable ******. I asked her how was I supposed to pay an invoice when we never received one and $46.00!!!?I told her to check our account as we have 3 cell phones cable cable internet...etc.We are not delinquent payers. She said they are in a different office with no access to that info...Bull s__! You got to be kidding. I told her to go ahead and try shutting me down. I got off the phone and thank God I kept that number for the presidents office taped to my computer. She aknowledged their staff can be quite rude and not to smart. She then asked for our address and indeed it was wrong at their end. I paid the overdue amount using Visa and thats it for now. Can hardly wait what will happen next month...

[guitarman]

I'm on hold now waiting to fight for 2 years. The CSR that initialy answered my call offered 1 year right away but had to transfer me to another department to inquire about 2 years.

I got tossed around from deparment to department trying get 2 years They have no shortage of departments to wear you down. Each time you have to re explain the situation. After 5 departments I realized that I didn't have the stamina and settled for 1 year. By then I will be comparing options to other providers and may make a move.

woohoo I got put on hold after settling for 1 year. I was actually annoyed with how long it was taking. When the CSR finally came back on he informed me that he was discussing this with his colleage and it was decided that I would get 2 years free golf channel. It will show up on my bill as charged $2.49 then a discount for $2.49 will follow it on the bill.

[leftintherough]

I dislike Rogers quite a bit. If I can convince the wife I'm going to move to Bell Express Vu


Hey everyone guess what???? Tonight after dinner I was sitting having a nice little chat with the MRS regarding this thread and the fact the TGC still isn't up and running at home. Then the phone rings, and its...... BELL, they got a great deal going, so instead of hanging up, the MRS listens and asked a bunch of questions. We are now switching over to Bell express Vu and sympatico and saving $30 from our original Rogers package. We're getting all the TVs hooked up and all the right channels including TGC and free installation. Good bye and good riddance Teddie boy!!!!!!

[hogannut]

Hey everyone guess what???? Tonight after dinner I was sitting having a nice little chat with the MRS regarding this thread and the fact the TGC still isn't up and running at home. Then the phone rings, and its...... BELL, they got a great deal going, so instead of hanging up, the MRS listens and asked a bunch of questions. We are now switching over to Bell express Vu and sympatico and saving $30 from our original Rogers package. We're getting all the TVs hooked up and all the right channels including TGC and free installation. Good bye and good riddance Teddie boy!!!!!!

Well done....another one bites the dust. Will greedy old Ted ever learn? The problem is he just keeps buying everything so you get rid of him for cable TV but then are putting $ back into his pocket with all of his other commodities. However you won the battle, well done LIR!!!!!

[guitarman]

Well done....another one bites the dust. Will greedy old Ted ever learn? The problem is he just keeps buying everything so you get rid of him for cable TV but then are putting $ back into his pocket with all of his other commodities. However you won the battle, well done LIR!!!!!

I keep hearing about evil ole Ted, but I don't think that Bell is any more innocent. Ever since they stole some money off my credit card, which they finally returned after 6 months, I vowed never to give them money again.

[focal]

anyone getting less than one year extension should refer to BOB WEEKS Scoregolf.com BLOG about being given 3 months at first and than surprise, getting 1 year VOLUNTARILY.

http://scoregolf.com/blog/bob-weeks/2006/August/Yip-at-the-Amateur-Rogers-makes-good.cfm

given all this discrepancy in deals, this should really be brought up with some consumer watchdog. These are the sort of moves that consumers should be protected against from corporations. A consumer backlash and public apology from Rogers should be the goal. Although relatively small, this sort of negative PR from a VERY desirable demographics is not what Rogers will want in the papers.

I would think, getting Robert Thompson, Bob Weeks, LORNE RUBENSTEIN and any other noted golf/sports journalist on board would also be a good move. You won't get much on Fan590 as it's a Rogers product.

[leumas]

Hey everyone guess what???? Tonight after dinner I was sitting having a nice little chat with the MRS regarding this thread and the fact the TGC still isn't up and running at home. Then the phone rings, and its...... BELL, they got a great deal going, so instead of hanging up, the MRS listens and asked a bunch of questions. We are now switching over to Bell express Vu and sympatico and saving $30 from our original Rogers package. We're getting all the TVs hooked up and all the right channels including TGC and free installation. Good bye and good riddance Teddie boy!!!!!!
Just wonderin' - did you switch to Bell internet as well? I also have Rogers TV/internet (basic cable, mind you) and I certainly miss the golf channel. I guess I am not sure if it is worth it to switch both TV and internet. What's the price dif? :mad:

[Golden Bear]

Well, I'd love to be one of the people who have switched from Rogers to Bell ExpressVu. Unfortunately, we live in an apartment building that doesn't allow sattelite dishes on balconies ... so Rogers is the only option. Sad but true.

I found it both ironic and depressing the other day when I was coming to the driving range at the Docks, and realised that the parking lot and driveway to the range are lined with Rogers banners.

[hogannut]

I keep hearing about evil ole Ted, but I don't think that Bell is any more innocent. Ever since they stole some money off my credit card, which they finally returned after 6 months, I vowed never to give them money again.

No big coproration is perfect. My wife had to fight with her bank for 6 weeks about one of those generic ATM machines that did not give her the money but took it out of the account. It is frustrating dealing with big coglomerates with all their red tape BS. However, when customers are treated arbitrarily by a company it is discrimination and this isn't the first time Rogers has done something like this. Personally I think Bell is the lesser of 2 evils.

[leftintherough]

Just wonderin' - did you switch to Bell internet as well? I also have Rogers TV/internet (basic cable, mind you) and I certainly miss the golf channel. I guess I am not sure if it is worth it to switch both TV and internet. What's the price dif? :mad:

Yes, we are making the switch to sympatico as well. The price lines up about the same as rogers high speed.

[bigbertha]

No big coproration is perfect. My wife had to fight with her bank for 6 weeks about one of those generic ATM machines that did not give her the money but took it out of the account. It is frustrating dealing with big coglomerates with all their red tape BS. However, when customers are treated arbitrarily by a company it is discrimination and this isn't the first time Rogers has done something like this. Personally I think Bell is the lesser of 2 evils.

I think you are bang on when you say the red tape is quite severe. With me though, the lesser of the 2 devils in this case is Rogers. I had terrible thing to say throughout the years with Bell's long distance service, reg phone service as well as Cell. I am convinced both of them are just as bad. It really depends on which devil you like better. :mad:

[leftintherough]

Sales call #2.

So now some folks from Roger's call tonight and want us to switch everything over to them. Before I talk I ask "where is the golf channel ? Are you calling to tell me its fixed?" (Note: they still haven't restored TGC despite my asking, and Bell isn't coming until the 5th). I listen, we talk, I get the Mrs on then phone to discuss, then we all talk some more. Turns out they are more than happy to match, but I have to sign on and agree to terms before they pass me over to "customer service". So, I went on rant, all about the big move from 56 to 410, now I need 3 new terminals, Ted wants to buyout the teachers, can't trust because you never know when he's going to change the deal again, etc, etc, etc. The nice sales supervisor (got transfered a few times) put us on hold and got us a total of 15% savings, but still couldn't get us the 3 terminals so I could watch TGC while the kiddies watch sponge bob on the other tv's, she said customer service would I arrange it. So, I very nicely asked for her to do thie leg work for us. Why should I have to wait in Q again and negotiate with someone else. "If you want my business" I need Rogers to do the leg work and get an apples to apples comparisson. (Every once in a while during the conversation I kept checking 410 to see if TGC was restored and would remind her that I still couldn't see it.) I asked the nice sales supervisor to send an email to customer service with my concerns, get what I need for the family at a cheaper price than bell, guarenteed in writing for more than 2 years, then I may make the switch. She said goodbye I kept asking if she would call me back soon........

So, for those that didn't called tonight and had their time wasted by the Rogers, it was me tying a few of their people and one of their call out lines.

[wayland]

leftintherough,

Getting extra terminals for no charge is hard. My bill with Rogers is over $200 a month and I threatened to cancel a $20/mth channel if they didn't give me an extra terminal. They didn't relent and actually let me cancel the terminal. I wonder if an accountant was on the other end and did the math, would he/she have let me cancel a $20/mth channel b/c they wouldn't give me a $5/mth (approx) terminal.

[Flog]

I called Rogers (loack of) Customer Service twice and was treated rudely both times. Now they've failed to even reply to my email-- to the same dept-- despite a reply stating that they'd be in touch within 24 hours. That was more than 2 days ago. I'm switching to Bell for everything. ROGERS SUCKS!

[BowmanvilleJim]

Ok I'm almost convinced to dump Rogers for Bell Express Vu.

Can you buy additional recievers instead of renting them?

[guitarman]

I called Rogers (loack of) Customer Service twice and was treated rudely both times. Now they've failed to even reply to my email-- to the same dept-- despite a reply stating that they'd be in touch within 24 hours. That was more than 2 days ago. I'm switching to Bell for everything. ROGERS SUCKS!

Thats strange. I get treated very well by Rogers. And I can be pretty impatient and abrupt at times as I hate waiting on hold. But the CSRs always treat me respectfully. I've been over at Bell and I don't know what everyone expects to find over there but it will doubtfully be different. They hire the same fairly low paid CSRs that have the same shortcomings. And maybe Bell will give you a really good deal on the Golf Channel but they'll more than likely pull the same kind of stunts that Rogers has on something else. I left Bell after they stole funds from my credit card. After a 6 month fight to get it back, I came back to Rogers. Do I think that Rogers is better in that regard? No. That is why I don't give Rogers any access to a credit card or my bank. When it comes to service I'm just as happy with Rogers as I'd probably be with Bell. Three things that keep me with Rogers is, I have money invested with Rogers equipment; HD boxes, etc, I prefer cable internet over DSL and I hate the look of a dish on my house. As well, how many dishes and recievers would I need for 2 TVs hooked up with HD service and 2 regular TVs?

[Golden Bear]

Personally I haven't found the Rogers customer service people rude, but then again, I'm polite when I deal with anyone I want something from. I used to rant and rave, but found that the more you rant and rave, the less they want to help you. And considering that they deal with ranting and raving all day, they're pleasantly surprised when you're friendly and polite with them ... and they WANT to help you. One time I called about a problem, was pleasant about it, and the person I spoke to took a couple of minutes to find a way for me to save money on my cable bill. It had nothing to do with what I was calling about ... and it really did save me money.

Rogers is definitely evil ... the customer service staff is just doing their job because they need to earn a living. THEY know they're working for evil people ... that's something we should keep in mind. But they're people; if you're agressive with them, they'll get their backs up. Remember -- they're in a position where they're working with the public, and anyone who has worked with the public knows that it's a high-stress, thankless thing to do. If you're pleasant and make their jobs a little bit easier, you'll get a lot further.

Besides, ranting and raving to the customer service people about how evil Ted Rogers is won't get anything accomplished. The customer service people don't talk to Ted. And if they did, and said they'd be getting a lot of complaints, Ted wouldn't care. Rogers has customer service people so that the people who actually make the decisions don't have to deal with the public that they're screwing around.

Now, with the Golf Channel, I didn't have too much trouble getting it restored. The first time I called the guy didn't seem to know what he was doing and said he'd sent an e-mail to whoever fixes this sort of thing, and they'd call me. Take note: if any customer service person tells you that they're sending someone an e-mail, don't expect anything to ever happen. They really do send the e-mail ... but no one ever reads it. E-mail is a poor business communication tool. No surprise that I needed to call a second time, and the Golf Channel was restored while I was on the phone.

[Flog]

To be honest, guitarman, I'm not sure what to expect from Expressview, either. I know they now have recievers that will work for 2 tv's at once, so that could help. I don't think digital cable has that yet, although I don't know for sure because I haven't asked.
I was surprised at their customer service dept., I would have expected much more, given the volatility of the market right now. Maybe getting good service anywhere is a luck of the draw type of thing.
I'm not crazy about having a dish on my house either, but I may mount one on a post in my backyard, out of sight and easily taken down. I've seen it before and it didn't look like a bad idea. Kept below fence level, it would be completely out of sight. As far as internet goes, I prefer DSL over coaxial. It's true that coaxial slows down with volume, usually around the same time as the kids start getting home from school, and Bell has boosted most home use DSL up to 3meg. I get great speed from Sympatico-- always have-- and it's only gone offline once (that I remember) in the past 5 years I've had it.
I guess it boils down to personal choice and who you're more comfortable dealing with. Right now I just want to be treated fairly by the people I'm giving my money to, and I'm not.
Golden Bear, you are correct sir-- you'll catch more flies with honey than with vinigar. I was very polite with them and that's why I'm upset about the service.

[rotator]

Good take on the matter, Golden Bear. You are right about evil Ted, but we should not associate his way of conducting business with the people who are working for his companies.

I also treat the reps with calmness and reason. There is no need to yell at them, but you can still can make your points. As for being put on hold and waiting, it's the same with any large company as you know.

Nonetheless, I will in time be moving from cable, even though I'm aware of the problems with the other service.

Rotator

[leftintherough]

leftintherough,

Getting extra terminals for no charge is hard. My bill with Rogers is over $200 a month and I threatened to cancel a $20/mth channel if they didn't give me an extra terminal. They didn't relent and actually let me cancel the terminal. I wonder if an accountant was on the other end and did the math, would he/she have let me cancel a $20/mth channel b/c they wouldn't give me a $5/mth (approx) terminal.

That was my sense and why I kept pushing with the sales people. I knew once I went to the customer service folks, my chances were nil.

Bell Express Vu is giving us 4 terminals now and have included them in the total price which is saving us $30 from Rogers original price.

Ok I'm almost convinced to dump Rogers for Bell Express Vu.

Can you buy additional recievers instead of renting them?

Not sure, but they threw them into my deal

[guitarman]

To be honest, guitarman, I'm not sure what to expect from Expressview, either. I know they now have recievers that will work for 2 tv's at once, so that could help. I don't think digital cable has that yet, although I don't know for sure because I haven't asked.
I was surprised at their customer service dept., I would have expected much more, given the volatility of the market right now. Maybe getting good service anywhere is a luck of the draw type of thing.
I'm not crazy about having a dish on my house either, but I may mount one on a post in my backyard, out of sight and easily taken down. I've seen it before and it didn't look like a bad idea. Kept below fence level, it would be completely out of sight. As far as internet goes, I prefer DSL over coaxial. It's true that coaxial slows down with volume, usually around the same time as the kids start getting home from school, and Bell has boosted most home use DSL up to 3meg. I get great speed from Sympatico-- always have-- and it's only gone offline once (that I remember) in the past 5 years I've had it.
I guess it boils down to personal choice and who you're more comfortable dealing with. Right now I just want to be treated fairly by the people I'm giving my money to, and I'm not.
Golden Bear, you are correct sir-- you'll catch more flies with honey than with vinigar. I was very polite with them and that's why I'm upset about the service.

IT takes 2 LNBs to deliver HD content. For my 2 HD TVs that means 2 dishes. For my 2 other TVs, they could be served by one dish with 2 LNBs. But thats 3 dishes. As for receivers, I must have 1 each for my HD sets but don't need any recievers for my other sets. With Bell I will need a reciever for every TV. My equipment investment for Bell at this point would be far greater than with Rogers. Bell will have no better supprt than Rogers and Ma Bell cares about as much as ole Ted.
As for being able to put your dish on a post out of sight. That may not be an option for you. It depends on what obstructions are between your dish and the direction it needs to point. In my case it had to go on a certain side of the house in order to hit the satellite. As well you may not want to put it on a post unless it is very secure against being moved or vandalism. Moving it just a fraction can cause it to lose a signal. I had satellite for 4 years a while back (Bell and Direct tV) and bad weather such as heavy snow storm can cause outages. This doesn't happen with Cable.

[Flog]

IT takes 2 LNBs to deliver HD content. For my 2 HD TVs that means 2 dishes. For my 2 other TVs, they could be served by one dish with 2 LNBs.
Ahhh...I see. I did not know that. I don't have a HD TV and likely won't for a very long time, but I can see what you're saying.


As for being able to put your dish on a post out of sight. That may not be an option for you. It depends on what obstructions are between your dish and the direction it needs to point. In my case it had to go on a certain side of the house in order to hit the satellite. As well you may not want to put it on a post unless it is very secure against being moved or vandalism. Moving it just a fraction can cause it to lose a signal. I had satellite for 4 years a while back (Bell and Direct tV) and bad weather such as heavy snow storm can cause outages. This doesn't happen with Cable.
My yard is fenced, locked, and only accesible from the front, and even with the dish below the 6' height of my fence, I still have a clear shot to the South-West. I've heard the same thing about the weather being a factor with the dish. Has that been a big problem, or is it something you could live with?

[guitarman]

Ahhh...I see. I did not know that. I don't have a HD TV and likely won't for a very long time, but I can see what you're saying.


My yard is fenced, locked, and only accesible from the front, and even with the dish below the 6' height of my fence, I still have a clear shot to the South-West. I've heard the same thing about the weather being a factor with the dish. Has that been a big problem, or is it something you could live with?

You could most likely easily live with it. But it seems like it happens at the most inopportune times. Like maybe overtime in the deciding game of the stanley cup finals. But usually just during a movie your trying to enjoy. It doesn't really happen often. Its been a few years since I've had Bell, so I'd ask someone that has it now, if your concerned about it.