QUESTION on COMCAST as an ISP and Phone Service Provider

[InspirationalSheila]

Hi -

I'm wondering if anyone here is using Comcast for Internet service and phone service. If so, are you satisfied?

Because they are working on an upgrade in our community they are also selling packages with phone and internet service which will cost me about $50 less/month than my current bill with Bell South/AT&T, plus the initial cost for a router. I currently have no need for a router. (The fee for cable tv is included in my monthly Homeowners' Assn fees.)

My main computer is a MacIntosh and I want to make sure also that I would have no challenges with Mail coming into my INBOX. Right now I have a challenge with Hostgator on SENDING mail using mail.hostgator.com.... also on some email addresses with incoming mail. i've been too involved with other things to spend time with techs at Hostgator, who were not familiar with the MAIL program I use with my Mac (not .mac) ... the one that came with the computer, similar to the program that came with my Windows VISTA. One long call with Hostgator on it ended in no satisfaction on my part AND I simply use mail.bellsouth.net to on my addresses.

Bottom line to the long story is that I want to make certain switching from AT&T to Comcast for Internet and Phone Service would be a wise move.

Thanks for anything you can offer.

[angienewton]

Sheila,
We have Comcast and they are OK. We recently did a lot of negotiating of fees with them and are much happier now but I imagine if AT&T offered high speed in our area we would probably jump on that but for now Comcast will work.

Sorry I can't really be of much help!

[LeighaBaer]

Hi Sheila,

I was with Comcast for several years before I moved to an area serviced by TimeWarner. I never had a problem with phone or internet but my cable TV needed to be rebooted frequently. Other than the price, I can't really complain about their service as I was basically a happy customer for the most part.

Hope that helps a little.

Leigha

[WAHumor]

Hey, me too, Leigh!

On the cable TV rebooting, that is.

Really urks the wife...


Dan

[Lynn Terry]

I was thinking of switching too, but I havent yet. They offer a good price for the all-in-one (phone/tv/internet) and I hear the internet is much faster than DSL.

As for your email & hostgator, I always use their incoming mail server - but have always had to use my ISP's outgoing mail server (SMTP). It never worked using hostgator's outgoing mailserver. At least not with my ISP. So that may be the issue?

[InspirationalSheila]

Interesting to know about the outgoing mail server with Hostgator, Lynn. I thought it was me. Given that's the case I will call HG tomorrow to see if they've had any issues with Comcast as an ISP.

Angie, Why would you go with AT&T if high speed internet were available in your area?

Thanks also, Leigha and Dan for your responses.

Insofar as Comcast for TV, we have no choice in that in our community AND our Board negotiated a great package in our new contract with them. We will be getting a huge package for the next year for no additional cost to us.

[Lynn Terry]

I wouldn't worry with HostGator over it. I had the exact same issue with other hosts in the past - it's more an ISP issue. I would simply set your email up like you are supposed to, except use the ISP's outgoing mail server (SMTP) instead of HostGators. If you aren't sure what it is, you can get it from the FAQ at your ISP's website - or call their customer service number and ask (website is faster *grin*).

[frameofmind]

Sheila,

I've been with Comcast for years and I can't say I really have any complaints other than the price.

Since there's really no other choice for high speed internet in my area I've stuck with them out of necessity but the service has been extremely dependable.

I had an issue getting everything working at first and I have to say the technical support people were excellent. They stayed on the phone with me and walked me through every step until I had everything working properly.

Good luck!

Diana

[MaryGallagher]

I've been using comcast for over 5 years with good service and price. Always managed to get a very sweet deal when renewing every couple years. I have had the bundled voip phone, cable and internet for the past 2 years and recently renewed for the coming 2. Wanted to make sure to get the best price for the basics, which comes to $33 for each service per month. I feel very spoiled having the fast download & upload speed... and it was even better when the Internet service was $14.95/mo. a couple years back!


As far as service, there have been 3 incidences where the phone went down, 2X for internet and 1 for cable TV, over the past 2 year period. I have a few challenges setting up my email too, similar to what's been mentioned, and it usually has to do with my hosting account settings rather than comcast.

best,
Mary

[InspirationalSheila]

Thanks, Mary.

What I will be getting is 2 phone lines (I have 2 #s now) with full features, unlimited long distance, including to Canada and Internet service for $78/month. I also have a cell phone with AT&T which is bundled and will go up to $39.99/month. I know two phone lines, plus, seems silly but one is on my business cards and web sites and the other, my "home", is attached to my different services, family, etc., plus the front gates in our "secured" community.

Every time I think to cut down to one, it seems like too much of a hassle. I think I've used that word another time here also. Will have to look at that.