Atlantic Broadband Fee Increases!

[mitzi]

They can do credit cards, or atleast their website says they can.

The 50 cent processing fee for each donation annoys me though.

That's how it looks to be but it has to be thru Paypal. I figured out how to do it and opened a Paypal account. The donation is due the same day every month. I've been flipping around on different channels. Even though I have access to a ton of stuff on the Firestick, it's nice to have local channels again. I've missed the local news and some of the syndicated shows that you can't watch online or on the Firestick. It's all annoying that we have to pay to watch anything on TV. I loved cable but the costs have just gotten way too high. Locast has been on for about 45 minutes now, so far, so good.

 

[Goldenhawk]

They can do credit cards, or atleast their website says they can.

The 50 cent processing fee for each donation annoys me though.

I hope you realize that nearly every credit card processing service charges approximately $0.30 + 2.9% of charges (that's how Mastercard and Visa make so much money...). For a $7 donation, that equals $0.50. So for any smaller donation, Locast is eating the costs of getting the money from the credit card company, which cuts into the donations.

 

[GWguy]

Considering it's less of a donation to a non-profit and more of a low level extortion, I couldn't care less that they loose a few cents in the transaction.

 

[mitzi]

It's still a lot cheaper than whatever the cable company is charging for basic cable. I'll give them the $5 every month. The last I checked it was well over $60 for just basic service/local stations only.

 

[PeoplesElbow]

I hope you realize that nearly every credit card processing service charges approximately $0.30 + 2.9% of charges (that's how Mastercard and Visa make so much money...). For a $7 donation, that equals $0.50. So for any smaller donation, Locast is eating the costs of getting the money from the credit card company, which cuts into the donations.

I do, but it's a donation, it shouldn't cost me to make a donation.

 

[GWguy]

It's still a lot cheaper than whatever the cable company is charging for basic cable. I'll give them the $5 every month. The last I checked it was well over $60 for just basic service/local stations only.

I've been on antenna for at least 15 years. I do miss some of the cable channels, but overall I'm happy with the reception I get. Before the antenna, I had Dish and it was costing me almost $1000/year, so I put my savings at about $15,000.

 

[glhs837]

I do, but it's a donation, it shouldn't cost me to make a donation.

And I should be rich in addition to being smart and good looking, but i've learned to settle for two out of three.

 

[mitzi]

I've been on antenna for at least 15 years. I do miss some of the cable channels, but overall I'm happy with the reception I get. Before the antenna, I had Dish and it was costing me almost $1000/year, so I put my savings at about $15,000.

That's a lot of money. I would try the antenna if I could.

 

[Hannibal]

https://atlanticbb.com/sites/default/files/Atlantic_Broadband_Residential_Subscriber_Agreement_0.pdf

Something odd about then stating "recover" in response to "investment" .........

 

[Hannibal]

Despite looking, I haven't found a way to dump Comcast / Xfinity. Other than a dish, it's the only option. Fios won't come into the neighborhood and I am pretty sure they were paid to stay out .......

Comcast won't let us have their internet unless we take their cable as well. Actually, they will charge me MORE for the internet only service than they do for the internet/cable package. So, best option for us is to buy the most basic of cable packages (no prem / no sports / SD, etc.) and each TV has a Fire Stick. We have one cable box in the house and you can DL the Xfinity app and watch whatever programming you're approved for (whatever is allowed on your box) on all the other TV's. So I can get the local stations and watch the Nats/Caps play.

Still not thrilled about paying for the cable when I didn't want it but when life gives you lemons ........

 

[Chris0nllyn]

Something odd about then stating "recover" in response to "investment" .........

Yea, it's just boilerplate language as a way to toss some hidden fees in your bill. I'd be curious to see what AB has done, investment-wise, into the local infrastructure compared to what that fee brought in, money-wise.

Comcast won't let us have their internet unless we take their cable as well

Someone lied to you. I have Comcast internet only.

Unfortunately, the cheapest option is $75/mo.

 

[GWguy]

Did you mention something about CBS Access a week or so ago or was that someone else?

I can get 3 CBS stations, WUSA 9.1, WJZ 13.1 and WBOC 16.1.

 

[GWguy]

I don't know if this show is on CBS or it's strictly CBS Access. If you had CBS Access, I was curious if you were watching (or watched) a show called One Dollar. I thought it was you for some reason - can't find the thread or post anymore. Sorry about that...

Don't think I've ever seen a listing for that. I get broadcast CBS which is not CBS Access.

 

[GWguy]

Must have been someone else's post. Thanks for getting back to me - I was going nutso trying to find it - have a good day - it's lovely outside!

That's where I've been. Just finished cutting the grass, ran some errands. Just now getting lunch.
You have a good one too!

 

[GWguy]

I keep seeing this ad on tv, Orby TV. It's satellite tv, and you get local channels with a supplied external antenna. DVR option available. Available from Best Buy.

https://orbytv.com/

Only $40-50 monthly, but not cheap to setup. $100 for the receiver, $150 for install. DVR extra.

 

[mitzi]

Just a little followup. I am VERY pleased with Locast. It's well worth $5 a month. I can watch my late night talk shows and morning shows again. I'm retired now so I have more than enough time

 

[sloopy789]

Fees increasing again as of Aug 1st.

What really sticks in my craw is the price of the digital adapter that we all MUST have to see any television program - going from $1.95 to $3.95!! Multiplied by the number of televisions you have.

Other increases - Sports Surcharge from $4 to $6. And I'm not subscribing to any premium sports channels - just the expanded television package. High-speed Network Recover fee from $3.25 to $4.25.

Based on my calculations, my bill will increase about 7.5% in August. In less than 3 years my total internet/TV package has increased 31% ($152 to almost $200) with no change in services or packages (well maybe an increase in internet speed but not because I asked for it).

Other than ditching AB, does anyone have a work around for eliminating the digital adapter? That $100 100mile range outdoor antennae is looking more appealing.

 

[sloopy789]

When Atlantic Broadband scooped up metrocast it already had a reputation for jacking up rates like someone said 30 percent in three years. I wrote the county commissioners about a lack of competition and why comcast wasn't allowed to do business in my area. I also asked why Verizon isn't putting fiber for VIOS capability. Well I got an answer Comcast can market in tall timbers etc but they seem to have chosen not too. The county said they can. Verizon has stated since 2007 "we are in their plans for expansion to FIOS" which means 12 years I have been asking each May "we are in their plans. Here is what most people don't know if their is a lottery terminal, school or post office near you then fiber optic cable is available and we paid for it. I asked why since I paid for I cant connect to the terminal for high speed access and all I get is no its for state or federal access only. I think a rural community should be able to have access to these terminals for high speed access. Good luck all, I have been trying to get answers for a long time. I choose to use direct tv in combination with ATT mobile and Atlantic Broadband over 300 dollars, I can remember when dial up though Amertel was like 8 dollars a month with two email addresses.