Broadband access

[kom526]

What is the going rate for internet access from the local cable company? (I live in St. Mary's and have sat tv so I do not know the name of the cable co. this week.)
What "package" do I need to buy in order to have access?
TIA



:dosman: (hating dial up, smoke signals would be faster)

 

[Mikeinsmd]

What is the going rate for internet access from the local cable company? (I live in St. Mary's and have sat tv so I do not know the name of the cable co. this week.)
What "package" do I need to buy in order to have access?
TIA :dosman: (hating dial up, smoke signals would be faster)

The ISP in Budds Creek is GMP. I pay $71.73. This includes Expanded basic TV and 1.5Gh internet acess. I own my own modem. Pretty good service too. The internet alone is $39.95 (you have to have the TV service to get internet). Hope this helps.

 

[kom526]

Thanks for the info. Now I have to decide if it is really worth the extra expense. I really wish Verizon would get off their azzes and bring DSL into my neighborhood. I only pay $14.95/mo for netzero so $71.73 is a big hike.

 

[Oz]

The ISP in Budds Creek is GMP. I pay $71.73. This includes Expanded basic TV and 1.5Gh internet acess. I own my own modem. Pretty good service too. The internet alone is $39.95 (you have to have the TV service to get internet). Hope this helps.

Funny - I have the same thing through GMP, and my monthly bill is $84.31. I'm less than 5 miles from their office, and I own my own modem too! Hmmmm....

 

[Kizzy]

I have the same deal as Mike. Wonder why they charge you more Oz. :shrug:

 

[kom526]

I have the same deal as Mike. Wonder why they charge you more Oz. :shrug:

Maybe it's that av.

 

[Oz]

I have the same deal as Mike. Wonder why they charge you more Oz. :shrug:

 

[911Carrera]

Call GMP at 301-373-3201 and ask them to explain your bill.

Some people may have suttle differences in their bills. For example, people who live in Leonardtown pay a 3% franchise fee and everyone who lives outside of Leonardtown in St. Mary's County pays a 5% franchise fee. Extra equipment may account for price differences i.e. extra converters.

I believe their may be some promotional rates too. 1/2 price for 3 months or something like that.

 

[Kizzy]

Maybe Mike and I are better customers. Did you ever think of that? Huh?



I'd call them.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

Maybe Mike and I are better customers. Did you ever think of that? Huh?

I'd call them.

Of course we are!!

 

[Oz]

I don't have additional equipment. I don't rent a modem. I just have their offering that gets me a cable modem. I watch TV using DirecTV.

If I remember correctly, the bill is itemized each month. When I get home, I'll look mine up from this month (just paid it on Sunday) and post the data for comparison.

 

[Mikeinsmd]

I don't have additional equipment. I don't rent a modem. I just have their offering that gets me a cable modem. I watch TV using DirecTV.

If I remember correctly, the bill is itemized each month. When I get home, I'll look mine up from this month (just paid it on Sunday) and post the data for comparison.

Good deal.... then we'll get to the bottom of this

 

[Oz]

There's $13 difference in there...

PS. Kizzy -

 

[AstroGeek]

Hollywood Area

Basic Cable: $15.55
Cable Modem Rental: $9.95
Expanded Basic: $26.70
Residential 768K: $39.95
Subtotal: $92.15

Sales Tax: $0.50
Franchise Fee: $2.22
Regulatory Fee: $2.78

Balance Due: $94.93

 

[Mikeinsmd]

Budds Creek Area

Basic Cable: $15.55
Cable Modem Rental: $0 (I own)
Expanded Basic: $26.70
Residential 768K: $39.95
GMP Standard Express <12.25> (No clue what this credit is)
Subtotal: $69.95

Sales Tax: $0.50
Franchise Fee: $2.22
Regulatory Fee: $.06

Balance Due: $71.73

 

[Oz]

GMP Standard Express <12.25> (No clue what this credit is)
Subtotal: $69.95

Sales Tax: $0.50
Franchise Fee: $2.22
Regulatory Fee: $.06

Balance Due: $71.73

How long have you had the cable modem? Maybe it's a new customer discount?

 

[Mikeinsmd]

How long have you had the cable modem? Maybe it's a new customer discount?

a yr & a half at least

 

[AstroGeek]

a yr & a half at least

Same here. I also wonder about the significant difference in regulatory fees $0.06 versus $2.78?

 

[911Carrera]

The "GMP Standard Express" is a bundled package (Basic, Expanded basic, cable modem service for $69.95 per month) of services that was rolled out to customers after the cable system rebuild had been completed in their area. There are other "Bundles" too.

These were packages that were primarily offered by Door to Door Sales reps who were going through the upgraded neighborhoods offering these "bundled packages" of services for discounted prices. Those rates were good through December 2004. I believe the package prices have been extended.

Most cable companies offer discounts (special promo offers) to customer when they are upgrading their services.

The $.06 monthly FCC fee is a fee required by the FCC. The remaining regulatory fees are the frachise fees collected and remitted to St. Mary's County (5%) and Leonardtown (3%). Cable Modem Internet service is exempt from franchise fees.

 

[AstroGeek]

Thanks for the information. I will see if I can get on that bundled deal as well. I understand your comments about the regulatory fees. However, I still don't get why Mikeinsmd pays only .06 cents. Both Hollywood and Budds Creek are in St. Mary's County (correct?) and neither are part of Leonardtown. Since we both are forced into paying for cable TV (although I don't use it) in order to get cable Internet, why aren't we paying the same fees? There must be another variable to throw in here.