FSW now "Digital Premium" thru Comcast in ATL

[john in atl]

Comcast recently took over the local digital cable monopoly in Atlanta from AT&T Broadband. Under AT&T, Fox Sports World (FSW) was packaged as a Digital Basic channel. The Digital Basic package cost $45.99 plus tax per month.

Comcast has shuffled the deck and placed FSW as a Digital Premium channel (one of two). This package which also includes about 35 movie channels (that I do not want), costs $87.99 plus tax per month. I can't afford it and won't pay it.

Classify me as an Apartment subscriber with no options for satellite in my humble abode, and the end of a 2-year love affair with FSW comes to an abrupt end.

If this hasn't already happened to you in Atlanta, this change will take place no later than Feb. 4th, so beware fellow ATL'ers.

This of course is total crap and I hate Comcast already.

Comments Welcome,

John in ATL

[SnakeEyes]

That sucks man. Why no dish options, are you not facing south?

[Dr. Wankler]

John: have you called them yet? We got a notice that a new line-up was going into effect in February. Our Bill would go from $48 to $62, so I called AT&T Broadband this morning with my bill and an ad pointing out the new changes (it has 3 categories listed: Digital Classic, Digital Plus, and Digital Premier). I pointed out that we currently have the Starz package, which FSW came with. I told the guy I talked to (for the record, his name is Ryan) that, first and foremost, I WANT FOX SPORTS WORLD.

He examined some options and gave me a package that drops Starz but gives me basically Digital Plus and Digital Premier AND BEST OF ALL, FOX SPORTS WORLD. And the package he gave me will be cheaper than the one advertised in the flier. Okay, $1.35 cheaper, but still.

And somehow I now have channels like Ovation and the Sundance Channel, too. I am quite happy.

The whole process took 20 minutes, including waiting for an operator. Now, for all I know, they've screwed something up and I'm about to go through hell with $150 cable bills, etc., but as it stands right now, so far, so good.

So, give them a call, explain that you got digital solely for Fox Sports World, and ask them what they can do for you. I'm pleased so far with the results.

[ATL Blue One]

Dude......DTV $35.99

[MikeLastort2]

John,

Hey man, how you been?

Anyway, that sucks. You should call them and tell them you want FSW but you do NOT want all the other crap that goes along with it. Threaten to go with no cable at all if they don't give you what you want.

And good luck.

BTW, why no satellite option? Is it because the landlord won't let you, or that your apt doesn't face south?

[eric515]

I live in Comcasts area...but fortunately work for Adelphia Cable in Forsyth County...which still carries FSW...I guess I will just be making trips to the office should I really want to see a game. :)

[john in atl]

Thanks everyone so far for the good info, I appreciate it. I do indeed face South, but there is a large hill w/ trees obscuring the view. 'Might' could make it work, but my apts. are all brick, and the landlord says no install thru the brick. Could rig it on a pole through a window, but I'd rather not. Plus, plan on purchasing a house sometime this year anyways.

I will call Comcast and see if something else can be done. The CSR I spoke with over the weekend was pretty adamant about FSW only being available through their Premium package.

Methinks: A) Comcast has it in for Fox based on other threads I've read on these BS Boards, and/or B) they don't see the difference between FSW and all those Fox Sports Net Regional channels that are lumped into their Premium package. 11 HBOs? For cryin out loud!

Wish me luck. And rest assured this ain't goin down without a good, lengthy fight.

john in atl

[Lowecifer]

At least you have the option.

COMCAST blows goats, and here in Baltimore I can't get it even if I offer to pay twice my regular bill. It's been this way for about 1 year now.

[bofahey]

I live in MD (suburban DC) and have been trying to get Comcast to just offer FSW on their digital package! I'm also in an apartment bldg facing in a non-southern direction so I have no other options. I've written to Comcast asking for the channel to be added to their digital line-up and have been ignored.

I would consider yourself lucky that it's even available on the digital line-up!

Part of the reason for Comcast not carrying the channel IIRC is that Comcast and TimeWarner are on poor terms. In some areas right now, Comcast and TW are even fighting about the local FoxSportsNet channels. It's an unfortunate situation if you don't have dish access and are stuck in a Comcast jurisdiction.

[billf]

Originally posted by Dr. Wankler
John: have you called them yet? We got a notice that a new line-up was going into effect in February. Our Bill would go from $48 to $62, so I called AT&T Broadband this morning with my bill and an ad pointing out the new changes (it has 3 categories listed: Digital Classic, Digital Plus, and Digital Premier). I pointed out that we currently have the Starz package, which FSW came with. I told the guy I talked to (for the record, his name is Ryan) that, first and foremost, I WANT FOX SPORTS WORLD.

He examined some options and gave me a package that drops Starz but gives me basically Digital Plus and Digital Premier AND BEST OF ALL, FOX SPORTS WORLD. And the package he gave me will be cheaper than the one advertised in the flier. Okay, $1.35 cheaper, but still.

And somehow I now have channels like Ovation and the Sundance Channel, too. I am quite happy.

The whole process took 20 minutes, including waiting for an operator. Now, for all I know, they've screwed something up and I'm about to go through hell with $150 cable bills, etc., but as it stands right now, so far, so good.

So, give them a call, explain that you got digital solely for Fox Sports World, and ask them what they can do for you. I'm pleased so far with the results.

Yes, reason with Comcast. They really understand that! :)

Just wait a few months. Comcast is the company from hell. I have the scars to prove it! Just wait for the next channel re-shuffling when FSW goes bye bye.

[Dr. Wankler]

Originally posted by billf
Yes, reason with Comcast. They really understand that! :)

Just wait a few months. Comcast is the company from hell. I have the scars to prove it! Just wait for the next channel re-shuffling when FSW goes bye bye.

Then I go bye-bye as one of their customers. No problem, really.