Time for a TV boycot?

[Kray Gelder]

We just got one of those new fangled Roku Smart TV's and i just found an app called Pluto that is like getting cable for FREE. All you need is a good internet connection. Showgirls (uncensored) is even on as I type this message. Another reason to not pay some stupid redundant service provider.

That's what I'm primarily looking for, a decent high speed internet company, at an acceptable price, then I can do these other things. I think using my phone as a hot spot isn't what I'm looking for. If you don't mind me asking, Icewing, who is your internet provider?

 

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[Kray Gelder]

I boycotted pay TV about 30 years ago - it cuts into my wallet and digging time. I salvaged an old beat up roof antenna and can get 5 stations on it, which is plenty for me. Radio fills in any gaps.

And you boycotted it when it was still pretty good compared to today. Good for you. Ahead of your time.

 

[Icewing]

That's what I'm primarily looking for, a decent high speed internet company, at an acceptable price, then I can do these other things. I think using my phone as a hot spot isn't what I'm looking for. If you don't mind me asking, Icewing, who is your internet provider?

We have Centurylink, but I doubt it's a whole lot different than AT&T. The biggest trick is to call them a couple of times per year and ask for discounts to keep you as a customer, in fact you should do that with your cell phone too, it works.

 

[Kurios1]

I quit watching TV when the analog signal died. Even then all I had was a nice Radio Shack antennae. No cable satellite or nothing for me. The crap they push on TV today turns your brain into mush. All the $$$ money saved goes for treasure hunting supplies and new machines.

 

[Paleo_joe]

If you’re unhappy now, wait until net neutrality goes away and you can be charged more money to go to certain websites or services than others. Instead of a utility, the internet becomes pay to play by businesses.

 

[Peyton Manning]

I remember watching the Andy Griffith show in black and white on a curved screen TV for free and loved it.

View attachment 1520982

best show ever

 

[RustyGold]

best show ever

It’s mind blowing how far Opie (Ron Howard) got in real life.

 

[Peyton Manning]

he picked up a lot old school, being around talent makes you better

 

[fistfulladirt]

Had to jump in here, ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now call the provider and ask them to "Break down your Bundle" I'll bet $5 they tell you they don't know because it is Bundled, That is what I get, so YES, Cancel it for a Month and start over but do Not let them bundle it and make do with only what you really watch or use, those companies will get The Message, like a Quick slap to the face.

My phone etc went from 67$ to 102 with all the little fees, surcharges, ??Cost Recovery Fee?? WTF. I should get the cost recovery fee. These companies are ripping us ALL off Bigtime.

Another peeve is Internet speed, I and my rural neighbors are being charged for high speed internet, NOW there is Fast.com, click it and you can know the speeds you are getting free and Fast, that is the tool I am using and passing the word, My High speed was a Laughable 1.7 KBps to a high of 34 KBps Still Laughable and Shameful that they charge us High rates for it, I just went without internet for 3 days around black friday, If I had the $$ I would file a class action lawsuit on the Greedy [/B]astages, the SEC and the PUC are getting letters.

Just checked my net speed UP to 149 KBps, well, it is a little better.

How else are they going to pay for their legacy pensions?

 

[fistfulladirt]

Thanks all for propping me up. I was beginning to tip. I have had, over the past 13 years, Direct TV, Dish, Comcast, and am on TWC/Spectrum right now. They all come from the same genetic stock. When my TWC/Spectrum bill jumped $20, I went into the local office, and asked what they could do. They, no kidding, actually laughed at me. She said, "Yeah, and it's gonna go up another $20 next year, every year." The tech guy, working on some install behind her was amused as heck as I pointed out the greed of their employer. I asked if what they wanted was for me to just cancel. She shrugged, and said, "Go ahead." WTF? How do you run a business like that? I want to cut it off, but haven't figured out how to get just high speed internet, without getting ripped again. I haven't tried ATT yet, but they are the same kind of business. Like the preachers that come in pairs to your door, they send their salespeople around knocking on your door at random times. I just want a digital antenna for free TV, and internet, which has become useful. Someone has a firm grip on the short hairs, and as soon as they let go, there will be someone to replace them. Here, ATT wants $70/month for high speed int., plus a $90 install fee, plus the unmentioned extra taxes, fees, etc. etc. that will add up to who knows what. Plus modem rental of $10/mo., so I'll need to go out and buy a decent one of those for $60 or $70. Arrgh!

ATT is pretty much a cellular provider. The way I see it, they are probably breaking even at those costs. Infrastructure maintainance and truck rolls cost a fortune.

 

[fistfulladirt]

Other then Comcast, Only Dish Network & Direct TV that I'm aware of.
Allot around me switched to Dish, However most have several dishes lying around. Not sure what that's about.
my sister also has a Dish & Complains allot about Signal and service

AT&T Keeps offering me a Deal on Dish. in Fact I just got an Offer Today, But it's a one year Price hold. I don't trust them . & what about my Internet.

Even if I get tv for 50, comcast will charge me $100+ for Internet, & then if Dish doubles next year, i'm screwed & have to pay Comcast $150 to hook me back up
Plus Monthly Bills.

ATT provides directTV not Dish.

 

[fistfulladirt]

I also use my 'unlimited' phone plan for internet sometimes. But all of you that have 'unlimited' on your phones don't truly have 'unlimited' internet service. Read the fine print and its usually in there about throttling the speed after a certain point or under certain Provider Defined conditions- meaning whenever the heck they want to.

If you really want to get mad at internet providers of all flavors, look into how the speed here compares to Europe (and I don't just mean the cities/more populated areas). US politicians <spit> are in the pockets of the communications companies, but I am sure that isn't news to anyone.

I believe 'unlimited' refers to data usage, not speeds. Two different things?

 

[fistfulladirt]

It is a money problem for people on fix income.

Television and internet are not necessities in life. I really dislike the term 'fixed income'. Most folks should have simply planned better.

 

[Keppy]

I really dislike the term 'fixed income'. Most folks should have simply planned better.

I really hate it when some try to build them selves up by putting others down . with statements like some should have planned better. It does not work out that easy for every one. Well you built your ego up there ..or down ..

 

[fistfulladirt]

I really hate it when some try to build them selves up by putting others down . with statements like some should have planned better. It does not work out that easy for every one. Well you built your ego up there ..or down ..

For some, it's a matter of priority. I'm a service tech and I see it all the time. The other day, I was installing VOIP for a senior couple, They would be saving a few bucks because their internet/phone bill was going up. "We can't afford that, we're on a 'fixed income'. They had a big, beautiful home, I looked around the den and noted the big-screen TV and brand new Apple desktop. Later, as I sat outside in my truck, I watched them drive away in their brand-new Caddy. Another newer car sat in the garage.

 

[Swaveab]

@fistfulladirt It isn't always a matter of planning as you can't plan for some things that happen in life that wipes out your savings and scrubs your earnings. I will agree to the extent that some can plan better, but don't be too quick to blanket judge everybody into the same category.

For some of you interested in OTA TV reception you may find this site useful. Although they try to sell TV antennas, the link I list is for station reception and all you need do is put your address in. BTW, increasing the antenna height does help too, but isn't always reflected properly in this link.
DTV Reception Maps - Watch Free TV in HD with a New TV Antenna. - Advanced TV Maps

 

[Swaveab]

I also found it on the FCC.
https://www.fcc.gov/media/engineering/dtvmaps

 

[fistfulladirt]

@fistfulladirt It isn't always a matter of planning as you can't plan for some things that happen in life that wipes out your savings and scrubs your earnings. I will agree to the extent that some can plan better, but don't be too quick to blanket judge everybody into the same category.

For some of you interested in OTA TV reception you may find this site useful. Although they try to sell TV antennas, the link I list is for station reception and all you need do is put your address in. BTW, increasing the antenna height does help too, but isn't always reflected properly in this link.
DTV Reception Maps - Watch Free TV in HD with a New TV Antenna. - Advanced TV Maps

I understand that, and I never said 'everybody'. My point was, internet and TV are not life necessities. Well, come to think of it, internet maybe. But TV?

 

[digger460]

I recall the good ole' days back in the early 80's, up on the roof, mounting my shiny new antenna with all the legs sticking out on both sides. Had to be six feet long and 4 feet wide. Hollering down to my wife as I rotated it and flexed the legs to get the best picture on my 100 pound television. Ha. I think we got like 4 or 5 channels, and so happy with the great picture!

And getting up to change the channel......And turning the outside knob on the channel selector, to make the screen stop rolling.....Ah the good ole' days!!

 

[fistfulladirt]

And getting up to change the channel......And turning the outside knob on the channel selector, to make the screen stop rolling.....Ah the good ole' days!!

I remember as a teen when we first got remote control for our TV. First in our neigborhood, hi-tech, no doubt! Just overlook the wire between the remote and the set. Click-click!