Analyzing the Comcast Letter Targeting Qwest Customers

This week, many customers in areas served by both Comcast and Qwest received a letter from Comcast offering a special promotional deal to sign up for Comcast Xfinity TV with Internet Service for $19.95 for six months.

This letter specifically references the recently approved merger between Qwest and CenturyLink, enticing Qwest customers to “ask yourself, are you really satisfied with Qwest?And how much do you know about CenturyLink?”

If you’re a Qwest customer or have considered switching, you probably know very little about CenturyLink, as they have not offered service in your area before. Mergers are generally in the company’s best interest rather than the consumer’s—but for Comcast to use fear tactics when talking about this merger to existing Qwest customers is an interesting marketing tactic. Comcast, of course, recently underwent a much larger and far-reaching merger of their own with NBCUniversal.

The details on how the Qwest/CenturyLink merger will effect Qwest customers have not yet been made public. CenturyLink is a telephone exchange company just like Qwest, and they are essentially going to be taking over Qwest’s service areas to provide a similar service under a different company name. If you currently have Qwest for home phone or internet service, you will probably soon be receiving your bills from CenturyLink instead.

So how about Comcast’s promotional offer? Is it a good deal?

This offer is only valued for new customers. If you currently have Comcast cable and would like to add additional features, you would need contact Comcast to see what promotional offers are available to you.

For new customers to Comcast, this is a great deal for the first six months. After the promotional period expires, however, your rates would go up to $29.95 for Digital Economy TV, and $54.95-$69.95 for Blast! Internet, making your total bill between $85-$100.

What other factors should I consider with this offer?

This promotion is not exactly an apples-to-apples offer of services. It’s for cable TV and broadband internet only. If you are currently a Qwest customer, you may be using Qwest for either a traditional home phone line, DSL Internet service, or both. If you receive telephone service from Qwest, and you choose to switch from Qwest/CenturyLink to Comcast, you would either need to retain your phone service with Qwest/CenturyLink, or sign up for Digital Phone service with Comcast at an additional charge not included in this advertised promotion.

Another factor to consider is your television service. If you have been receiving television service through Qwest, you have actually been receiving it from DirecTV. This is a satellite TV service, which often requires that you sign a contract with steep early termination fees. If you currently have this service, and you’re looking to switch to Comcast, please check to make sure you are no longer in contract with DirecTV first.

Also, the type of cable this Comcast promotion offers is “Digital Economy TV”, which is basic cable with some additional channels. If you are looking to have premium channels, they will also be an additional cost beyond the $19.99 offer. Please check with the Comcast website to see if the channels you want to watch are included in this package.

Is this offer right for me?

This offer may be right for you, if: 1. You currently don’t have cable TV and are looking to add that service. 2. You don’t have broadband internet, or are unsatisfied with your current broadband internet speeds or service. 3. You are willing to accept the rate increase or cancel your service once the 6 month promotional period expires.

If you don’t fall into one of those categories, you may want to stick with what you have. If you’re an existing Qwest customer, consider calling Qwest to see if they offer any customer retention specials to compare to Comcast’s promotion, or use the CUBConnects.org telecom plan search tool to find your best rates for internet and home phone services!

To keep up with CUB, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

• Share this post on Facebook.
• Share this post on LinkedIn.
• Share this post with email.

« Back