TWC vs. FiOS

I just had a very weird experience.

We’ve had Verizon DSL for a while, the FiOS wasn’t available here. Now it is. We’ve also had a Time Warner Cable Business Class internet connection. That way I can work from home and not have my family cause problems with my work internet and vice versa, and get some guaranteed uptime.

I replugged the various things to eliminate DSL, and was going to just consolidate on Time Warner Cable, since it’s already here. But I wanted to bump up my speed a bit to eliminate the abovementioned potential issues. Here is the conversation I had with Time Warner Cable, I just italicized some parts:

User Minimalist LLC has entered room

Analyst Justin has entered room

Justin>

Good afternoon this is Justin with Time Warner Cable Business Class, how can I help you today?

Minimalist LLC>

I don’t see a way to price out speed and maybe upgrade

Justin>

You wouldn’t be able to upgrade your speed from the web site you would have to contact a rep to get that done. Can I have your account number I would be able to assist you.

Minimalist LLC>

8448xxxxxxxxxxxxx8

Minimalist LLC>

I have 7x768k and I’d like to know prices for 10×1, 12×1.5, 15×2 etc etc etc

Justin>

Ok thank you give me one moment to pull everything up

Justin>

Ok the price of the 10×1 is $99.95. The 12×1.5 is $149.99, the 15×2 is $184.99 the 35×5 is $299, and the 50×5 is $349

Minimalist LLC>

that’s just for internet?

Justin>

Correct

Minimalist LLC>

hmm, I can get fios 25×25 for $85 why so much? Fios 50×50 is $105, and FiOS 75×75 is $144

Justin>

Honestly there is no reason that we are so much higher than Fios.

Minimalist LLC>

So you have 12×1.5 for $150 and I can get FiOS 75×75 for $6 less? Is there a reason I should stay with TWC for internet then? Or should I switch over to FiOS for a fraction of the price? why is your offering so much more? Is there something I’m missing in the comparison here?

Minimalist LLC>

These FiOS prices require a 2 year agreement, are your prices lower for a 2 year agreement?

Justin>

No Fios is definatly a very affordable service, I don’t know very much about it. The prices I quoted are for a 3 year agreement

Minimalist LLC>

And those prices are set? You can’t offer, say, 15×2 for $99 with a 2 year agreement?

Justin>

No unfortunately the prices are set.

Minimalist LLC>

Okay, so I guess I have to switch? It seems crazy how different these prices are, and I haven’t heard anything bad about FiOS… confused…

Justin>

Yeah I know I wish we had some kind of pricing to compete but unfortunately at the moment we do not.

Minimalist LLC>

I’d love to stay with you guys but it sounds like you’re saying “we charge more for less” and that’s that? I’ve never had this experience before. OK, well, thanks for being straight with me. Much appreciated and have a good weekend.

Justin>

You do the same sorry I couldn’t be more help.

 

What a bizarre thing. They literally had nothing competitive to offer and my favorite line has to be “Honestly there is no reason that we are so much higher than Fios.”

 

Feature image by Michael Wyszomierski, used under CC / BY Modified from original, including cropping

Kurt Koller Written by:

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