So my promotional period with Comcast just ran out. I was paying $41.50 (after fees) for a 25mb internet that includes HBO/HBOGo & their Streampix streaming. The price went up to $61.50 now. I really don't want to pay $61.50. The only other provider is ATT with their UVerse, and I hate that they have large install charges, data caps, and forced modem rental charges. Hell, I've got all of my old equipment from UVerse from 1yr ago, but they'll still charge me $7 a month to use it. I called up Comcast like I normally do, and they offered me the same package I had before, $41.50 for 24 months with a 24 month contract. Typically, I'd be all over that deal. The problem is, there is a company in town that's laying fiber for fiber to your home setup. They're charging $50 a month for 1000mb service with no caps. While I hardly use 25mbps and could probably do okay with 6mbps, I do like the idea of supporting a local company that's trying to provide Google level services. Even if they ended up going belly up, I can always switch back to Comcast or ATT in a few days, so the risk of failure is slim. The problem is, they are still a predicted 3-5 months out from my neighborhood. It's been selected and they are going through the permit process now. They've already lit up the neighborhood across the way, so I can't see too much of an issue. The trick is, do I pay $20 extra for 3-12+ months in the hope of paying $9.50 more than I could pay with Comcast to get way more speed than anyone needs?
From my checking, Comcast charges $50 for 6mbps service, so I could cut the bill down a bit if I was willing to give up 19mbps in speed & HBO. Most of what's on Streampix is available via Hulu, and I can live without the few things that aren't. I really don't watch much HBO. Just GoT and a movie every now and then. I could do $40 for 3mbps, but paying $10 is worth it for HD streaming. Currently, Comcast has no data caps in my area.