Cable penetration continues to slip as satellite, IPTV add customers

[RLJSlick]

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/08/15/cable-penetration-continues-to-slip-as-satellite-iptv-add-custo/

[gb4fan92]

Wow what a shock!  Why would anyone want to leave TWC with all their "free" HD?

[gparris]

Yes, all that "Free HD" must be making them leave in droves, especially the TWC subscribers in Milwaukeeland, we have so very many HD channels.:rof:

[RLJSlick]

Yeah no kidding!

[Jack 1000]

I think it's a combination of factors that are showing a rise to alternative entertainment services:

1.) The dumbing-down of cable CSR's throughout the industry who, for the most part are either inept or presented with false information.  Cable has to do something to clean up its act on a national level.  It needs better training and knowledge throughout the entire country.  It needs more staffers on duty to reduce call-on-hold time, and better training for staff about the products that they offer.

2.) The cable operators have gotten too big to care.  It's like getting help from Microsoft.  With cable, some independent contractor often comes to the door, can barely speak English, has very very poor communications skills, and can not answer the most basic questions other than what is in the salesperson's script, which is 75% bull$****.  Customers don't even know if they are getting a regular technician and it takes 3 days to get someone out.  Then the resident has to wind up babysitting the cable guy.

3.) Rising rates throughout the industry are forcing many customers to look at other choices of entertainment services at less expensive rates.

4.) When forced between buying groceries and paying the utilities over cable in today's horrible economy, the cable operators aren't doing ***** to help out the customer.  You MIGHT be able to get help through a supervisor, but they will make you jump through hoops before you can get to that point.

I have had good service from cable, and I can't understand why Road Runner and Digital Phone can be so good and there are still so many problems with Navigator. (Although I have been one of the "lucky ones.")

5.) There is too much repetition and useless channels compared to years ago on BOTH Dish and cable.  Oversaturation of the marketplace has occurred and more customers seem to be interested in quality programing rather than the quantity of 250 channels and 200 represent nothing to watch.

Jack