Comcast speed issues after dropping TV service

I recently switched my TV service to satellite but decided to keep Comcast as my ISP. In order to keep me from jumping to Clear 4G's Internet Service, Comcast agreed to drop my rate for 6MBs download speed to a rate of $29.99 a month.

A few days ago the Comcast tech came out and installed a filter that blocks TV signals but allows Internet service. I specifically asked if this would slow down my Internet service; he assured me it wouldn't.

Since this filter was installed, I am having issues where my Internet service will randomly slow down or stop. Although the lights on my Motorola cable modem show normal activity, there are times a browser page loads at speeds resembling dial-up 56K. In extreme cases, I'll run Win 7 troubleshooter and it states I have no connection to the Internet. This happens on both wired and Wi-Fi PCs and the connection speed eventually goes back to normal after 5-10 minutes. There are no specific times of day or web pages that appear to trigger the problem.

Comcast's phone support staff claims they cannot find any issues. Using speedtset.org (when this problem is not happening), I'm getting speed rates of up to 12MBs.

Has anyone else experienced this issue after downgrading from TV and Internet to Internet only? If so, any tips or tricks to help fix the issue would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Because of your issue is the main reason I keep the whole package. I have the 7 mps speed and it's slow. I would drop them Comcast and go with another provider. You owe them nothing and if they are not willing to workout the kinks I would go to another carrier.

Does the satellite provider have a high speed Internet?

 

HughesNet (Direct TV's sister ISP) is more expensive, slower and prone to service interruptions in heavy rain. Unless you live in the boonies and can't get Cable, DSL or 4G it's not a good deal.

If I switch I'll go with Clear 4G: They offer both home wi-fi and VIOP phone (similar to Vonage or Comcast) at $55/month and you can add an on the go USB adapter for Internet in any city offering 4G service for an extra $20/month. I've tested it on speedtest.org; it downloads at up to 14MBs (note: Best Buy, Comcast and Sprint are offering their own 4G plans as the service expands to new cities. Clear owns the 4G networks; the other providers act as middlemen and mark up the monthly fees on the same level of service).

This sounds dumb, but the only "loyalty" I have to Comcast is the e-mail addresses I've had for over ten years. Although I'm gradually switching my contacts over to rocketmail.com accounts, I'm afriaid of losing contact with people. When you cancel Comcast, any comcast.net e-mail accounts are immediately terminated.

On the bright side, when told Comcast I was considering ditching them in favor of Clear, Comcast's "retention" agent offered to drop my rate for 6MBs service to $29.99/month for one year - almost half off what I had been paying. :celebrate

I've ordered a new in box cable modem (a model on the Comcast-approved list) off eBay to see if it solves the problem. With shipping, it cost around $30 (less than the $39.95 Comcast would charge for sending a flunkie to my house). If it doesn't solve the problem I'll deal with the e-mail issues, sign up with Clear and tell Comcast to shove it.

 

Can that last statement about switching to Clear 4G, at least for now.

See my post at http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=224530 for what I discovered about the dark side of Clear's "Unlimited" 4G Home Service.