Comcast Internet Contract Negotiations

Started by PeterA4 • 10 replies • 339 views

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PeterA4
Posts: 3

Posted:

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to negotiate with Comcast to include Internet service? We currently have the basic cable and free HBO that most places get in Florida (I'm in South Florida).

I've been told that Comcast doesn't offer Internet in their Bulk contracts. I'm looking for suggestions from other COA/HOA's that have successfully done so.

Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Peter

SheliaH (Indiana)
Posts: 6,964

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PeterA4 on 04/14/2022 4:15 PM
Does anyone have any suggestions on how to negotiate with Comcast to include Internet service? We currently have the basic cable and free HBO that most places get in Florida (I'm in South Florida).

I've been told that Comcast doesn't offer Internet in their Bulk contracts. I'm looking for suggestions from other COA/HOA's that have successfully done so.

Suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Peter

Negotiating that service shouldn't be any different from most other contracts, but you might want to start by seeing if they're obligated to provide certain services under a franchising agreement. Back in the day, cable companies negotiated franchise agreements with local governments to provide services to certain areas, but in recent years, that may have changed, especially as there are several cable companies, although everyone's moving to streaming services. In my state, the old franchising agreements are overseen by the state's utility commission and while certain things may still be required, the companies can decide if they want to provide additional services like digital music services. Internet service may or may not be part of that.

Since there are varying levels of internet services and this 5G is going to upend everything, that could be why Comcast doesn't offer it in bulk contracts (they want to make money, after all). Here's an article on the pros and cons of bulk service contracts - you probably know a lot of this already, but the stuff about polling the community to see what they need would be a start and possible selling point for Comcast to consider.

https://blog.realmanage.com/en-us/the-pros-and-cons-of-bulk-cable-internet-service-agreements#:~:text=First%2C%20you%20need%20to%20understand,a%20member%20of%20the%20community.

If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it. Marcus Aurelius

LoriM15 (Florida)
Posts: 1,009

Posted:

It's simply not true they don't offer internet in the bulk contracts. We have it in our contract with them in our HOA. It saved those of us who use internet a fortune.

We got paid a per-door fee by comcast to renew (ended up being about $50k for 825 doors) and they offered all upgraded to digital dvr cable service and internet.

We enlisted our management company to negotiate for us since they had done it so many times for other companies. We did pay them a "finder's fee".

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

One thing to consider is that with the roll out of 5G and other solutions cable TV and Internet may not be a good choice if it is a long term contract. Cable is already losing market share.

PeterA4
Posts: 3

Posted:

Thank you both for the responses, both are helpful. We currently are contracted with Comcast, the owners are happy with what we have with them, but I’d like to sweeten the deal if possible. Overall they’ve been good to us, even paying to resurface our pool deck and replace all our pool furniture at the beginning of the initial contract. At least knowing that Internet can be brought into the mix, it gives me something to work with. Thanks again for your help.

PeterA4
Posts: 3

Posted:

Unfortunately we have only two choices, Comcast or ATT DSL, and DSL isn’t or won’t ever be a choice. Unless a company is going to wire 14 buildings and 520 units we will have to work with Comcast for the foreseeable future.

JohnT38 (South Carolina)
Posts: 1,631

Posted:

Quote:

Posted By PeterA4 on 04/15/2022 3:43 AM
Unfortunately we have only two choices, Comcast or ATT DSL, and DSL isn’t or won’t ever be a choice. Unless a company is going to wire 14 buildings and 520 units we will have to work with Comcast for the foreseeable future.

5G will not require any wiring and can be just as fast as cable. Obviously it is not yet available in all areas but as it is rolled out cable will continue to die. As a homeowner I would not be in favor of my HOA signing a long term contract for cable internet.

You already have cable so if I understand you correctly all you are talking about is getting a better price for internet services via a bulk contract. I'd rather pay the current price and have the flexibility of switching when I can.

LetA (Nevada)
Posts: 2,679

Posted:

I'm with John T long term bulk cable contracts are kaput. In the Philippines TV programs are broadcast on a hot spot box off the cell towers. It is like an Apple TV box with a cellular modem inside.
At least one carrier cough cough Ma Bell has a Nighthawk modem by Netgear It is no bigger than four decks of playing cards side by side stacked two high. It has one Lan port and wifi and bluetooth.
I honestly feel other than properties that have fiber optic already installed, land line coax cable will be a thing of the past in less than 10 years.

AugustinD
Posts: 3,698

Posted:

I have concerns like JohnT38's and LetA's.

Also, PeterA4, do your covenants require the HOA/COA to provide internet? I doubt it. Per John's and LetA's posts and my own thoughts, I think the HOA/COA's providing internet service is overreach that violates the CCRs.

LoriM15 (Florida)
Posts: 1,009

Posted:

I agree with all of you regarding the technology. Our last contract was for five years and is up in two years and we are looking at alternatives. However, most of the people in my community are over 55 and many much older than that. They are not "tech savvy". We had problems explain how a dvr works when we went completely digital at the last contract renewal. Many objected to including internet because they still didn't use it. These people are not going to want to give up their wired cable any time soon.

MelissaP1 (Alabama)
Posts: 13,836

Posted:

Many moons ago our HOA had issues with getting new cable and internet lines ran. We were stuck in the dark ages. Think only could get DSL. Our HOA did not pay for cable. It was not part of the dues.

However, we still had cable lines installed for what the provider was in the area. When asked how to update we were told we would have to help pay their 10K bill and one Technician to get it.

Basically it required an entire new internet/cable system to be installed. It is like paying for fiber and paying the bill for digging and equipment. Many older buildings still may run across this issue.

Unless the HOA is paying the bill for internet I would leave it an individual choice. Just approve any digging or equipment.

Former HOA President

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