Getting a better rate on an ISP?

**eofelis** · 05-22-2011, 12:09 PM

Up until 6 months ago we had dial-up internet. While I was a student I could dial-in free to the college then after I graduated we just went to $10/mo dial-up until we decided to go to DSL.

I have phone with Qwest and they had a $19.99/mo DSL special that I got on. When I signed up some of the folks I talked to at Qwest told me to call back when that special is up and see if I can get on the next promo price. The price goes up to $35-$40/mo. otherwise. This is for 1.5 or 3 mbps.

So I have tried calling a few times and being politely persuasive but no one has been able to get me a price better than $35/mo for the DSL.

I have found other posts online where people can get better rates by asking. Maybe I'm not asking the right questions when I call Qwest. I haven't tried the "going to cancel" approach yet.

Has anyone had success negotiating a better rate on internet service?

**frugalfranny** · 05-22-2011, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by eofelis

Has anyone had success negotiating a better rate on internet service?

Nope.......and I have Comcast. Had asked three times and finally
gave up.

What I finally did was request the slower speed/cheaper rate.
Even then.......it was "well, let's see if we can do that"......when I told them that if they couldn't, they could cancel my contract, it got done.

My computer nerd told me you NEVER get the speed advertised anyway.

I NOW have someone at my door every 4 to 6 months trying to sell me more. And the guy that was just here a couple days ago was
VERY INSISTENT and wouldn't take "I'm not interested" for an answer. I finally just closed the door in his face......very pushy with their selling.

**Ramona** · 05-22-2011, 06:41 PM

Here's a link to Qwest residential special offers:

Special Offers on Qwest High Speed Internet, DIRECTV, Verizon Wireless and Local Phone Services

If they won't give you a "good customer" monthly credit, you may have to tell them to terminate service. Then sign up for a new, cheaper plan.

**ErikM02** · 05-23-2011, 03:52 PM

Originally Posted by eofelis

I haven't tried the "going to cancel" approach yet.

Unfortunately this has been the only thing that has worked for me...

I just keep bouncing back between comcast and Qwest every 6 months if they try to jack my price up

**miss_cas** · 05-23-2011, 08:53 PM

AT&T is $15 a month for 1 year contract. Check with your friends and neighbors as sometimes the service is very poor in some areas and you can't even log in but are stuck with a 1 year contract and $100 cable modem.

**Libby** · 05-23-2011, 08:57 PM

Maybe telling them to cancel you flat out it isn't your thing but hopefully the competition has an offer out for a very similar level of service and you can ask them what they can offer you vs the other company? (in hopes of keeping you) Ask them if their company values loyal customers and what they do to retain them. Try playing that card. If all else fails, cancel and re-sign up when the rates are better.

**mommynurse** · 05-25-2011, 10:49 PM

We have Verizon DSL and have always paid $19.99/mo. I got an email today saying that it's increasing to $21.99/mo. It's ok except when there's a problem- it takes them a while to get out here and fix things. They've disconnected our phone twice while fixing the internet connection.

**eofelis** · 06-15-2011, 08:19 PM

Update:

I got my latest bill where my internet rate has gone up to $35/mo. Yuk.

So I just called Qwest again. I don't know if it was that I finally talked to the right person or if it was my Jedi Mind Voice (as the bf calls it) but a "Promotions" person gave my a 6 month Promo of $14.99/mo. Yeah!

So in 6 months I'll figure something else out.