I just found out that Xfinity moved TCM to a SPORTS and Entertainment package!?!?!?!

[Siwsan]

I've been on a little adventure, and just got home to discover this disastrous decision by Xfinity. Now if I want to watch TCM, I have to buy a package that includes mostly sports channels that I will NEVER watch. Although I realize that there are people, out there, who love BOTH sports and classic movies, I doubt there are enough of them to 'justify' this kind of decision. I think they are screwing the movie fans and I am FURIOUS. I predict major withdrawal, on my part, since I tuned in to TCM on a daily basis.

Although I know it was a waste of time, I fired off a blistering message to Xfinity and they 'assure' me someone will get back with me, within 24 hours. Apparently they've been getting bombarded with furious feedback.

And now I'm going to start researching alternatives to Xfinity. Anyone know of another service that carries TCM? We don't get Spectrum, in my area and I despise Direct TV. I figure that I am probably out of luck and I'm very mad/sad.

[hlthe2b]

1. At&T's watchtv app gets it. You can stream it live and they do archive a few movies each week

to watch on demand.

I was offered it for free (for how long, I have no idea) because of the cell phone plan I have. You get several other channels too. Not really super premium content, but enough to add to my (essentially) "local network-only" tv cable plan. I think if you are not eilgible for free access that it is something like $15/month.

[Siwsan]

2. Thanks

Honestly, this is one of the most bone headed things I've ever seen them do. If they want to do 'packages' then make them single interest packages. I'd pay for a classic movie package.

I'm not particularly 'tech savvy' when it comes to apps, and such, but my niece and nephew can help me. I've been thinking about dropping everything but Xfinity internet and just going with add ons like Hulu and Netflix.

[hlthe2b]

3. App works very well on ipad or android devices, but once you subscribe, you can likewise stream on

laptop. You'll have to use chrome, though. Firefox and Microsoft EDGE don't really work with it.

They are working on a Roku app but sadly not yet available.

[TreasonousBastard]

4. Here's the problem-- sports channels insist on HUUUGE payments, so the cable...

companies have come up with ways to spread the pain.

I don't remember the exact numbers, but Optimum around here was looking at paying around 50 bucks a month for members of a pure sports package or 12 bucks a month if everyone got it.

They figured that not enough people would pay the heavier charge, so they just spread it around to all of us. I pay for around 120 sports channels I never watch. I can only imagine what I might save if I had an ala carte system where I just paid for the channels I want. Or a particular show I might want. Not over 800 channels I'll never watch.

[kacekwl]

5. Unfortunately a plan with just internet that's

affordable isn't available . Not from Comcast anyway.

[Siwsan]

6. My brother checked and I think it runs about $70 for just internet, in my area

That likely doesn't include the phone service but I could lose that and never miss it. The one advantage to having a 'traditional' AT&T land line was, if the power went out I still had phone service. That was a comfort during my week long power outage. Not so with a phone through a cable company. I have my cell phone through Consumer Cellular and could upgrade to the top service, and still save $$.

Alternatively, I could downgrade to Xfinity's lowest plan, keep the internet and do add ins. During the warm weather I'm outside, a lot, but during the cold season, I bounce between books and classic movies for distraction.

There's an Xfinity store, right down the road. I might just pay them a visit, to look at options. I'm sure I'm not the only one who is re-thinking their service, right now.

[Aristus]

7. Me too.

Mrs. Aristus and I thought that was weird. We dropped TCM rather than pay for a sports TV package we'll never use.

[Siwsan]

8. That was such an illogical, boneheaded move on their part. Hopefully they will rethink it

The push back they've gotten has been pretty massive.

I was irritated enough by their new 'on demand' set up design - hard to find ANYTHING because of the massive 'icon' view - and their sticking 'Starz' into the package I had, and not giving an option to swap it out for HBO or Showtime. Those are now 'extra $$' options. I hate 'Starz'. Very little of any interest ever shows up. Just old movies and ridiculously inaccurate historical series like 'The Spanish Princess'.

I'm one of those 'outliers' who never had any issue with Comcast that weren't rectified in a fast and friendly manner. Until now. This has put me in a very bad mood, indeed. I want to punch someone. But, of course, I won't.