Anyone else receive an email from Cox that they're doubling internet speeds again?

[RadicalModerate]

One Note One Trick Singing Pony Sez:
How can Cox justify me paying almost three times what a noob can buy into the ponziesquepyramid scheme for.
(sorry that I ended that sentence in a preposition or whatever. i'm too confused and upset to do otherwise.)

In fact, the answer to my question is quite simple:
I'm a lazy dumbass hooked on the entry level drug they provided about fifteen or twenty years ago.
Still . . . I'm just a bit peeved about paying for someone else's CyberUmbilical Cord.

but I'll get over it. =)
like my virtual anger over obamacare . . .

[ylouder]

Try 5 years ago. As they say a fool and his money are easily separated.

[RadicalModerate]

Try 5 years ago. As they say a fool and his money are easily separated.

I think the correct translation--regardless of NEW IMPROVED (even including those new, cutting-edge, ads involving parallel universes and total stupidity that all of us at non-noobs help pay for =) version involved the word "parted" rather that "separated". Still . . . I get the point. I hope all long term Cox Suckers do as well.

Is there a way to Google "Ponzi Scheme" at the library?

[mmonroe]

I use Cox for internet only and then have a Hulu and Netflix Subscription that I stream through my PS3.

I too received an email from cox:

Hello Marcus,
We know your Internet speed was already crazy-fast. And we just got even crazier by doubling the speed of your Cox High Speed Internet Preferred up to 50 Mbps.
And guess what? You don't even have to do anything! We've already hooked you up. So just sit back, relax and enjoy seamless streaming and multi-tasking on more devices, all without interruption.
NO ACTION REQUIRED TO ENJOY
DOUBLE THE INTERNET SPEEDS.

..and I've received this one more than a few times, once a month:

Thank you for choosing Cox, we appreciate your business!

We have provided notice to you recently regarding your monthly data usage, and as a reminder your current Cox High Speed Internet package includes a data plan of 250 Gigabytes. As of July 16, 2014, your household has used 261 Gigabytes of usage data in the current billing cycle.

Remember that you can view your data usage by logging into your account and checking your data usage meter in Internet Tools:
https://myaccount.cox.net/internetto...sage/usage.cox

Based on your usage needs, your online experience would be improved by moving to a package featuring even faster download speeds and a larger data plan. We have several Internet package options offering speed and data plans to meet a variety of needs. To learn more about special offers for all Internet package levels and to find the one which best fits your needs, check out our current upgrade offers at:
http://www.cox.com/chsiupgrade
Or please call us at 1-877-840-2777 for assistance in selecting the option that best fits your household's needs.

If you're interested in learning more about data usage and the factors affecting it please visit:
Cox Communications: The Official Website | TV, Internet, Phone, Home Security and Tech Solutions services

Some common factors affecting data usage include the number of Internet-connected devices in the household, Wi-Fi network security, the amount of streaming video watched, and the presence of viruses and spyware on one or more home computers. We strongly encourage you to check your Home Networking security today in Internet Tools and secure your network:
https://myaccount.cox.net/internetto...networking.cox

Thanks again for choosing Cox High Speed Internet.
Sincerely,
Cox High Speed Internet Team

When I ran a few speed tests, I noticed that my upload speed dropped from 15Mbps down to less than 7Mbps with this "Speed Increase".

The Data Usage Notifications seems like a ploy to deter people from streaming shows from providers like Hulu and Netflix as this is how I watch TV compared to actually purchasing a package from the "Cable Company" who coincidentally also provides my cable internet.

[RadicalModerate]

Sounds like a job for Super--FederalTradeCommissionFraudSquad--Man!
Nah . . . Don't bother him . . . He's watching Honey Boo Boo on basic cable.
Plus he's all bundled up. =)

[sacolton]

I also dropped Cox TV/Phone. I couldn't justify spending $180+ a month on a service I barely use. Only use their Preferred Internet ($70) and my Roku 3 has Netflix/Amazon Prime. I also bought a OTA Hi-Def antenna for basic local channels. If Cox raises my internet bill again - I'll drop down to a lower tier or go with another internet service (UVerse).

[BBatesokc]

I'd consider cutting my actual cable tv (again) if I could only find a good, reliable and affordable 3rd party DVR. I've looked into a few, but either they were not intuitive or they were way too expensive for what you got. I find we mostly watch local channels, but we desire the ability to watch when we want and to fast forward through commercials. That said, i still need a phone line and fast Internet - and once you buy those two things, the actual cable TV is only a few dollars more a month.

[bombermwc]

I'm the same bbates....still never hopped on the DVR bandwagon because, 1 - i never wanted to pay cox for theirs and 2 - i'm too cheap to pay full price for one now that i've tossed cable. Every once in a while, there's something i'd like to record on broadcast tv. Maybe we should both look on ebay? Anyone have any recommendations?

[shawnw]

I'd consider cutting my actual cable tv (again) if I could only find a good, reliable and affordable 3rd party DVR. I've looked into a few, but either they were not intuitive or they were way too expensive for what you got. I find we mostly watch local channels, but we desire the ability to watch when we want and to fast forward through commercials. That said, i still need a phone line and fast Internet - and once you buy those two things, the actual cable TV is only a few dollars more a month.

You can buy lifetime memberships to playon and playlater ($50 last time I looked), which gets you DVR-like abilities for broadcast shows that are streamed, if you have a desktop PC that can server as the storage for those shows. You can then watch them with your roku if you have one via the playon channel, OR with your phone or tablet via their app, either from your home network, or remotely if you configure your router to allow that external access. Not a 100% solution admittedly, but getting there.

[Servicetech571]

I'd consider cutting my actual cable tv (again) if I could only find a good, reliable and affordable 3rd party DVR. I've looked into a few, but either they were not intuitive or they were way too expensive for what you got. I find we mostly watch local channels, but we desire the ability to watch when we want and to fast forward through commercials. That said, i still need a phone line and fast Internet - and once you buy those two things, the actual cable TV is only a few dollars more a month.

We are using a Windows 7 PC with a antenna/tuner card as our DVR. No monthly fees and we also use the PC for streaming video and playing music, etc. Very reliable, have been using it since windows 7 was in beta testing. Doesn't need a powerful PC, just something with an HDMI output. Storage space is what you need, but 4TB hard drives aren't that expensive these days.

[BBatesokc]

We are using a Windows 7 PC with a antenna/tuner card as our DVR. No monthly fees and we also use the PC for streaming video and playing music, etc. Very reliable, have been using it since windows 7 was in beta testing. Doesn't need a powerful PC, just something with an HDMI output. Storage space is what you need, but 4TB hard drives aren't that expensive these days.

I've thought about going that route. Also looking into some setups that use an Apple Mini.

[Servicetech571]

I've thought about going that route. Also looking into some setups that use an Apple Mini.

You could look at some DTV DVR boxes, just add a hard drive. Guide data is EPG, not from the internet.
Looks like an affordable solution for those not wanting/needing a full PC experience.
TV Antennas & Supplies* -*Digital Converter Boxes - Shop at SolidSignal.com - Page 1

[zookeeper]

Dealing with Cox and their various packages, tiers, bundles, etc. is a nightmare. I would rather go to the dentist than deal with Cox customer service about anything.