Inside Tech Support

An insider's view of the OOL technical support call center. I am an OOL techical support representative and I've created this blog to give you an insight into the workings of the call center as well as help you get inside the mind of the guy who is helping you.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Uptraining

Training around here is nothing but a bad joke. When you get frustrated with an incompetent tech, don't take it out on the tech, it is not his fault, it is Management's inability to properly train the tech and keep them up to date. I've already detailed the abysmal training given to new techs and how it could be improved. But after you get on the phones, Management feels that any new features that OOL provides can be handled in a quick 45 minute or so Uptraining. Uptraining. WTF does that mean? Uptraining. The way management is around here it is more like Up your ass training.

Every couple of weeks you will get an appointment for a Uptraining. These Uptrainings will be on either new tools or new features that OOL supports. They are usually scheduled for 45-90 minutes and are held in a conference room. A "lead" technician hosts the Uptraining and hands out a photocopied document that details "everything" you would need to know about the new feature/tool. Do we have any computers to view or work with the new feature/tool? No, but the photocopy has screenshots! Yay! Screenshots! WooHoo! So how is the class conducted? The "lead" will sit at the head of the conference table and in a monotone, simply read off every fucking line in the document. As you can imagine, this is about as informative as watching ice melt. The sad part is you look forward to such Uptrainings, it gets you off the phones and away from customers.

These Uptrainings are supposed to provide the absolute minimum needed to perform the required function. How to handle anything out of the ordinary is not detailed at all. So the Uptraining might be useful 50% of the time. The rest of the time, well, good luck finding a lead.

Another useful thing that was suggested to Management (and promptly relegated to the circular file) is to provide refresher Uptrainings. Quite a few times I have talked to fellow techs about a customer's problem I solved and have had the tech tell me "I forgot about that". But the reason why Management won't do that ties in with the following.

The hell with keeping techs well trained and able to properly help the customer, what did I state earlier is the most important thing to Management? That's right, their ASA. It doesn't matter if you are scheduled for an Uptraining, if there is a queue of customers waiting to talk to a tech (and there is ALWAYS a queue), Uptrainings are cancelled. Of course they are supposed to be rescheduled but what happens? Yep, another queue, Uptrainings are cancelled again. Eventually the Uptraining is forgotten about and then you are on your own. When new features roll out as the new OV portal did recently, I'm sure when customers called in about it, they knew more about what it does than the tech did!

Other methods of training consist of leads coming around while you are on the phone, dropping off a document and then they make you sign that you read it. Or it is emailed to you. When do I have time to read these documents? Oh that's right, management allows me all of 5 minutes at the beginning of my shift to log in, setup all the tools I need and then go through my email to read and digest these documents. Or while I am on the phone with a customer I might recall there is something in my stack of documents I have to carry back and forth to work (remember, we aren't given drawers to store our stuff in) that may have something to do with his problem. Let's see how Management can screw us. If I put the customer on hold, I run the risk of exceeding my hold time stat. If I tell the customer Let me research your issue and NOT put him on hold, I have to watch out for BPA and fill in the silences. Yet again, Management sets up the tech to bullshit the customer and not fix his problem. As we have seen, it is not in either the tech's nor Management's best interest to help the customer.

When you speak to a tech remember one thing. The tech on the phone is considered by Management to be nothing but a phone answering piece of meat. The tech only exists to lower the ASA. All management cares about is that you get off the phone as quickly as possible. They don't care if your problem was fixed, they don't care if the tech knows WTF he is talking about, they simply care about you hanging up the phone ASAP.

40 Comments:

At 2:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

You mentioned that we only get 5 minutes to find a seat, boot up a PC, and log into 15 databases at the start of our shift. Dont forget to tell them about our class action suit which Cablevision just settled with us. This suit was brought on as a result of them using our personal time before our shift to log in. This wasted 20 minutes per day of each techs time and helped management lower their ASA at no cost. Decent companies dont get sued by their own employees.

 
At 6:17 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is all very well written and informative, I look forward to the next thread. Please keep up the good work in keeping people informed on what really happens behind those closed doors, I always knew cablevision was a horrible, monopolistic company. I can't begin to imagine what it might be like working for them...cable customer

 
At 1:35 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow, how quiet it has suddenly become. Everybody's just sitting back waiting for their check to arrive in the mail....It's the last you will get from people that had the balls to speak out against what is done here, and try to create a positive environment.

 
At 9:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Actually I think they are all just too tired and stressed in keeping up with the call volume and all managaemnt wants from them. Head feels like jello after 8 hours of that crap.

 
At 9:38 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

98% of the techs out there dont even deserve the money they will get from the settlement. Most didnt even sign the suit, and hardly anyone had the balls to publicly criticize management. But they will all take the money without an ounce of guilt. Just like the non supporters of the union drive would have gladly taken all the benefits a union would have brought them.

By the way, this blog site seems to be cooling a bit. Its to be expected from TSG techs. Nothing but a bunch of cattle.
Mooooo

 
At 12:00 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

haha.. I remember uptraining. The best was when good ol' Cablevision would put out some new shitty feature (that didnt work as usual)and they wouldn't tell us reps about it. The customer would be the first to tell us! If we were lucky 50% of the time that very day we would first find out about it by receiving a NEW PHOTOCOPY ( ooooooh! ) when we walked in the door. That was our training! What a shithole! I love this blog. You gotta write about Cabledata!

p.s.
I brought up the topic of us having to log in on our personal time at a staff meeting and to HR (clowns), and the response was always a very rehearsed BPA answer, such as "You DO need to be logged in and taking calls the minute your shift starts" ........ So yeah, I cant wait to get my check :-)

 
At 10:33 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Peter,
F..ck off. I am tired of your BS. I could care less about you and your union BS. As you said previously you are no longer CV employee so leave us alone. Go BS in your own company. Lawsuit was won by lawyers, not you. Even best companies can be sued by their employees.

 
At 8:33 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

ya, but it ws started by people who had the balls to take on this pathetic management team and it was won as soon as it started, but of course cable will deny any wrong doing...ya...and how often do companies get sued by their own employees...does not happen to respectable companies..or companies that treat their employees with respect, they make you hate them....now go take some phone calls....loser

 
At 8:35 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

FIOS is gonna smoke your asses

 
At 8:40 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will not be satisfied until that whole management team suffers the same consequence so many good employees here have......they have to go one way or another, and the best way to make them realize they are failures in managing anything let alone a tech support department, is to bring in a union and finally make things right, they have brought us to this point and their is no other alternative but leaving....so their is nothing to lose...finally take away some of that total control nonsense, and doing everything for ASA and their yearly bonuses, it should be in all our interests to make this place tolerable and a union is the way to start...their is no other way, they will never listen to you alone...how can you possibly be happy with the way things are here!

 
At 6:53 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just a bunch of dogs pulling a sled while management keeps cracking that whip....what a great place to work, nobody has the nerve to do anything about it...but at the same time you all know how horrible it is. Just keep the abuse going, and do nothing about it. I am so ashamed to be working here! What are we afraid of?..a better living and better conditions.

 
At 11:31 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

ooltech, get a life...sorry to be so blunt n harsh, but its time someone kicked u in the pants and opened ur eyes. first off, ur ABSOLUTELY right, CV is an evil corporation, they treat u like crap, they should burn in hell, blah blah blah....but the real loser, the one who has to go home everyday n live with themself is none other than the man (and i use that term loosely) u see inthe mirror everyday...along with all the douchebags u r bunched up with everyday. face it, this is your life, u have no hopes or aspirations or the means for that matter to be anything but a 12 dollar an hour tech who b!tches about his company on the internet. real men know when to cut their losses n move on to bigger n better things rather then spend precious wasted time badmouthing an enitity that CANNOT be hindered in its quest for cheap labor at cheap wages. thats what u r, a cheap waste of space n sperm, n no one would care or notice if u bit the big one tomorrow (heaven forbid) n stopped posting altogether. honestly, u sound like a smart guy, its time to STFU n move on with ur life - in other words, quit n find ur true calling in life.....peaceout suckers.

 
At 11:51 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

wow, he's waste of sperm?...no one would care if he died?!?!
Someone is way overreacting to a simple little blog meant to blow off some steam... Seek some therapy man! You have some serious anger issues :-) xoxo

 
At 8:55 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I used to work in a Comcast customer service call center for 2 and a half years before something much better opened up for me, and I have to say that a lot of the things ool tech is saying happens at a Comcast call center too, it's just that they give things different names. I wouldn't reboot & login to my PC and get all my stuff together until when my shift started at 11:30 because that IS the the time when I am on the clock and started getting paid, but management sees otherwise. All they worry about is the numbers. All a callcenter is run by is statistics. They don't care about keeping up a good morale to keep the employees happy and to motivate them. The management, and I don't mean supervisors or leads beacuse they are pee-on's as much as the customer service people are also, don't care and don't listen to anything anyone has to say to make things better for the company.
Just my 2 cents...

 
At 11:08 PM, Blogger betterment said...

dude, you're going to have a heart attack before you're 24. seriously don't sweat the small stuff and move on with your career. it would be hard for me to say you have an eloquent method of communication - but you have something, at some level, as random as it may be - and as misguided as it may be - which one might call drive or dare i say.. potential.
i might suggest to you that "uptraining" is NOT training - but providing you with the foundation necessary to DO THINGS FOR YOURSELF and move YOUR career forward. alas, i'm sure i'd get some negative comment about management or another department or the slackers that work near you... so i'm going to continue and enjoy tersely reading your waste of time "blame.game" responses...

i think you have something some other people don't have, and that's agitation ------- innovation, courage and drive all are derived from some level of agitation - agitation against society - the man - your boss - your wife/girlfriend - or even your kids. some people become ted kazinsky (sp?) ; some become business owners - more successful than the bosses who agitated them; and some become better people. maybe you should become something other than "the dude with the blog" focus on yourself; and in turn everyone you work with; and contact in the sphere of influence we call your life will be better off for having a better you around. i mean this seriously - no joke - take that energy - focus it inward - be agitated with yourself - not because you did something wrong - but because you're going to do something right - for yourself for a change!!

 
At 8:36 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The last post made some great points, although I disagree with his view on uptraining as "providing you with the foundation necessary to DO THINGS FOR YOURSELF". Im not lazy , Im not playing the "blame game". Many times we would have no "foundation" because they constantly cancel our training, yet have us take calls to fix the issue we were never trained on. Try fixing a new feature you never even HEARD about! I would have to take 8 hours of irrate calls, people asking for explainations, and I had nothing to go on.

As far as everything else,I absolutely agree. Although I LOVE this blog, you have to leave Cablevision. You are very intelligent and articulate, thats why this blog is so entertaining to read. I hated Cable so much, it motivated me to go back and get my degree. Everytime I get tired from all the work I have to do I honestly just think of how bad it was to work for Cablevision and it gets me through! You need to take some action to get out of there. Trust me, it will NEVER change there! There are great companies and places that encourage growth. Cablevision just is not one. It does not pay for them to advance you. Although I'd miss my fav. blog, you really derserve better and should just move on.

 
At 12:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

so what you're saying is that you are unhappy because you are not technical at all and was not able to advance in the company through your own abilities. You sat there and cried wolf to get what you wanted and when that wasn't enough, you quit or more than likely got fired because of performance issues. Way to own up to your imperfections.

 
At 12:51 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

To the last post : what the hell are you talking about? That doesn't even make sense. Your saying Im not techncially skilled because Im not psychic and was unaware of changes they made without informing us?

"You sat there and cried wolf to get what you wanted and when that wasn't enough..."

what? Where did you even get that from? YOU DONT EVEN KNOW ME! Your nuts. I worked there, could not stand BPA and all the stats, and I quit because I found a better paying job elsewhere.

Guess I'm "owning up to my imperfections" hahaha. You need some reading comprehension skills. Either up your medication, or go back to school my friend.

 
At 5:15 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

enjoy "tersely" reading your waste of time "blame.game" responses...

"tersely" reading ?



hmmm....

 
At 1:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just what is it that really burns you about CV? Answering the phone? Pay? Benefits? Your Supervisor? CV's Expectations? Opportunity for advancement?
I guess much of what you are saying is that you don't like what you do.
If you dont like answering the phone and talking to end users, why did you take the job? What did you think you were going to be doing?
The Pay? What do you think you are actually worth to do the job required? How much can it be worth to solve basic connectivity and email issues, or to sched a TC for wireline or some other phone issue? Nearly $50K with OT plus the benefits for a first year tech is not that shabby. I suspect the reason people stay is that unless you have a MSCE, CCNA or some other degree, it tough to do better than that.
Benefits? Very few companies have a better package. You want 20 or 25 year retirement?- go be a cop or a fireman- few others get it.
Your supervisor? Obviously that experience will vary with each tech- but many of them started where you are and are pretty fair from what I have seen.
Ah, now the big one- the expectations- Sure no one LIKES BPA, 10 minute call times, 30 second wrap and that damned adherance. How would YOU ensure a level quality of service and performance? There ARE justifiable reasons for nearly all of that. Anyway, 10 minute calls turn out to be about right on average- My wrap is consistantly around 20, and I know I am not a lot better than average. And it is not even hard to do. 95% Adherance is do-able if you dont screw around. A pain in the butt- sure- but can you imagine how people would be jerking around without it? You have a better idea?- Lets hear it.
On advancement- To truly advance we all know you need to get off the phone. Put some extra effort in, kiss a little butt if necessary, and give someone a reason to notice you. I have seen several people move on to other areas within the company- not to mention the obvious move to lead or sup- After all if you know so much, you can get there and fix it all for the rest of us......or not.....

 
At 5:27 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

There is no "I" in "teamwork." But there is in "management kiss-up."

If you do a good job and work hard, you may get a job with a better company someday.

The light at the end of the tunnel has been turned off due to budget cuts.

Doing a job RIGHT the first time gets the job done. Doing the job WRONG 14 times gives you job security.

If you think we're a bad company, you should see the competition.

Rome did not create a great empire by having meetings--they did it by killing all those who oppose them.

We put the "k" in "kwality."

2 days without a Labor rights violation.

Your job is STILL better than asking, "You want fries with that?"

We build great products when we feel like it and don't have any reason to call in sick.

If at first you don't succeed, try management.

Teamwork means never having to take all the blame yourself.

The beatings will continue until morale improves.

Pride, Commitment, Teamwork. Words we use to get you to work for free.

If at first you don't succeed, delegate it.

Plagiarism saves time.

Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.

 
At 6:13 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

If you are willing to tolerate all that nonsense and not leave or try organizing...you truly are a freak!
Their is plenty that can be done to make this place better...It's just not in managements best interest so that stops you all right in your feet and you are happy with that...losers..It's not just about answering phones, We are running this marathon evryday to benefit someone else and their bonus because it's all expected. And the end result will always be you burning out and leaving one way or another..It's a horrible place to work, or even try working at for any length of time..This is not an intern assignment for starters..some of us were looking for stable jobs, and stop stating it is just a starting job...You take non stop calls with all these strings attached..95% adherence is difficult for anyone who is normal and needs a fair break under the circumstances...Yes I have left that pathetic mess, and now I just reset passwords and troubleshoot/fix pc issues for more money and less bullshit, a pension, unlimited sick days( but of course we cannot abuse them) sure as hell beats 5 and a write up ..Stalin... but I guess you like what you do and determine who should make how much because of what they do, I think you do more than I do for less money, but the difference is I love what I do now and am not pushed like an ant..and you cannot say the same, because working for them is easy in theory...but look at all the casualties throughout the years..good techs too...something is wrong..It can be a respectable job, but they, and you, choose not to go that route and do anything about it so they will continue what they do.

So is it really easy to deal with bullshit over and over, and for how long will you tolerate it never moving up....nobody is blaming anyone...I blame you all for letting them get away with such nonsense for so long, and they still haven't changed, they would rather pay their fines and continue doing what they do under the fuhrer ..than change.... I want to see that place go down to Verizon or anyone for that matter, because it was the worst work experience I have ever had.

 
At 4:48 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

There ARE justifiable reasons for nearly all of that. Anyway, 10 minute calls turn out to be about right on average- My wrap is consistantly around 20, and I know I am not a lot better than average. And it is not even hard to do. 95% Adherance is do-able if you dont screw around. A pain in the butt- sure- but can you imagine how people would be jerking around without it? You have a better idea?- Lets hear it.

Ya it's justified in your managers yearly bonus and you getting a coaching or write up for not running the insane marathon...What are you serious brown nose boy..so they give us 15 minutes instead of 8...that's screwing around..I call it a much needed break. I have many ideas..rotate live support to give everyone a break..rotate the Helpdesk, Increase personal time to lets say 15 minutes and or give us a 1/2 hour paid lunch or maybe even a 1 hour paid. You can even rotate people getting weekends off, have the place properly staffed so we are not sitting in a non stop queue all the time, these things can be done, the starting pay is ok but the raises are a damn joke and slap in the face for all that is expected for the year. You keep justifieng all the nonsense and abuse in your head and realize why you havent gotten a job anywhere else because you became this suck up boy at Cablevision to please your managers....pssst... most places are nothing like that place fool and the thing is, most normal people refuse to kiss a little butt as you describe...I will always refuse!!! I will get ahead by my knowledge and good work like I always have before, and please don't tell me thats the way it is in the real world, because that was the only place I saw it so blatantly obvious and it was disgusting. I feel like I am stealing money at my new job compared to what was expected their. You want to rub crap on your niose, go ahead, I used to cringe at people like that...It's as if you are begging to get off the phones and they play you like a violin...sorry I have balls and want to be treated like a man, at least I finally am again and I plan on retiring with a pension where I am now...Cable losers, you will never have any respect!

 
At 5:01 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

jamie...was that you tat posted up their?

 
At 5:47 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Stop it, leave us alone...listen to you pathic crying babies..leave who alone? Whos is bothering you? You are the one that has an interest in coming here, and nobody is twisting your arms to read the truth. Is anybody truly bothering you on your work time? Of course not...I guess you can speak on everyones behalf, and love the way things are because you plan on retiring here. So you want all the people that see this place the way it really is to just go away. Well some people want to let off some steam and let people know what really goes on here. It's deplorable, and I respect those that are at least willing to speak out. So many people have felt the same way and yes, many have left. I along with many of them, do not believe leaving is the only answer so that management can just continue doing what they do. It's what makes some people stronger than others, some just follow, while others will question things when they are wrong. Why should we do nothing and have these tyrants continue their bully tactics? I know how much mangement is cringing at the thought of these sites being out there...but that's the whole idea. Why shouldn't people know the truth? Why must we hide everythng behind these closed doors. Besides, their is no loyalty or morale here, and that is managments fault, so it is bound to happen with the way we are treated. Nobody is going to have a heart attack, and nobody is crying, we are just letting off some steam before we leave this god forsaken place, and letting people know what really goes on at cablevision. I did not create that environment..they did and it sucks big time. We have the right to let people know. It's expected when no person plans on retiring here, and is just expected to put in a few years of their life before managemnt finds a way to tarnish ones image because of all that is expected and never rewarded.

 
At 2:24 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

quick question, how much do u phone guys make in salary? when i was there it was 12 an hour...wat is it now?

 
At 4:29 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

still 12 to start....

 
At 5:12 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

The grass is soooooo much greener on the other side......you poor souls

 
At 9:27 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

to the poster who says ooltech is a waste of sperm, LOL....he's right, i wouldnt give a flying chunk of cow dung if u died a slow, painful death tomorrow.in fact, do us all a favor and end the misery n depression that is ur life NOW, n slit ur throat u lifeless maggot.

 
At 10:14 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who's depressed?..LOL...what is getting under your skin so bad? Why such harsh words, I thought the guys that want better and are trying to organize were supposed to act like that, What is making you so mad?... relax pal...Don't assume every post here is coming from ooltech...loser boy...What has this guy done to you other than create a blog and tell it how it really is?....I guess that makes you real mad somehow...Let the guy blow off some steam while he looks to get out, Don't worry nobody ever lasts to long remember...man, I think he is entitled to that, oh, I forgot..you're so used to your strict rules and being careful of what you say, especially about the company...LOL...you robot....How can someone who tells it how it is get under your skin so bad? We all see this, what planet are you on? Don't worry...OOl tech will do just fine, He seems intelligent and will do much better than you ever will with that attitude and that company. I think It's you that needs the therapy, how can you stick up for that place, What is your interest? Funny how the same guy you praise in your post seems like the same person as you check the grammar ur?...yes get a life already....

 
At 1:46 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

He's your typical ass clown that works at TSG..just clueless and conforms with the hopes of moving up, can't get a job anywhere else..how can't you be miserable working there unless?......you are no longer on the phones 40 hrs a week and have found a comfort zone. Well if we want to be harsh, lets go... I hope a meteor slams into that building while someone was screaming their lungs off at you so it's the last possible thought you would have in such a pathetic and meaningless existance while working for one of the worst companies (as far as treatment goes) out there and wipes out a company that treats everyone like they are ants, I guess I could say the same for Wal Mart also, because you would probably defend them to...loving their cheap prices...and low payed employees..but at what cost to our way of life and american businesses?

 
At 2:17 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

listen pal, dont be a cry baby wussy cuz ur gettin used (over n over) like the roll of recycled toilet tissue u r. cablevision will always have a long line of b!tch a$$ suckers like u to be their b!tch for X amount of months/years to give the same sh!tty customer service they have come to be known for. So yea, the guy was right, when u die, at least we know for a fact cablevision wont give a rats a$$ about u, n for that I applaud them, in fact i hope they have a pizza party the day ooltech chokes on his headset. peace out suckers....


P.S. someone once said, dont hate the player, hate the game......cheap labor at cheap wages is what this world is built upon, dont be a sourpuss b/c ur on the short end of that stick. good day!

 
At 8:32 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Verizon: You can see me now
Phone giant enters cable TV market with new service, low rates

BY HARRY BERKOWITZ
STAFF WRITER

September 23, 2005


Within the next few years, Verizon Communications expects to grab 20 percent of the market for its new cable TV service in the first community where it launched yesterday, executives said.

In rolling out FiOS TV in Keller, Texas, the giant phone company also unveiled monthly rates that generally undercut cable competitors and that it said indicate the kind of pricing it expects to charge in other areas where it launches.
That includes Massapequa Park, which may become the first community in New York State to grant Verizon a cable TV franchise when village trustees meet to vote on the license Monday night.

"Getting 20 percent penetration we think is achievable, and that would be the first hurdle we are looking to achieve," Bob Ingalls, president of Verizon retail markets, said at a news conference in Keller, where there are 8,800 homes.

Verizon expects to launch service in six communities this year, including Keller and two others in Texas, followed by dozens more next year, including parts of Long Island.

A FiOS package of "expanded basic" service, with more than 180 digital video and music-only channels and video-on-demand service, costs $39.95 per month plus $3.95 for a standard set-top box or $9.95 for a box that transmits high-definition channels.

A Spanish-English version of expanded basic costs $32.95 for nearly 140 channels.

"Our pricing comparison indicates that Verizon's video plans offer greater value at all segments of the market versus its cable competitors and at the high end of the market versus satellite competitors," a research report by Credit Suisse First Boston said yesterday.

But when comparing triple-bundle packages that include unlimited phone calls and high-speed Internet access in addition to mid-tier cable TV service, Verizon and cable company rates become similar because of the relatively high prices of Verizon's phone service, Credit Suisse First Boston said.

To a large degree, FiOS - short for fiber-optic service - may serve as a loss leader, especially at first, to help retain phone customers, just as cable companies are using digital phone service as a loss leader to help retain cable customers.

As Verizon rolls out fiber-optic lines that will allow it to offer the service to 4 million homes in various states by mid-2006, its cable TV areas will overlap with 19 percent of the homes where Cablevision offers service in the New York metropolitan area, the most overlap with any cable competitor. By 2010, it plans to hook up lines in areas with nearly 20 million homes. It has not announced plans for New York City yet.

"Cablevision is clearly the most at risk to FiOS in the near-term and likely the long-term among the public cable and satellite companies," the Credit Suisse First Boston report said. Initial areas for FiOS TV will overlap with 4 percent of Time Warner Cable areas, Credit Suisse First Boston said.

Cablevision spokesman Jim Maiella said FiOS TV will face competition from incumbents that also include DirecTV and EchoStar Communications.

"The phone company is hoping to be the fourth entrant in the video market with a 'me too' product, while Cablevision is already delivering more services at better prices over a completed fiber-rich network," Maiella said.

Verizon is highlighting its all-digital programming, similar to what satellite TV offers, and is starting with more than 330 available channels, including channels such as ESPN, owned by Walt Disney Co., and channels such as MTV, owned by Viacom, that signed up in recent days. By the end of this year, it will offer 1,800 video-on-demand titles, Verizon said. It has more than 20 high-definition TV channels, including local channels. Cablevision, in comparison, has 1,200 video-on-demand titles and 18 HDTV channels.

Opening up competition

Monthly rates for Verizon FiOS Cablevision

Broadcast basic $12.95 $13.00*

Digital expanded basic 39.95 55.00*

Spanish-English version 32.95 34.90

Sports pack 5.95 4.95

Multiple premium 11.95 9.95

Movie channels

HBO channels 14.95 11.95

On-demand old films 2.95 2.95

On-demand new films 3.95 4.95

Digital set-top box 3.95 4.95

High-definition TV box 9.95 4.95

Digital video recorder

Service 12.95 9.95**

* varies by community

**plus box

SOURCES: Verizon, Cablevision

 
At 10:50 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who's getting used, I have moved on to a career because cable prevents anyone in achieving one...So let me get this straight, you enjoy the thought of ool tech dieing a slow death because he created a blog that tells people what goes on, and Cable will always treat their workers like bitches...WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!!!!!

 
At 10:56 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I hope Verizon gobbles up that stain of a company. Who in their right mind is willing to waste their time with them. Yes, unfortunately I did, but that is why we are getting the word out, so people know the facts before they step in shit.

 
At 5:06 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

" I hope Verizon gobbles up that stain of a company. "

why dont you gobble the stains off my dirty drawers you whiny little biatch.

 
At 10:08 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

its totally unfair, i want u pathetic american pigs to suffer in cablevision for eternity....putrid infidels...

 
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