Moving channels to more expensive tiers?

[sox1918]

www.verizon.com/extremechannels

OK, so if I read this link correctly. Verizon is removing channels from the service level I subscribe to and moving them to a more expensive level.  I could understand if they didn't give me access to a new channel without upgrading my tier but these channels were in the package when I signed the contract.  What exactly is the purpose of the 1 year contract with 2 year price guarantee if I need to fork over more money just to receive the same channels I signed up for?

[blushrts]

I would also like to know. I re-upped in October of 2009. This is extremely shady as I would have to pay a termination fee if I decide I don't like it.

[eat1820]

Its bad enough they keep putting faster internet speeds into the bundles so they can get more money out of us, now they wish to taketh away channels too.

I have had Fios for 3 years and have been happy with the service, but these practices are starting to get out of hand.

Well at least in November I will consider the competitions offers. I don't even watch these channels, but what happens in 6 months when they decide to take away more?

[sox1918]

Exactly.  What if in 6 months they decide ESPN needs to be in a higher tier?

[Suzanne7777]

Wow--I cannot believe this is legal. You buy a package, sign a contract and they change the deal?  To me that is breaking a contract.  Citibank tried this a few years ago--"transfer balances and have an interest rate for the life of the balance", but then they tried to changed interest rates.  There was a Class Action lawuit brought against them and Citibank lost.

Verizon is looking at the same thing.  Sure sounds like the same thing.

I think at the very least, this deserves to be brought to the attention of the FCC.  If people just sit back and let these companies take advantage of them, of course they will do that.  Fight back--it might be illegal.

[Caps09]

The channels don't go away unless you change to the new package. I have certain channels in my Extreme HD (2009) package that aren't in the new Extreme HD package, so I will not be signing up for it. It's not a breach of contract in my opinion, but it is pretty confusing. I'll say it again though- MAKE SURE the channels you want are included in a new package before signing up.

[prisaz]

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@Caps09 wrote:

The channels don't go away unless you change to the new package. I have certain channels in my Extreme HD (2009) package that aren't in the new Extreme HD package, so I will not be signing up for it. It's not a breach of contract in my opinion, but it is pretty confusing. I'll say it again though- MAKE SURE the channels you want are included in a new package before signing up.

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Exactly!

I have kicked and stomped because I would like to upgrade my bundle for speed, but the New Extreme is not as Extreme as the old Extreme. Now they want to cram movie channels down our throats to get what we had before!!!! Sucks doesn't it? So I will sit on my hind side and not upgrade until I am forced. Way to go Verizon. I love FIOS but Verizon Management has the take it or leave it attitude now that FIOS has been out for a while. I have been here since launch and this does not make me happy. Premium, Extreme to not so Extreme. What the H_*%&^&^ are you thinking???

This is the WRONG STUFF. Wonder after my two year price guarantee goes away will they force me off of the 2009 Extreme since I am no longer in a commitment as of last November. I might just drop my phone service, raise my internet speed, and tell them where the bundle should go.

[ekem015]

You do not lose the channel unless you make a change to your service.

I agree though, it's not a good thing that Verizon is moving channels to higher tiers, just in general.

[prisaz]

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@ekem015 wrote:

You do not lose the channel unless you make a change to your service.

I agree though, it's not a good thing that Verizon is moving channels to higher tiers, just in general.

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I think that is clear and everyone should know that if you change any part of your bundle it is not the same bundle. You need to choose a new bundle. You lose unless you get Ultimate and pay more. I don't want movie channels in my bundle. Just more speed and all the non premium HD I have.

Say you have 2009 Extreme 20/5 internet. If you want 25/25 say bye-bye to your 2009 Extreme, and the channels that came with it. I knew I should have done the 25/15 and 2009 Extreme in December. I would have the 2009 Extreme until almost 2012.

Who knows, someone may wake up and put the Extreme back into Extreme. But if they do that they would lose Showtime and Movie channel subscribers.

[blushrts]

From here:  http://www.verizon.com/extremechannels

Do these changes affect me?

If you ordered the FiOS TV Extreme HD package prior to January 17, 2010, the channels below will no longer be available in your TV package.

I see no mention of being grandfathered in if those channels were in the package when you signed up for it.  Those channels were in the package when I signed up in October for the 25/15 plan with extreme. (and committed to a one year contract)

I hope you are right, but would be extremely unfair to change your service while you are under contract.