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Household Finances

Time Warner Cable

12 years ago

On the subject of Time Warner Cable......

A mysterious monthly charge showed up on the bill. When I called they said it was a modem service charge. What? I've had this modem for 4 years - w/o any service or modem service charge.

Customer service said they sent mail notification they were going to charge everyone with a modem this new charge. Yet, I receive everything in the mail I'm supposed to - but never got their notification.

Coincidently (or not) this new charge appeared after I made a call to TWC inquiring about router options. I did not authorize any router.

The first customer service agent said she'd reverse the charge, but wasn't authorized to do so. So, she transferred the call to a supervisor who insisted that the 'modem service charge' was something everyone is getting charged for and the fee cannot be reversed.

Anybody have any experience with TWC?

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Comments (6)

eccentric
12 years ago
Not TWC - I live in Canada. But we have had to pay monthly for our modem ever since we received it several years ago. It can be bought outright - no doubt that will be the next thing forced on us. Currently we rent it - so if there is a problem it is replaced (much like a rental hot water heater) unless it can be repaired. If there is an issue with our cable though we absolutely cannot have ANYTHING plugged into the modem such as a VCR etc. or we would incur a major service charge. We are always being hit with increases/new charges - yet never receive anything telling us so - of course they always say we did.
emma
12 years ago
I don't have TW but when we got our first modem, we opted to buy one instead of renting. I don't like monthly payments on things like that, you end up paying more than it cost in the long run.

I would be a little unhappy to have them start charging when there was no charge before. I would be buying one outright or finding a different server.
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I just ordered DVR cable service and received the 8300HD dvr box from Time Warner Cable in North Carolina and have subsequently learned that the cable function "Copy to VCR" is not available in my area. It escapes me why it would be available in other parts of the country, but not here. Since the "Copy to VCR" functionality was one of the main reasons I wanted the DVR, I'm considering getting rid of TWC's box and trying something different. But before I do, I thought I would post on this forum to see if anyone could suggest how to connect my components to make copies to a VCR without having to play the sound while doing so. Recording with the sound muted or turned down won't record. I have the following: --8300HDC DVR - connected from the wall by coaxial and from the box to the tv through coaxial --TV with only inputs --DVD player - connected directly to a tv input --VCR with RF (coaxial?) input/output - Using coaxial, I can connect from the cable box through the VCR to the TV to make copies. --Audio receiver - about 20 years old but works great. Just not a lot of connection options. I'm willing to spend some money on new equipment, but not alot. I'd appreciate any suggestions on what might work or what functionality something new should have. I may consider purchasing something like Tivo and DVR and ditching Time Warner. Depending on what any expert advice. Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.
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Elmer J Fudd
12 years ago
The easiest solution is to buy your own modem instead of renting one from them.

Latest and greatest version (Docsis 3.0) - $70

One generation old but still functional (Docsis 2.0) - Maybe $50

Either of the above used instead of new - less.

If the current device is an integrated modem and router - add $35 for a basic router.

Check with Time Warner which models of which brands are compatible with their system. You'll find that most models of well-known brands will be suitable. .
jannie
12 years ago
You can buy used modems and boxes and even remotes on Ebay. Make sure the seller checks to make sure they work. You could also return it for a refund. My DH has several "extra"' TV satellite boxes and remotes.
socks
12 years ago
Thanks for starting this thread. I'm paying $ 4.99/mo for the modem. We've probably paid for a couple purchased modems by now. TW says on their site (under the internet tab) there is a list of appropriate modems that can be purchased. Users just have to return the one being rented from TW.
emma
12 years ago
I was told they don't support all modems and they gave me a list of the ones they supported.

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