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Release date 03/28/2013
YONKERS, NY — With carriers offering introductory discounts as much as half off, it’s little wonder why three quarters of those who bought a triple or quad-play telecom package (cable, internet, home phone, cell phone) told Consumer Reports that they would definitely or probably purchase that same bundle of services again, according to the latest subscriber survey on telecom providers from the Consumer Reports National Research Center.
The full report on telecom services can be found in the May issue of Consumer Reports and online at ConsumerReports.org. Based on the experiences of 84,000 Consumer Reports readers, it features tips and advice to help consumers save money on their telecom services and select the best providers.
“Our report revealed that although rates for telecom services have been trending upward, there are proven ways to save for consumers who act boldly and tackle these costs head-on,” said Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor for Consumer Reports. “Also, our Ratings – of bundles from 14 companies, along with individual phone, TV, and Internet services from many more – show that most people have at least one decent choice in telecom.”
Among the major carriers, the highest proportion of subscribers who said they’d “triple play” again had bundles with Fios, Verizon’s fiber-optic-based TV, digital-landline phone, and high-speed Internet service. Fios received standout scores for its broadband speed and reliability, TV picture and reliability, and even phone call quality and reliability.
For consumers in a handful of Midwestern cities WOW, a top-rated provider, merits serious consideration. It received high marks for its bundled telecom service, especially for billing and support coordination.
Among the Consumer Reports survey’s findings was that too few people bargain for lower rates and could be missing out on big savings. Only one in three survey respondents with a triple or quad play negotiated with their carrier, and many of them got a reduction in their monthly bill, fees waived, or an upgrade in service. About 44 percent of bargainers reported savings of up to $50 a month, and 7 percent chopped more than $50 off their monthly bill.
Consumers who are lucky enough to have two competitors offering triple-play packages in their neighborhood can play them against each other. Among readers who had changed TV providers in the previous six months, 18 percent were offered new savings of $20 or more a month by their old provider if they didn’t switch to a new company or if they had switched but were open to coming back.
Not opting for higher speed, more expensive Internet upgrades that many ISP’s are now pitching is another way consumers can save money. Cablevision’s Optimum service, for instance, offers 50-megabits-per-second (Mbps) downloads with Boost Plus, a $15-a-month upgrade to its regular Internet speeds, which are “up to 15 Mbps,” according to the company. But that download speed should be all the typical household needs, even if multiple users are simultaneously doing bandwidth-hungry tasks.
The Consumer Reports telecom services report features Ratings of bundles from 14 companies, along with individual phone, TV, and Internet services from several more providers. The full report can be found in the May issue of Consumer Reports, and online at ConsumerReports.org.
About Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2013 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2013 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.