Windstream Bundle Packages: Buyer Beware About the Quote You Receive and Hidden Fees
Bundle Packages May Come with Sneaky Hidden Fees and the Quote You Receive May Not Be Set in Stone
When I called Windstream Communications, I was connected to an employee named Sasha. I had already researched what I wanted and could tell her specifically the plans and channels I was interested in receiving a quote. I could not believe my good fortune when she gave me such a low quote for the bundle package. After carefully reviewing everything and asking many questions about the bundle package, we gladly jumped with both feet.
However, after Dish Network finished installation we noticed we did not have the channels we had discussed with Sasha at Windstream Communications. When I called Windstream to question the mistake, I was told the price for that bundle package had been misquoted. In fact, I was informed the prices quoted to me were for a lesser bundle package and that if I wanted these agreed upon channels the charges would be more.
I was also told that I was misinformed by the Windstream employee about the period the bundle package prices were good for as well. It was further conveyed, that Showtime would be a separate charge and did not fit into the package deal at all.
Through further discussion, I found that my receivers from Dish Network would be another monthly charge on top of the mounting bottom line. Nearly everything I had been quoted and promised by the Windstream Communications employee had been taken back after installation for the three services began.
After over an hour on the phone, Windstream Communications did agreed to give me a one-time credit that should cover most of the differences in price for the course of a year, but not all.
This credit was not easily given by Windstream. It took me threatening to call the Better Business Bureau and at one point even telling them to come and unhook the whole system. I feel my experience very much resembles a bait and switch tactic.
Set up of my broadband with Windstream was not without its surprises as well. I was originally told that the setup and modem were free but come to find out the modem came with a fifty dollar charge. I was given a rebate form but was told not to expect my money for about 6 months by the man making the installation from Windstream.
When I expressed how upset I was about this latest omission by Windstream for my bundle package, the man making the installation told me, "He hears this all the time". He confided, "They tell people whatever they can to get them to switch". He also advised me, "Not to trust anything they say". It is sad that deception and hidden fees are used as a sales tactic. Save yourself some heartache and do not jump with both feet over the promise of lower prices. If it sounds too good to be true, just like the saying goes, it probably is.
Published by Layla Lair
Many of the articles posted by Ms. Lair are available for reprint. Please direct inquiries concerning reprints or freelance to laylalair@yahoo.com. View profile
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58 Comments
Post a CommentI have had a similar experience. I had the internet and phone (local only) without problems. A few months later, I decided to get a satellite (cable is not offered in my area, or I would have jumped at it). The only service that went with Windstreams phone and internet was DISH. When the call was made, I was told that they offered a "lifetime price guarantee" for the package. When it was installed, I knew I had a 2 year contract with DISH separate and apart from Windstream, but because it was part of the Windstream package, it was (as I had been told by the Windstream representative) included in the guaranteed price.
I obtained the bundle with the "lifetime price guarantee" only to find out after one year of service that the DISH increased $15./mo. I called. My one year "price break" was over and the DISH now went up in price. To buy out the contract would be $192.58 -- to keep paying the increase for the remainder of the DISH contract would be $165.00.
Have been an insight cable customer since your beginning in Lexington, my rates have gone from the 20's to $60/mo. for the same service. Then digital came along and you want more money for the same channels so you get the mini box to have any kind of service. Now I watch the same show on two different channels. All this claim about "on demand" (8,500 channel choices) is down right false (It would take you a month even to find them if they exist). I signed up for the 10 meg internet service in Jan. which is the only good thing I can say. The cable tv stinks. You have to pay extra for a hd dvr to view the hd channels. Many times the voice and picture is not in sync. which is very annoying. The 1st of July, I saw this add for current customers for 20 meg internet service and phone service for $35/mo. After several calls to customer service, most never heard of this deal, I was assured this was the correct price and there would be no other charges and signed up and my understanding with you was I was to get 20meg internet and unlimited phone service for $35/mo. (the same as I was paying for the 10 meg service). If I was told otherwise, I would not have signed up for the service. Well guess what, when I got my bill it was over $200 (double what I was paying). Talked to numerous people at insight about it and they say the ad was in addition to what I was already paying (there is no mention in the ad about additional services). This ad (speed and talk) is still on line at My insight along with others- "watch hd" for $47/mo., "watch and talk" for $72/mo. and "watch, speed and talk" for $82/mo. (includes 240 channels, 8,500 on demand, broadband 20 meg. and unlimited phone service). When I inquired about these prices, I am quoted a much higher price (at least double).. You claim to be a honest company but these are "false and deceptive advertsing" gimmicks all in the name of greed which may make you money now but soon will destroy your company. Many of your customer service people tend to agree. It is very bad when your own employees do not believe in the company honesty. I was not offered any compensation or credit to my account. Just an apology. I soon will be discontuning some of my services. Please forward this to your top management.
Ditto regarding misquoted prices. Strange, I also talked to a Sasha. It may not be tomorrow, but Windstream will be dumped.
If you live in Texas beware of Windstream's claim of needing a second line if you have DSL. Windstream claims the FCC requires this second line and if you don't take it then your DSL will go up an extra $20.00 per month. Windstream's solution to this issue is to offer you a second value line (that meets FCC regulations)for $10.00 per month that will be credited to your DSL (optional charges). What Windstream DOES NOT tell you is that you will be paying appr $4.00 a more in taxes each month because Windstream charges the $10.00 to your basic summary before it credits the optional charges.
Windstream informs me that it has no control over taxes even though the company assured me that I would not have to pay one cent extra because of the FCC regulations.
Sounds to me like Windstream is working with taxing entitites since it is unable to "adjust" accounting procedures on its bill!
I'm not sure what your issue was, but I have that same bundle. If you hook your receivers up to the Internet, or a phone line, you don't get charged a fee.
Also, there is a charge for the DVR service, but not a standard receiver unless it's not connected to a phone, or the Internet.
I almost sent back my VIP722k HD DVR with the thought in mind I would just buy one. That's until the rep explained to me I was paying nothing for the DVR itself, and never would.
I'm happy with my bundle. Customer service is great. I think your post is a little misleading, and doesn't provide all of the facts.
I am with you Jerry D.
I have Windstreams "Phone and Internet" Bundle. 49.99 Month was the advertisement right? - But that was all Wrong.
Now add to that $16.66 a month X 6 Months for a wireless modem and then add all in all of this..
$6.50 Access charge - reciepts surcharge .31 - deregulated administration fee $1.55 - Instillation fee's $11.20 X 3-6 Months (depending on the area) And NOW DO THE MATH... BTW.. Don't forget FCC, Fed, State, Local, and of course School tax and you could be like me spending $88.60 a month for an advertised $49.99 service.
My advice.. Stay AWAY FROM WINDSTREAM. If you need TV, Phone and Internet look for OTHER carriers of these services in your area.
@ Kay: I have come to believe it is a dishonest sales tactic.
I too was deceived about misquoted prices. I wonder if the sales representatives just do not know the correct information.
I was originally contacted by dish network. The quote & service were great.($29.99) They checked our credit to see if we qualified for the special and we did. I told them I would have to talk with my hubby & would let them know. The next day I contacted Windstream to check on their package.It included home phone,broadband and dish network.All for less that $100. We already had the phone and internet so all we needed was to change to dish. On a 3 way call with me,Windstream and dish we discussed the installation. The first guy that called me selling dish had already set me up for installation. I should have known then that they were NOT being honest. This was in March 2009. Now, October 2009 my dish bill finally was billed with the package purchased thru Windstream but at an increased price, about $50 more per month. Better Business Bureau comes to mind