[rfielder]

We are considering dropping Bell and going to a Rogers Home Phone. We have most everything else with Rogers - Cable TV, Ultimate internet, two cell phones.

First question - does this create a single point of failure? Of course, if the cable running into the house is cut, you are standed. That is not what I am referring to.

Or if one of the Rogers services is interrupted, will the phone keep going? I have had situations where my internet went down for a bit, but cable TV was OK. Also, at least once in the last five years I have seen my cable TV go to all noise on all channels but my internet stayed up. Will it be the same with Home Phone - if one service goes down, the phone may stay up?

Second question - part of this is to save money but keep my Bell phone number in service. I received a flyer from Rogers advertising Home Phone for about $17/month for three months, a $10 reduction that lasts three months. On the radio, we think we heard that you could get the $10 reduction for a year on new accounts. I can't find anything on the Rogers web site. Anyone know which is it? Is the year long discount only for new Rogers customers, perhaps?

Last question - does this count as another service that increases our overall discounts from Rogers?

Thanks in advance!

 

[hugh]

Will it be the same with Home Phone - if one service goes down, the phone may stay up?

Yes, if the problem is a networking issue affecting just one service. If it's physical or if there is a power outage then it's like having your cable line cut.

 

[57]

if there is a power outage then it's like having your cable line cut.

If the power outage is at Hydro and not at Rogers, the Rogers home phone will stay up (at least for a while). The modem has a backup battery good for about 3-5 hours. I also have mine plugged into a UPS for perhaps some additional time. Rogers have UPS on their system, so cable and phone are often "up" if there is a localized power failure (I have often been able to continue recording with my PVR because it's on my UPS and Rogers have their UPS. If the power failure is huge, then everything usually goes down and even cell phone service can sometimes be difficult with many people using it.

The "Value" packages count as an additional service, however, the discount does not apply to the value package itself, only to the other items you have with Rogers. Mostly that "bundling" option has been replaced by new discounts - most people are able to negotiate a 15-20% discount on their Rogers bills if they agree to stay with Rogers for a year or two. Depends on negotiating skills, services you have, length of time you agree to stay, CSR you talk to, etc.

 

[rfielder]

I heard the radio ad again this morning - one year at $16.99. The paper ad and the Rogers web site say this price only holds for three months.

Guess I need to call them, see what they will give me.....

 

[rfielder]

Got a couple of flyers from Rogers showing the deals lasting for a year. Sounds good.

Part of the deal is "free installation". That is very clearly printed on every flyer.

They also advise you to either call a 1-8xx number or log onto a specific part of the Rogers web site. I tried going the web site route, and guess what - the installation will be $49.99!

Maybe if I complete the order online, there will be a credit for the cost of the installation. Or maybe not, and I will be stuck in yet another long battle with Rogers over billing. Really not worth the risk - I have better things to do with my life than fight with them! Guess I will have to go the phone call route to get their Home Phone.

 

[jvincent]

When I switched to Rogers home phone and Internet from my old supplier they gave me two months free service.

Better than a kick to the head for sure.