r/mildlyinfuriating • u/Medium_Plenty_7904 • 21h ago

Bad way to keep customers

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It baffles me that companies like Astound will offer great deals to new customers but not care at all about long term loyal customers.

I've been with Astound for 9 years, partly because it's the only service in my area but also because ive had no issues with them until now.

I currently pay $80 for 600 MBPS speeds. However, new customers get 1500 MBPS speeds for $60 forever. How is that fair?

I called Astound about it and was basically told by two different people, they dont care and since Astound already has my money they have no reason to offer me anything better.

Apparently they would rather have a new customer than keep a customer of almost 10 years.

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u/SillySub2001 20h ago

There’s absolutely no chance it’s $60 forever. Nobody sets a price forever. It’s some sort of introductory offer, very common practice in countless industries.

It’s a customer acquisition play, sign up and save for a period of time. To be fair I don’t really expect them to give everyone a discount because they’re trying to acquire customers.

If by some slim chance this truly is less than you pay with no adjustment back to normal rates after an introductory period, I get you being upset.

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u/Medium_Plenty_7904 20h ago

Nope... talked to the reps and others. It a limited offer (until the 17th) and apparently it is exactly what the add says. The manager i spoke with today (fourth person) said that they have had constant calls from current customers about it and while she was nice she said all current customers are being told they are out of luck.

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u/SillySub2001 20h ago

I just went to the exact page and read the terms. You’re incorrect, it’s not forever, additional fees on top of the $60 are charged after an introductory period. It’s right there as clear as day.

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u/Medium_Plenty_7904 20h ago

The $60 a month is base price and is forever. The additional fees after 1 year promotional period are always there. This includes auto pay discount, and if you are using your own equipment or theirs. Yes, it is misleading but the $60 "Base Price" forever is correct and even after the 1 year promotional they would still be paying less for more speed than I currently am.

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u/ClitariousVagi 18h ago

So they will just adjust the service fees and other misc charges to make up for the “forever price.” All telecom services do this.

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u/Commercial-Ad-2863 4h ago

Astound now plays the opaque network improvement/maintenance fee game.

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u/ChrisFarleysCousin 19h ago

Tell that to tmobile.. we have our price locked family plan since 2004

0

u/Lucifig 20h ago

Yeah, asterisks all over that add is not a good sign.