Nothing "SMART" About It
I spent most of yesterday getting my "smart" life back online. It was a day where I really wondered if three TV stations, no internet and one phone on the wall in the kitchen wasn't a better way to live.
Why?? Because there is really nothing smart about smart devices. Nothing. I know those of you that follow me are here for the quilting, but I ask that you indulge me this one day to vent a bit.
The Cable Bill
Yep, it all started with my previous package expiring and of course the price ?. So, after many phone calls, I realize NO ONE and I mean NO. ONE. knows how much cable/internet costs. Different call, different person, different price package. EVERY. TIME. (On a side note, ALL the people I worked with were terrific and I do believe they were trying to do their best for me.)
I decided to put my sort-of Karen hat on and deal with it. Now, if you know me in real life, you know I am NOT a Karen. It goes against my very nature.
Anyway, I managed to knock $60 off my bill. BUT when they changed my service, I lost channels. Ones that I specifically made sure would be in my package. Oh, and an email arrived saying my new bill would be the same price as my ? bill AND with lesser service. Hum.
The TV Service
So, I grab my sort-of Karen hat again and call about the missing TV stations and bill. The first person could only help with the TV stations. After about a half hour, she confirmed the missing stations ARE in my package but they need to send a tech to fix the problem. She scheduled the tech and then transferred me to someone who could help me with my bill. Ok, and thank you.
The Bill
Nice guy. He reviews my bill, sees the problem and suddenly says "Oh wait, you qualify for our new 450-10G-Super-Duper-Bah-Bah internet speed." [Thought bubble--yeah whatever] But, I say, "How much does that cost?" Cuz remember, I'm trying to reduce my bill.
He says he's searching my best deal and comes back with the $60 reduced price I was originally supposed to get but with the faster internet and all the stations I wanted. Ok, and thank you.
But Wait, There's More
To get all this wonderful service, I'll need new boxes and equipment. But I don't want that, I just want my missing stations and a lower bill. Besides, they are sending a tech. Can't he just bring the equipment and set it up. (Pretty Please) I really don't want to deal with all that.
He sets up a three-way call with someone from services. Yep, she can get the equipment on the truck and the tech will take care of the install. Cool, and thank you.
Not So Fast
I get two emails. The first confirms my new pricing. $60 less and, at least on email, the channel guide I wanted. Progress.
The second email? They are shipping new boxes, new router, new modem and they included "self-install" instructions.
Oh, and I'm still missing stations and now, my internet doesn't work, at all.
Tech to the Rescue
At this point, I've decided wearing the Karen hat is exhausting. I'm back to me again.
The Tech arrives. I don't know the super hero name for Cable Techs, but they might need one. I like techs. Actually, I love techs. They usually know what they are doing.
After looking at my boxes he says, "You already have the newest boxes. You don't need new boxes. When the shipment arrives, just refuse it and sent it back." Problem 1 solved. :-)
As for the TV stations, it's not the boxes. You have an old menu and it isn't delivering the right signal. So, he updates the signal and, wa-la, all my stations are there. Problem 2 solved. :-)
Now for the internet. At first he thought my router was fine. But it wasn't. He couldn't get mine to work so he replaced it. Problem 3 solved. :-)
Back to "SMART"
Of course changing the router means changing the router name and password. Internet is working but, I have to reconnect all my "smart" devices. Like each one, individually.
SO, today I've been going around the house reconnecting everything to the new router. I still have my printer and car to do. Yes my car, because it's "smart" too. Plus, I'm sure I'm forgetting something. ?♀️
And, I get to repeat the run-around-the-house-changing-everything act again in a few days because of the stupid clock thing. ⏰
But, that's another day. For now, I'm heading downstairs to reintroduce SusieQ to the internet. Hope she likes the faster internet!
But wait, ONE. MORE. THING... My bill is showing $60 less as my new billing amount AND, they added a one-time $35 "Karen" credit for all the trouble I had to go through. ;-)
Until next time,