Considering switch to Charter from ATT

[acole1]

Right now I have ATT "naked DSL" 6mbps for $41 a month (with tax). I own my own DSL modem/router, usually get between 4.5 and 6, and never had a problem with ATT.

Until the end of the month Charter has a deal where I can get 12mbps for $19.99 for 3 months then $34.99 for months 4-24 (2 year contract). Also, my friend said they don't tell you, but basic cable comes across the line too.

This seems like a great deal. Is there any reason why I shouldn't switch?

My main concerns are:
- I would need to purchase a cable modem. Which one? How much $$?
- I may not get good/consistent speed, especially during high use times, since I would be sharing with the neighborhood.
- Is Charter's customer service OK? Or will I get screwed over by their support and billing goofups?
- It is a 2 year contract, whereas with ATT I am month to month. I can cancel in the first 3 months, but after that I have to pay the termination fee if I want to get out.

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

[drebo]

In my area (Central California), Charter service and customer service is absolute garbage. AT&T DSL is pretty solid.

If it were me, where I live, I'd stick with AT&T.

 

[fluffmonster]

I've been relatively pleased with Charter, the problems of cable monopolization aside. Customer service is accessible, I've had no billing goofs, though I have to admit I have little need of their support. Here in southern wisconsin, service is pretty reliable.

You do not have to buy a modem, you can rent for $5/mo. A modem investment would pay for itself in a 2-year contract period (20 mo payoff period for $100 motorola SB), unless you have to replace it even once.

 

[douglasb]

In my area (Central California), Charter service and customer service is absolute garbage. AT&T DSL is pretty solid.

If it were me, where I live, I'd stick with AT&T.

+ 1

I previously had Charter, and now have AT&T. I am much more satisfied with AT&T. Not because they're particularly good, but because Charter was so bad. FWIW, I had Roadrunner when I lived in Houston, and it was better than Charter or AT&T.