Have Foxtel via satellite to 3 TVs in our unit. All available channels except Movies, just over $150 a month. Have been a customer 17 years.
With a seriously failing signal Foxtel now want $484 (via their contractor) just to replace the amplifier - which is only 2 years old!
Being a monopoly they seem to be able to do whatever they like. I doubt there is anything I can do … but I thought I'd ask. Any ideas?
Have read the helpful comments on: http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/100252
Thanks
some people want the live sports
Most of those people would actually be better served by playing a few live sports instead. :p
Tell them you are ready to cancel. Maybe they will consider waiving it. They are silly not to!
Read the thread on whirlpool with tactics about getting a discount on foxtel. First line of defense is absolutely useless, it's only if they call you back with a retention officer that you could get any substantial discount.
Get a good internet connection.
Get a newsgroup subscription.
Get VPN, join Hulu and Netflix.
Tell FOXTEL to go @&$?! themselves
VPN isn't needed, you can use a Chrome/Firefox plugin that doesn't go through another Internet connection.
Ok because you don't want to cancel it will be hard
I would call them and ask them to waive cos of 17 years and $150.
They're milking you
Just do what I've said on the other thread, you won't even get a chance to hang up & wait for a callback! They'll drop so low just to keep you that they'll almost be paying you to watch their shite… ;)
Thanks for the advices …. I'll be following up.
Meanwhile Foxtel's channel pricing explained in 60 seconds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJoqqKuymYE
That's so stupid.. If Foxtel are ripping off customers so much, why isn't there another company also cashing in on the 'foolish' consumer??
Why did SelectTV go bankrupt considering they had a 'choose your own package' system that everyone seems to think is feasible for profitability. Why did Austar get taken over by Foxtel? Fair to say that infrastructure costs money. I can't think of the last time I could afford to shoot a rocket up into the sky with a very expensive satellite attached. So what if the Americans and other countries have more channels. They have a larger population.
So let's think about it logically. Let's say a 1 billion dollar rocket/satellite and billions spent on broadcast rights to a population of 50million vs a population of 20 million. Why wouldn't it be cheaper in other countries.
I'm sure people on OzBargain understand that the the higher demand and consumer base, the lower the cost for the consumer.
It's extremely difficult for competitors to break into a market where the monopoly is effectively held by a semi-private former pseudo-government corporate entity which still enjoys considerable favour with legislators.
What do you think happened to IPTV technologies…
Austar was well established and seemed to control regions that Foxtel didn't service. I believe parts of the Gold Coast were Austar areas. SelectTV were up and running. Surely if pay TV could be so cheap (according to many who think it's a rort) then SelectTV could have kept servicing Australia even with their smaller profits. Austar had control where Foxtel didn't. Safe to say that Austar had a monopoly in regions Foxtel couldn't service. So I will ask again, if pay TV is such a highly profitable business, and Austar had their own monopoly, why don't they exist anymore?
IPTV is a rort. As if you'd pay per show..
Could someone please answer this; if Foxtel charged $7 per channel. Would you be happier/subscribe?
Roozy, you must be the first Foxtel fanboi I've ever seen. Seriously dude, are you in their marketing dept??? Let's face facts, these companies (Newscorp & Telstra) aren't bloody charities…if pay TV wasn't hugely profitable they wouldn't be in it, period!!! Let's also not forget, they are still allowed to earn up to 50% of their revenue through advertising…up to 5 minutes of advertising for every 8 minutes of programming, I might add.
Where is Austar now??? Oh right, driven to the wall & assimilated by Foxtel's anticompetitive practices…same goes for SelectTV. Austar never had a monopoly anywhere mate, they had a presence…huge difference! They even continued to trade on the Austar name in many of those areas for a period of time after they had been acquired AFAIK.
Just FYI, PPV is not the only IPTV content delivery model. Just another little FYI, Foxtel also provides PPV & on demand content, as if you wouldn't pay for that, right? There are a huge number of channels available on the interwebz, it's just that to maintain the monopoly Foxtel has created, we are unable to access these services except by extraneous means like VPNs etc. The fact is, that on a level playing field, much like the situation in the US, we would have numerous service providers offering multiple home entertainment options.
But, to answer your question, yes most people would agree that if they could choose the individual channels (maybe not @ $7/channel though) they would be far happier with a pay TV service. As the service stands now, you have to pay for dozens of shit channels just to get the one or two that you might want; now, who in their right mind would willingly do that!
I wouldn't mind being employed by Foxtel Marketing. Got any contacts? Lol.
Austar and Foxtel did not cross into each other's regions. If you could get Austar, you couldn't get Foxtel and vice versa. Therefore if Foxtel had a monopoly, its fair to say Austar did too.
Thank you confirming that $7 (or thereabouts) a channel is acceptable. Now most customers would take 10 channels. That's $70. Base package is $47 or something like that for 35 channels. I know what I'd prefer.
I'm not really a fan boi but I do think about things realistically. If we had a larger population then I'd take your stance but we don't and therefore I can accept that things like this will cost more.There is so much more content that we now get because of Foxtel.
Yes, they make money off advertising but broadcast rights to shows, sports and events are expensive. If they weren't then why does free to air still show old 60s movies and reruns. Broadcast rights are expensive.. Why is One HD playing shows instead of its intended purpose, sport. Because sports cost a lot for broadcast rights.
Free to air broadcast stacks of ads and if I go by everyone's assumption, broadcast rights are apparently cheap. So why aren't free to air showing more quality programming if they are so cheap and making enough off advertising? I guess Ms Reinhardt wants to sabotage her investments in channel 10. Silly richest Australian. Someone should tell her how to run her business..
There is a huge difference between choosing to service an area, and having a monopoly mate…holy shit that's economics 101. Did you not note that once Foxtel chose to acquire Austar, they had the wherewithall to simply do it, Austar management really had no alternative but to acquiesce. That's how monopolies cement their territory, and what alternative is there now…um, none. If Austar had any kind of stranglehold on a market, they might have weathered the storm, but they had no chance against the real monopoly.
Just FYI, there was some encroachment of boundaries in some areas, I had friends in the Robina area with a choice between the two some years ago…
Thank you confirming that $7 a channel is acceptable.
Pray tell, what part of:
maybe not @ $7/channel though
…did you misinterpret as 'acceptable'??? Your line of reasoning there is naive at best. As I said, right to choose, hell yeah; @ $7 a channel, I don't think so. Who said it had to be a flat rate, premium channels may command more money; whereas a lot of the shit they currently force users to bundle would cost significantly less. The fact is that users don't get the choice!
There is so much more content that we now get because of Foxtel.
As I've just explained, there is also a shitload more we cannot get because of Foxtel!
You're here singing the praises of a monopoly, and telling us that we should all be thankful for their glorious value-added bounty…happy to pay anything they ask for the privilege…gimme a break.
I edited my comment regarding the $7 price before you replied. I hoped you might see it prior to replying but unfortunately you must have been midway through replying.
I think the best reply for me to you would be, Foxtel doesn't have a gun to your head. You have a choice of if you want to subscribe.
Free to air has improved since Foxtel came into the market and your choices of free content have expanded. You are better off since then so hate on Foxtel all you like but they've obviously made your free entertainment options broader. I also can understand that some people watch their money spending closely.
FYI, I've had Foxtel running in the background since morning with shows playing that I wouldn't normally be interested in but have been too busy to change the channel.
I think that's the reason I see value in Foxtel and others may not. I'm not limited to the shows I know or have heard of. I get the most out of my Foxtel because I watch random shows that I would never download/watch/ask about as I never knew they existed prior to stumbling across them whilst bored/doing something else and I always find something to watch unlike those that only watch the shows they know.
Also 'certain streets' in Australia that are able to get both would hardly count for shared regions. This is obviously on the fringe of their regions.
I recently found out Austar run off a different satellite to Foxtel so I assume that Foxtel had no influence on Austar and their profits. You can't say that they influenced each other's pricing since they operate in different regions.
You'd be crazy to think that they'd change their pricing in consideration of a few streets in Australia where both are available lol.
I think the best reply for me to you would be, Foxtel doesn't have a gun to your head. You have a choice of if you want to subscribe.
That's a cop out & we both know it. You've gotta be trolling coz nobody can be this deluded.
So in your perfect world, Australians have a choice of Foxtel, OR NOTHING. There is no longer any Austar, there is no more SelecTV, we are blocked as far as accessing most global commercial internet TV content. That's not competition, it's anti-competitive price fixing. Any other corporate entity would be hauled over the coals for that shit, but as usual FoxTel(stra) gets a pass. If that's not a monopoly, WTF is? We have no alternative, just an ultimatum!
The simple fact is that Foxtel customers are FORCED into packages containing channels that they do not need or want, simply to get the few channels that they really wanted…that's not service, it's overservicing plain & simple. If you're foolish enough to pay through the nose for that, good for you; but don't come in here pissing on our backs & telling us it's raining awesome.
FYI, I've had Foxtel running in the background since morning with shows playing that I wouldn't normally be interested in… …prior to stumbling across them whilst bored/doing something else and I always find something to watch unlike those that only watch the shows they know.
Herein lies the problem, you need to get out more… ;)
Lol so much passion. You think Foxtel is responsible for blocking content from overseas?? Ok… No worries Stewie, I'm sorry for 'pissing on your back'.
Relax, have a coffee, watch some free TV (channel 9 is playing the old Avengers movie from 1998) because you do have other choices apart from Foxtel and other pay TV operators. Try to have a good weekend mate.
In all seriousness, why do you think we have no alternative? Or what do you see as viable alternatives? I just don't like monopolies, I'm old fashioned that way…
Thanks, but oh shit, my good weekend just ended, the wife just got home! :p
The government wants their cut from taxes. But that's not Foxtels fault.
I assume broadcast rights play a part in it and Foxtel pay for exclusive rights in Australia and effectively this means that other services can't play this content in Australia.
That goes back to my original point that these broadcast rights are expensive and that's why Foxtel costs more than some can afford.
Whilst that sounds somewhat plausible Roozy, you've basically cut to the chase yourself here with "I assume"…again…you admit that you don't actually know, you're just conjecturing. At least you're honest about pissing on our backs again.
You can't blame taxes for exorbitant pricing within a demonstrated monopoly, especially when you admit that you don't know for sure. Let's be honest, there's really only one place to point the finger when one of the culprits is actually in the business of creating/supplying content as well…it's like giving heroin dealers sole rights to selling naloxone as well for goodness sake.
OTOH, I have an acquaintance who is quite senior within Video Ezy management who has on numerous occasions reiterated just how obstructive Foxtel (& certain legislators at their behest) were a few years ago when they VE tried to set up on-demand services. I'll speculate myself here and say other service providers have faced the same bias. As I said, it's not a level playing field by any stretch…
Like I said earlier, you're the first person I've seen not complain about Foxtel pricing/packaging practices…statistically speaking, the odds of you being right & everybody else being wrong are not in your favour. ;)
The majority of Australians will also tell you they could run the country better than the government. By your logic, they would be right because they are the majority… I believe the fact released regarding customer complaints goes a little like this; A satisfied customer tells 3 people whereas an unsatisfied customer tells 10.. Relate that fact to this debate.
TV is one of those things people can get for free from the national broadcast channels and therefore they expect that they shouldn't have to pay somewhat large fees for more quality content. To me, it seems bratty. Like a spoilt child demanding another toy because it's what they expect.
If the government provided a free dial up internet service people would jump up and down about the cost of cable internet (even though people already are) as they have to pay a premium for the premium service. Doesn't it seem odd to pay a pittance for the premium service of anything??
As I see it, these companies are in the business of making money but there is still a cost involved for establishing these services which must be passed on to the consumer. So yes, they are making money (and why shouldn't they) but that's on top of an already high operating cost.
Don't like it? Have lots of babies and increase immigration so there is a larger population and the cost of these services decreases as there are more subscribers paying a smaller mark up to the provider. Capish?
I'll see your Video Ezy reference and raise you a Foxtel technician reference. These technicians are sub-contractors. They do not work for Foxtel but are paid a much higher rate than the installation charges Foxtel charge the customer. In many cases the customer isn't charged anything… A significant cut goes to the subcontracting company and they then pay their workers.
Try getting a private technician or electrician to do the work a subbie Foxtel technician does and you'll be rudely surprised by the amount they'll quote you. We're talking hundreds. Foxtel will obviously recoup the cost of installation from long term subscribers but these short 6 and 12 month contracts will not be doing them any favours to cover their costs.
Talk about specious analogies…
You've not really 'raised' anything, IME the technicians are often not even tradesmen, what would they know about logistical issues like ongoing service provision, content sourcing & licensing costs? They're monkeys paid to screw down a dish, throw in a wire & plug in a box. FFS, I installed my own dish back in the glorious gold card days…it ain't rocket surgery!
We're also not talking about installation costs here either, they've had 17 years to recoup those in this case. Why shouldn't the OP be entitled to a better deal? Kapish???
So let's be clear here…in your opinion you're still right & every single other person that wants a better deal from Foxtel is a "spoilt child"??? My friend, I'm sorry to inform you that's just classic narcissism. ;)
I can agree that this customer should get some loyalty benefits. I'm not disputing that. But I still don't see Foxtel as a rort as I have some understanding of the costs involved.
I don't feel short term customers are entitled to a discount when Foxtel hasn't made any money on them. If everyone did this, it would be the death of Foxtel. I can guarantee that many of these customers will miss it and gladly pay the fees if they understood the costs.
As much as YOU think the technicians are monkeys and anyone can do their job, Foxtel still needs to pay the subcontracting company a viable rate to keep them operating. Foxtel also needs to pay for technical visits should something go wrong. How many of your electrical appliances come with a lifetime warranty? You realise your Foxtel equipment does and they send a technician out to service it should something go wrong. How much does it cost you to get someone out to fix your TV etc? Do you think these technicians and subcontracting company get paid on good will?
Don't forget equipment costs, operating costs of the vans, insurances etc. There's so much more costs involved (call centres, subcontractors, sales teams, marketing and advertising etc etc etc) and you just don't get it…
Spoken like a true narcissist…your entire debate is based solely on what you think is right.
You actually don't have any understanding, you've admitted twice that your entire argument is based purely on your own assumptions. I'm not entirely sure why you think that a contracted menial labourer would be privy to the fiscal management for a rather large international joint venture either???
The fact is that if people thought that they were getting value for money from Foxtel then we wouldn't have threads like this on here, on WP, on OCAU, etc, etc. Also, as previously noted ad nauseam, it's pretty obvious that these threads are always about long term customer retention, not initial setup…what part of that do you not get?
Like I said before, if you think that you're getting a great deal from Foxtel, great, pay whatever they ask if it makes you feel good about yourself; but don't go deriding others for seeking a bargain on…well, OzBargain!
No, I do not know why other forms of TV entertainment are not permitted in Australia but neither do you lol. You assume Foxtel is responsible for the lack of competition. You can't point out my lack of knowledge on this particular point when you're in the same situation. But I do know about other running costs which you do not. That information alone is what judges the cost that customers must pay and the reason why this customer created the topic.
You seem to know it all, yet I'm narcissistic? Lol
On a different topic which I've ignored until now, are you not able to conduct yourself in a mature fashion during a healthy debate? It's childish and there's no need for personal attacks as this turns a healthy debate into an ugly argument. I've allowed you to continue as I figured you were upset and felt the need to vent but it's taking focus away from the topic itself. You sir, are a name calling child. I may have my own opinions of your opinion too but how is expressing them going to benefit my argument or this debate? I enjoy debating the details but I grew out of this childish behaviour you've displayed in high school…
Well, at least I know someone who was involved at an organisational level in unsuccessfully trying to set up a relevant alternative VOD service in this country & can relate a few anecdotes about the nature of the playing field…and you know, who…oh yeah, the cable guy! :p
Like I've said mate, you've come into this thread effectively calling other users stupid, spoiled brats for asking for a better deal on Foxtel, on a bloody bargain website FFS…seems you know a bit about childish name calling yourself! But yeah, it's everybody else that's in the wrong here, not you or Foxtel…sound familiar?
Narcissism is a trait that many of us share; I won't deny this; however, your claim despite all evidence to the contrary, that Foxtel are providing some superlative service on a shoestring budget simply flies in the face of commonsense (and public fiscal record). It is not the overwhelming experience of anybody but you. Are you this egocentric in all aspects of your life??? That would be fairly dysfunctional.
If you don't like being condescended to, then stop talking out of your arse…FFS, rockets & satellites, gimme a break…talk about facile arguments.
Lol I said the clip was stupid not anyone in particular and that yes it seems bratty and spoilt to expect a business to cut their profits because you THINK it's too much. Maybe they should outsource their Moonee Ponds and Gold Coast call centres and axe Aussie jobs. That'll make it cheaper. Maybe they should lower the rate they pay their subcontracted technicians until they can't afford to be in business and therefore no new installs and everyone can pay hundreds to a private technician to complete new installations themselves. Just because you're capable, doesn't mean everyone else is. I guess that must make the general public less than the 'monkey' technicians as you so eloquently put it. Nice… Atleast they have a job and aren't on welfare.
Like I've said before, no one is forcing you to buy it. Just because you can't afford it doesn't mean it's overpriced lol. I think Big Pond is overpriced but comparing speed, reliability and service against the cost of other ISPs you get what you paid for. Comparing Foxtel against weekly renting DVDs, going to the pub to watch sport and spending money to get out of the house and be entertained, Foxtel is still better for saving money. I don't live to be a scrooge and not enjoy life. Maybe you do? OzBargain helps to stretch my dollar further but I'm not going to stop myself from enjoying things because they aren't on special.
Rockets and satellites were one very small part of my argument and it was a sarcastic comment if you didn't realise.. It was said just to dumb it down so everyone could understand my angle. But you couldn't get my dumbed down sarcasm lol.
Initial and ongoing costs and Broadcast rights was the biggest argument yet you seem to keep overlooking that. Apparently it must be so cheap to get these right? If I remember correctly, one billion was spent on new content last fin year. Or was that 4 billion. Either way it's significant and does not include sports and possibly movies.
Lol You're the one talking out of your arse. I know the costs involved (more than what I'm willing to say) but there's no point breaking down the information to you coz you'll believe what you want to believe.
Show me the info that Foxtel are preventing competition and influencing the government. The world must be a scary place, better straighten your tin foil hat lol.
Anyway, enjoy your free to air content. I'll happily view all my programs and sports, clear, uninterrupted and legally.
I just rang them and got one of my additional multi rooms included for free - no additional contract (month-month). $20 saving
ring them again
and again and again until u get more freebies!
How long have you been a customer with them?
Have been a customer 17 years.
end of first sentence, reading fail.
lol. People without gold cards.
I've been out of the game for a long time, but AFAIK gold cards haven't worked in donkey's years…
Their no longer the exact same, but they still exist. Often requires reprogramming it every couple months. :) It's much more expensive now as well. But it still is great.
Cool…rorting Foxtel, a victimless crime! :p
OzB disclaimer: (That was a joke guys, just FYI…no need to get the high horses outta the stables quite yet).
Cancel Foxtel and get a device with XBMC.