5 Cable Guy Horror Stories, & 2 Companies to Trust With Your Time

5 Cable Guy Horror Stories, & 2 Companies to Trust With Your Time

Gadgets Channel / Bullz-Eye Home

Cable is everywhere these days. While there are ways to watch TV without having cable, the Internet is just another type of cable anyway. So if you don't want to go to the trouble of hooking up a computer to your TV, it's just simpler to have your cable set up, fresh batteries in your remote, and your easy chair aligned for minimal glare and maximum viewing enjoyment.

Unfortunately, some cable companies just don't like the idea that you can use your free time for something enjoyable and simple, so they make it as difficult as possible to have a good experience with them.

We aren't going to mention any names because, hopefully, these are just isolated incidents. We'll also work to redeem the industry by admitting that some cable companies, like directstartv, earn your repeat business by giving you solid customer service experiences. Let's take a look at some experiences people have had with cable that make them want to just read a book.

Horror Stories


1. Damage

One unfortunate couple made sure to stay home and supervise installation. Unfortunately, the company hired to physically install the cable system did a lot wrong. Aside from doing the installation so their cable only worked in three out of their four rooms, the installer—who might be part elephant or bull—gouged out part of the front of their TV with the cable box.

Later, when the installer was called back to finish the installation, he still couldn't install the final box properly. Another installer had to be brought in and could only shake his head at the damage wrought by his predecessor.

2. Incompetence

One equally unfortunate couple also had two installers come out. The problem was the first insisted on a highly technical, completely bogus explanation for why the cable only worked on one of the boxes in their home.

He went on and on about how it just couldn't be done. The second technician had the entire house working perfectly in about an hour. It was a set of filters someone had installed on the lines before they'd bought their home. 

3. Dishonesty

Not all cable companies are honest. While that was probably no surprise to you, at least you didn't have to learn like one couple whose cable company changed owners without keeping proper records. When the couple had their daughter's room upgraded with cable, the company installed a filter so their entire home lost Internet.

All throughout the weekend, the company's call center staff lied about sending out a truck to tend to the problem. On Monday, armed with accurate records, the couple got the company to restore their cable within minutes. A little honesty goes a long way. 

4. Unprofessionality

One unfortunate family had a repair technician who had to return to their home four times. For the final one, he came back with a supervisor, and the problem was partially solved immediately. First off, the tech was never able to arrive on time, arriving late on all four of his appointments.

When he did arrive, the installer smelled bad, his shoes were dirty, and he was unable to properly install the cable as planned. On two separate occasions, late and unapologetic as ever, he failed to bring an Internet router that would work for the customer's service. Needless to say, the installer took no responsibility for not bringing proper equipment.

Even with his supervisor installing the right equipment, the customer was still left to their own devices when it came time to get their Internet working. While they were late to arrive, the installers were extremely quick to leave. This happened without helping the customer with the final, most important step in the process.

5. Unnecessary Headaches

Sometimes a cable company makes its customers endure things no company should ever ask. While many companies force you to clear a large block of time in the middle of the day -- as if you don't have a job to go to -- some companies just take it to a new extreme. This is especially farcical when they could simply make a change.

For instance, take the couple who wanted to change their account from her name to his. After waiting for the installer and being charged to "install" the service they already had, they then had to drop off their old router. The technician couldn't even take it back with him.

It's not all Bad


Contrary to what the above stories would have you believe, some cable companies are actually interested in helping you have a good cable-related experience with them. While there are bound to be horror stories about nearly any company you deal with, these two are known to be especially solid.

1. Atlantic Broadband

Atlantic Broadband operates in the northeast, so you might not be able to enjoy its easy, straight-forward customer service. Their phone-based customer service prides itself on being consistently honest and helpful-- and wait times are notoriously short.

2. Direct Star TV

Direct Star works with all of the major DirecTV services. Unlike the horror stories above, Direct Star only hires competent, professional installers who show up on time. They even wear deodorant and wipe their feet before they enter your home.

In Conclusion

When dealing with some cable companies, you would think customer service had died a tragic death some time ago. With all of the horror stories, it can be enough to make you want to settle for an online venue for your TV fix. However, there are some companies out there that go above and beyond in order to bring you a positive customer service experience that won't make you want to look somewhere else.

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