UCAN

AT&T has recently rolled out a bundled cable TV and high-speed Internet package in San Diego. Still in its infancy, AT&T U-verse is available in only 21 cities with a grand total of 30,000 subscribers. Nonetheless, it represents direct competition for Cox Communications and Time Warner Cable in San Diego. And when there is competition, consumers gain instant leverage. Below are some tips for using your AT&T U-verse leverage to get a better TV/Internet package, as well as a comparison of services.

• You've got nothing to lose: Unlike cell phones, for the vast majority of cable TV/Internet packages, there is no termination fee (you could have a termination fee if you get DSL through your phone company). Usually, cable companies do not have to worry about consumers cancelling and going to a competitor, because there are no competitors. So, theoretically, if there were multiple providers, one could switch from company to company taking advantage of free trials without ever paying a penny (...that day may already be here for a lucky few).

• Let them know you are in demand: Happy with your service? Not happy with your current package? It doesn't really matter. Either way, you'll have an opportunity to get the same (or better) service for less. Granted, the San Diego AT&T U-verse rollout is not extensive at this point. However, AT&T has been very secretive about what specific areas are covered, and there is a good chance that Cox and Time Warner are in the dark with everyone else. So give your cable provider a call and tell them you're considering taking your service to AT&T U-verse and that you checked online and it said you were eligible (no matter what Cox or Time Warner tells you). Also let them know that AT&T is offering the first two months free on its 240 and 300 channel packages. They may say there is nothing they can do for you, but be persistent and see if you can't at least walk away with a couple of promo offers.

• Follow the freebies: If you are lucky enough to be in an AT&T U-verse service area, you may not have to pay for TV or Internet service for some time. Just like with cell phones, the good deals are offered for sign-ups and upgrades. Cox, Time Warner, and AT&T all offer sweet deals on either TV or Internet packages, or both. As mentioned above, you should not incur any termination fees for jumping from company to company to catch the next best deal.

High-Speed Internet Provider Comparison

* Cox is currently (as of 8/3/07) offering this for $9.95/month with the purchase of a digital phone plan

Digital and High Definition Television Provider Comparison

* Cinemax, HBO, Showtime, and Starz
^ All AT&T plans have a $50 installation fee. Current promotions
include: HD free for 12 months (normally $10/month), HBO and Cinemax
free for 2 months, and free service for the first two months of U-300
and U-400 plans.
^^ Activation fee of $55
# Time Warner Cable does not provide any cost information regarding installation or activation fees on its website.