My name is Zack Lowe. I am classic bootstrapper in the sense that I funded, started and organized my company with no outside help or investors.I own a small business here in Richmond. I started it in my home with the dream of working for myself someday. In February 2007, I was able to do that and got some small office space. I needed Internet and Comcast seemed to be the best option for that area, but they insisted that I pay $99 for installation on a three year contract or $250 for one year. Month to month was out of the question. Reluctant, but strapped for start up cash, I agreed to the three year deal.
Fast forward to June 2008. I was able to stay in business, take on a full time employee and move to a better location on which WAS ONLY TWO MILES AWAY off a major roadway in Richmond. This was a win-win for me and my customers. I was happy with my Comcast Internet and tried to take it with me. As it turned out, Comcast was not in that one small stretch of road in the area where my new location is. This is regardless of the fact that when you type in my zip code on the Comcast Business site to seach for service it comes right up as available. As a result, I had to break a three year agreement and was charged $1500 for it.
After repeated calls to their "Customer Service", I finally got someone on the phone and they reduced it by a small amount. I tried to escalate further to no avail and have filed a complaint with the FCC. Its very ironic when I see billboards and commercials about Comcast helping small business when I am being penalized financially and stuck with lesser service just because they are not in one small stretch of road. They are everywhere else in Richmond and beyond and they ADVERTISE IT.
I faxed over my new address which disappeared in their records. Whenever I called to discuss, it was a major ordeal just for them to even locate my information. It seems that when you disconnect, they erase your info. Except when they think you owe them money. So yesterday, after seeing no bills, a collection agency gets me on my cell phone. He was very polite and even seemed a little outraged after hearing my story.
