Few companies have managed to irritate and rankle their customers as deftly as Comcast. In fact, the sheer volume of outrageous tales is enough to make you think Comcast actually strives for this recognition. For each positive experience a customer has on the phone or with a technician in their home, there seem to be hundreds of stories that describe rude (and sometimes lewd), inconsistent and incompetent behavior. So severe is the outcry of infuriated customers (former and current) that websites devoted to spreading the stories have emerged. Here are 3 examples of Comcast customer support horror stories that will make you chuckle, shake your head and wonder how they manage to remain in business.

#1 – The Sleeping Technician

On one occasion, a Comcast customer was treated to a visit by one of their highly-trained technicians. The customer had a faulty modem. The technician had come to identify the issue and replace the modem. Unfortunately, the expert technician was stumped and forced to call Comcast technical support for backup. After waiting on hold for an hour, the Comcast customer found our crack technician sprawled on his couch, phone in his ear… happily sleeping.

Of course, because we live in the Age Of YouTube, the customer quickly recorded the scene and uploaded his 58-second video to YouTube for the world to see. Over 200,000 views later, the highly-trained technician was fired and an apology was issued from Comcast Corp.

#2 – Television Fans On The Job

One day, a Comcast customer noticed his internet connection had been dropped. His monthly bill had always been paid promptly. His equipment seemed to be working properly. So, he called Comcast customer support. Two crack team service technicians showed up. The customer left the room to allow the skilled specialists to resolve the issue. When the customer returned, both technicians were sitting on the customer’s sofa… watching a boxing match on ESPN (no doubt, a rarely-applied broadband connection test).

#3 – The Botched Installation (And Intermittent Technician)

Bob Garfield wanted nothing more than a seamless installation of Comcast’s service. What he received was a 1-way trip to customer service purgatory. The first installation appointment was missed entirely (wasting the day for Bob). Calls to Comcast’s customer support line (3 of them) resulted in promises to call back after they had investigated the issue.

Zero calls were returned.

Bob, ever the optimist, placed a fourth call to reschedule the appointment. The technician showed up and then left to find a drill bit. He never returned. Unfortunately, during his stay before departing for the drill bit, he had disconnected much of Bob’s DirectTV service and 2 of his phones. Bob called customer support (call #5). His request to speak with a supervisor was denied. However, the support rep promised to call Bob back with information.

The call never came.

The technician abruptly showed up at nearly 6:00 p.m. Because it was late, he left without finishing the installation. Bob called Comcast support and asked to reschedule. His request was denied as the support rep informed him that his installation had been completed (it had not). His subsequent begging and pleading failed to yield different results. Finally, a supervisor picked up the line and offered an apology. She promised to make everything right the following morning.

By that time, Bob had lost much of his optimism (and two weekends).

Comcast Horror Stories Become Commonplace

The 3 customer support horror stories above seem outrageous. They seem exceptional. Unfortunately (for customers of Comcast), these types of stories have become commonplace. Today, bloggers and those armed with video recorders have found a platform from which to tell others about their experiences with the cable provider. And like those who have been victimized by savage crimes, they’re finding that others with similar experiences with Comcast flock to share them.

Part of Comcast’s legacy will include their poor customer service exploits. In the wake of an exodus, providers such as the Dish Network (known for their history of outstanding service) wait with open arms.

Every service provider has customers (past and present) who are less-than-enthused about the service and the provider. Criticism is not new to them. However, Comcast has elevated the art of disappointing their customers to new levels. During the past several years, their treatment of those to whom they should offer the best service has steadily caused a small army of dissent to fester. Today, with the help of blogs, YouTube videos and other outlets, those who have grievances share them willingly with the entire world. Here are 10 reasons to consider leaving Comcast for Dish Network.

#1 – Incompetent Subcontractors

Comcast hires subcontractors to visit the homes of their customers when there are problems, when a new subscriber needs a connection, or when new equipment is necessary. Unfortunately, some of these “technicians” are incompetent. Unnecessary holes drilled in walls, incompatible equipment and other problems make a visit from these people more trouble than it’s worth (literally).

#2 – Rude Technicians

Stories abound about the rude treatment that technicians show when visiting the homes of their customers. Chances are, you’ll need their help one day. By contrast, Dish Network is known for training their people with the proper “soft” skills to make a visit from a representative pleasant.

#3 – Outages

Comcast’s customers routinely experience outages that can rob them of their TV, internet and phone connection. Dish Network is known for its redundancy in service. Outages are sparse. When they happen, they’re resolved quickly.

#4 – Monthly Cost Savings

Comcast is more expensive for similar services provided by Dish Network. Not only does the monthly access cost more, Comcast’s receivers are more expensive.

#5 – Access To Sports

Comcast currently charges an extra fee for customers who want access to certain high-profile sporting event broadcasts. For example, while Dish Network customers enjoy many NBA games for their basic monthly rate, Comcast charges $189 for an NBA League Pass that provides the same access.

#6 – Picture Quality

Comcast’s cable access provides a lower-quality picture than Dish Network’s satellite access. Though Comcast does offer their Digital Platinum package which provides a higher-quality picture, it costs more.

#7 – Silly Voice Mail

Many Comcast customers have complained about their experience calling Comcast when their internet connection breaks. The voice mail tree often directs people to comcast.net, an odd solution in light of internet connection issues.

#8 – Broken Appointments

The “technicians” employed by Comcast to visit their customers’ homes often fail to make the appointment. According to many customers, these “technicians” simply fail to show up. Dish Network strives to ensure that all customer service experiences encourage goodwill.

#9 – Availability

Comcast’s cable network often doesn’t reach remote places. When it does, connectivity can be unreliable. By contrast, Dish Network’s satellite system is able to deliver crisp and clear service to those living in areas outside of Comcast’s reach.

#10 – Customer Service

Though implied above, this deserves another mention. The less you hear from your service provider, the better. But, when it is necessary to contact a customer service representative, it’s critical to have a good experience. Comcast has always struggled with this while Dish Network has a tradition of great service.

Choosing Dish Network Over Comcast

Many people who still use Comcast for their cable service are severely disappointed. The outages, customer service experiences and monthly expenses are merely the tip of the iceberg. But, many remain customers simply because they are unaware of their options. If you’re still using Comcast, take some time to explore how Dish Network can deliver a better experience for a lower cost. Next month, you may wonder why you waited so long to make the switch.