Why is U-Verse so expensive?
U-Verse is currently offered by AT&T Internet, this package offers the fastest internet connection with a variety of packages that offer hundreds of TV channels with home phone services. However, many customers were shocked when they received their first U-Verse bill, with much higher prices than what they had forecasted. And so, the question that begs answering is: why does U-Verse cost more than other service providers? I would like to now outline a few fundamental causes.
Installation and Equipment Costs
There is always specific equipment that needs to be installed in the user’s home to access U-Verse, unlike cable internet which can only be accessed with a modem. A U-Verse technician was required to install a Residential Gateway modem and Network Interface Device and wire the house with fiber optics that led to the AT&T establishment. They may also need to purchase WiFi extenders if they have Wi-Fi problems.
This and all the other equipment plus the professional installation cost a lot of money – it is not rare for a hundred dollars or more just to get U-Verse into your home. First, those fees appear in your initial statement. Not only that, but the modem/router equipment you get from AT&T costs money as well and averages around $10 to $15 a month.
Ever limited the amount of mobile data that your customers can use in a month or charged them extra for going over the limit?
Even the basic U-Verse internet plans we reviewed have equally very low data limits of 1TB per month. That may sound like a lot of data, which is true, but in today’s world with multiple streamers and smart devices in a household, that data can be consumed in a blink of an eye. After exceeding the allowed use of 50GB per month, U-Verse levies that overage fees at $10 per each next 50GB used. This means that power users are usually left to deal with irritating overages.
Some fees can be camouflaged within the bundle simply because they are part of the bundle.
It may appear that getting your services from U-Verse is a good idea when they are bundled. But tangled up in those bundle prices are often extra fees you may not realize, including:
- $7 per month Regional Sports Fee for some of their subscribing packages
- $10 per TV set monthly High Definition technology fee
- Monthly DVR service charges range from $10 per month
- $120 yearly payments for advanced WiFi options upgrade
- Extra outlet and Installation charges
However, all those add-ons that come with the bundled deal result in the package being much more costly than initially imagined.
Limited-Time Promo Prices Expire
If it is anything like U-Verse fiber optics or DirecTV, you likely signed up for an attractive promotional rate upon joining. But, when your initial 6-12 months promotion rate is over, standard charges return and skyrocket your bill to the highest level. It has been witnessed that many customers are shocked and awed when they are faced with the true value of the regular price.
No Contract Flexibility
Another advantage of choosing U-Verse as one cable and internet provider is that they do not tie their customers to long contractual agreements. It also means that clients cannot get long-term prices for their projects from the contractors. Currently, Standard U-Verse fees can be adjusted by AT&T independently, meaning people under the contract are not able to escape early termination fees easily. Lately, across-the-board price increases have annoyed the consumers who subscribed to the service.
HIGHER CONTENT COSTS PLIUS coincide where the increased costs are passed on to consumers.
Annual and quarterly rate increases for networks’ monthly fees, which providers like AT&T pay to distribute live sports and entertainment programming, have grown significantly. For instance, regional sports networks have been driving up rights fees at near ridiculous levels in recent years. Moreover, content costs are constantly on the rise, and AT&T then shifts those increases to U-Verse customers through higher-ticket packages or other concealed charges. Thus, if U-Verse wishes to make some of what they are providing to the public, they have no option but to pass on the costs.
Premium Add-Ons Add-Up
In addition, U-Verse can entice its viewers by providing what you need and all sorts of other valuable and expensive premium channel options and upgraded equipment beyond the basic At&T U-Verse package. Some of those, like HBO, ultra-fast speeds, and a new voice-control remote can easily add an extra $30 or more onto your bill every month. And, it’s quite simple to be drawn into the constant upgrade of incredibly non-core features.
Bottom Line
As of this writing, AT&T pitches U-Verse as “better value” due to the bundling of new generations of service more significantly than is the actuality once billing surprises arrive. Add up all the equipment, installations, extra charges, additional fees, and backend content increases – U-Verse starts slashing through customer’s pockets far more than anticipated. This is all done for the sake of promotional discounts, which ultimately entices customers, only to find out that the real expensive cost is waiting for them in the form of regular pricing. Remember to do your calculations effectively and understand the various charges that go with whatever contract you sign with U-Verse that later on you regret. This is why, it is often stated that the devil lies in the details.
Upgrade to faster, more reliable AT&T Fiber Internet today! Call us at +1 844-905-5002 and get connected with speeds that keep you ahead.
