Downgrade possible?

[susanjom]

So, the S*** has hit the F** and suddenly I am on a fixed income which doesn't quite match my customary spending.
I just went to my Sonic account information to see if there is any option for a less expensive service and see that I am listed as having Fusion IP Broadband $75/mo and that "a service change is in progress".

Can someone explain what that means? I know that I have not requested any service change, but if this is the change that will get my my Fusion directly from Sonic rather than through the dreaded and hated AT&T (which I believe would cost a bunch less $$) then I will be very pleased.

Thanks.

[loherj]

Hello Susan,

What you have stated is correct. The service change in progress is because we are working on bringing Sonic Fiber to your area which auto-populates a service change request on your account for a pre-migration. This means that you do not have to do anything but that by being a Sonic customer you will automatically be switched over to Sonic Fiber once available. We will send you email updates regarding this and schedule the soonest available installation (you will be able to reschedule for a date and time that works better should you choose to do so.)

Our goal is to improve the quality of Internet service in America! By expanding our own Gigabit Fiber we are able to provide top tier customer service, the fastest rates achievable in the country and our award winning privacy policy all at an affordable rate. That being said, infrastructure construction is a large feat and it will take some time to expand those services. Hopefully we can get out to your area in the near future.

[susanjom]

I see. So it sounds like it's in the planning, but with no real timeline?

Does that mean that there is no way for me to stay with Sonic and have some lesser service?
I am fine with slower internet if I can pay something less than the current $100 (with taxes etc).

If I knew it was only going to be a month, two, even three, I could handle it, but with no end in actual sight it is problematic.

I do see the big picture; I just don't have such a big wallet anymore.

[loherj]

As of right now, you are in the "pre-construction" phase. You can read more about this at https://members.sonic.net/ under the Internet Connections tab on the left-hand side. Then, click Fiber Status Tool.

Pre-construction means our team of engineers are analyzing your current network and working closely together with city representatives to uncover any special needs or city requirements for your area.

We do not have a lower speed or lower priced option for your area, unfortunately. We are working hard to complete the infrastructure build-out in your area. Infrastructure construction is a large feat, and we hope to deliver service as soon as possible.

[susanjom]

Well I am beginning to sympathize with the whiners.

Seems to me that it would have made a whole lot more sense for me to have waited to upgrade to fiber until Sonic actually had it than to be paying more than necessary to ride along on AT&T's coattails. The benefits have not outweighed or even equaled the additional expense.

I understand the need to compete, but I kinda liked it better when Sonic's objectives were closer to home rather than trying to bring internet to 'all of America'. That objective makes me cringe. I feel like a pawn in the game.

[artakamoose]

Marketing speak aside, they're not actually expanding across America. It's mostly the Bay Area and I think LA now too.

Just sit tight if you can. The new Sonic Fiber builds are all 10Gbps connections, don't require a phone line, and are priced at a flat $49.99/mo. Internet only doesn't have any taxes. If you add the phone line, taxes get added on top of that.

If you're in a really big pinch, keep an eye on what's happening with the Affordability Connection Program run by the FCC. Sadly, the program hasn't been renewed yet; but there's a chance that it will. If so, hopefully you'll qualify.

[susanjom]

Okay, I liked that last response (Artakamoose). It seemed as real whereaas the first two seemed like marketing, and I guess I'm going to take the advice given and hang in until....

Meanwhile I will start converting my cell phone to my primary phone in anticipation of no longer paying for a landline once the transition is a reality.

[smbrannon]

So, the S*** has hit the F** and suddenly I am on a fixed income which doesn't quite match my customary spending.

<SNIP>

If by "fixed income" you mean you are now considered "low income," then perhaps this can help:

https://cahealthadvocates.org/do-you-ne ... rnet-costs

If you or someone you know needs help with internet costs, we have some good news. You may qualify for a monthly discount on a new or existing internet service plan through a government program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program is run through the Federal Communications Commission. It also provides a one-time $100 discount to those who qualify to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

You likely qualify if your household’s income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, and/or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Pell Grant, Free and Reduced-Price Lunch or lives in qualifying Tribal lands.

I signed my father-in-law up for this and he's waiting for Sonic to get beyond the interminable "pre-construction phase" in his neighborhood.

Hope this helps.

[artakamoose]

The ACP isn't accepting new signups right now because a certain political party refuses to fund it.