If you’re looking for an example of a company that has opted to value profit over people, all you need to do is toss a rock in any direction. Literally. One of the most prominent local examples of this negative business mindset is Charter Communications.
If you’re a Grand Traverse region resident, an angry epithet about Charter has most likely slipped through your lips a time or two. They’re evil. Pure, unfiltered evil. I’m not exaggerating. They take profit over people to a whole new low while pushing advertising propaganda that takes an opposite stance.
Here are 4 ways that Charter Communications proves that profit over people does not work.
Monopoly
Charter Communications has virtually monopolized the cable internet and TV market in the tri-state area.
In Northern Michigan, the only available option for cable TV and Internet is Charter. In fact, the only other option for “reliable” internet is through the satellite providers.
Recently, Charter announced an intent to purchase Ohio internet mongoloid, Time Warner Cable and Bright House Networks. This is a huge jump and expands Charter’s reach to:
- Ohio
- Indiana
- Florida
- Alabama
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Maine
- Wisconsin
- North Carolina
- South Carolina
“The proposed transaction would bring together fourth (Time Warner Cable), seventh (Charter), and tenth (Bright House Networks) largest multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) in the country to create the third largest provider in the country, serving roughly 17.3 million customers. Additionally, the new company would bring together 19.4 million broadband subscribers, creating the second largest broadband internet provider in the country and would provide services to customers across portions of nearly 40 states.” Source: FCC.gov
This is a bit scary, considering the fact that Charter Communications has been practicing some pretty serious profit over people tactics for years.
Reliability
Let’s not even get started on reliability.
Charter may have started out with reliable coverage, but over the last 10 years, they have steadily dug themselves a hole that they likely will never get out of.
Both personal and business internet and cable services have been unreliable at best – total garbage at worst. Based on the pricing and advertisements, subscribers should be receiving blazing fast service. Especially considering the fact that we have NO other option for the internet in this area.
As mentioned above, the only other option lies with the satellite providers like Dish Network or Direct TV. However, for a state that boasts heavy snowfall for majority of the year, satellite just doesn’t make sense.
Customer Service
Not only are their products/services a low priority, so is good customer service. Honestly, I don’t know a single person or business who has had a good experience with Charter Communications. Ever.
Their representatives are often combative and lack product knowledge.
Hidden Pricing
They have hidden pricing stashed all over the place. Literally, everywhere.
Hidden pricing is essentially a staple when it comes to the cable tv business. I’m sure you’ve seen the recent commercials from DirectTV poking fun at the fact that you end up swiping your card every time you want to watch a different channel.
Swipe anxiety is a real thing.
Although Charter Communications began as a customer service-oriented cable company that valued honesty but has regressed over the years and adopted a profit over people model. Unfortunately, it may not hurt them financially because of their strategic local positioning, but this stance is detrimental to customer satisfaction across the board.
In case you’re a little behind, read our recent Book Report: People Over Profit by Dale Partridge to get caught up.