Comcast-subscribing NFL fans did the Ickey Shuffle back in May when the NFL Network and Comcast revealed that they'd made nice and the channel would made available to Comcasters on the "Digital Classic" package for no additional charge Aug. 1.
It turns out there's nothing to celebrate, because apparently Digital Classic no longer exists and subscribers who want the channel will still have to shell out $5 as before. Digital Classic has been absorbed by the more expensive "Digital Preferred" tier, a customer service rep told me.
A message from Comcast and a couple calls to customer service revealed that nothing has changed from the previous setup between the domineering cable giant and the greedy NFL's pet keepaway network. If you want the NFL Network but happen to get the $57.69 (in Tucson) Digital Starter package, you'll still need to cough up $5 a month for the 14-channel Sports Entertainment package. Either that or upgrade to Digital Preferred at $74.64 monthly.
Comcast told customers the NFL Network would be bypassing Digital Starter for Digital Preferred via a cable box message a couple days ago. In my first call to customer service, the rep told me that I'd need to upgrade to Preferred if I wanted the NFL Network. A follow-up call clarified that I could stick with Starter and get the NFL Network if I ordered the Sports Entertainment add-on.
Verdict: The compromise between Comcast and the NFL Network did nothing for consumers.
(Photo: Tom Simpson)
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