I’ve had the same internet service for quite a few years now – Time Warner Cable – and it’s been pretty reliable. What’s also reliable is the increase in costs with no increase in speed. It’s generally fine but I’ve noticed that downloading the gigantic update files for my PS4 games tends to take right around an infinity amount of time.
Even their name change to Spectrum didn’t really change much, but at the suggestion of my boss, I called them up on Friday to see if “migrating my service to Spectrum” would help.
So of course the automated voice prompts couldn’t figure out what I trying to do. I eventually got to a person – the wrong one, as it turns out – and they gave me another number to call. I hung up, called the other number and when I got to a person they were also the wrong person – but able to transfer me. While I was being transferred, a message came on giving me the direct number of where I was being transferred to. As though it was somehow my fault or something for not getting there directly.
Same voice prompts as the first call = fishy. But, then, the right person. They got the process started and then the call went very very quiet. I thought they had hung up, but were quick to reassure me they were still there when I voiced a tentative hello.
When it was done they told me I would need to restart my modem and router and then I should see the new speeds. I hung up, cycled the hardware, and while that was going I got a call with an automated survey about my customer service experience. I wasn’t sure which of the people I was rating, but I went ahead and gave them good marks.
Then, off to my computer to run a speed test. I went from 20 mbps to 35 mbps – for the same price. Not anywhere near the 100 mbps the new service would top out at, but still – faster is better.
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On Saturday, I hopped in my car for a quick trip to the local Wal-mart. I had a short list of things I needed to get there and while I’m not really a fan it was the most optimal of my choices.
I was driving down Arlington road about at 47 miles per hour in what I thought was a 45 mph zone and went right past a police car. He promptly pulled out and put on his lights and pulled in right behind me. I pulled over, rolled down my windows, and put my keys on my dash – both hands on the wheel.
The officer informed me that I was traveling at 51 miles per hour – in a 35 MPH zone. At his request, I gave him my license and registration. He came back with a printout and a number to call to find out my fine or court date, should I choose to contest it.
I put my license and registration away – and, with resignation, was on my way. On my careful way back I realized that it was indeed 35 MPH in that section – and it turned into 40 MPH about 2 blocks later.
So, I thought I was barely going over the speed limit (47 in a 45) and was instead going way over the actual limit (51 in a 35). I’m not going to begrudge the 51 vs 47 – that part was on a hill and though I was braking I might have been going a little faster.
And ignorance is no excuse for the law.
Still, it seems a little unfair. I was in control of my car and was traveling with the flow of traffic. The neighborhood from the 40 to 35 is virtually the same and well… Sigh.
On Monday I’ll give the number a call and find out what the damages are. I’ll dutifully pay my fine and that will be that. And I’m driving extra careful now.
But, it kinda bummed me out. Seems like just a waste of time, money, and resources.
My internet is faster, but I need to slow down.