How to reduce comcast internet bill, and how fast do I really need?

• How to reduce comcast internet bill, and how fast do I really need? Details inside. Due to the fact that our internet bill goes up by 3ish dollars every year, and it's now our most expensive monthly bill other than heating, I'd like to get it reduced. I searched online and found advice as to what to say and what to ask for. This all fell apart when they started offering me downgraded speeds. Currently (according to Comcast), we've got 12mb speeds. I don't know how this varies during the day, but right now speedtest.net is telling me we're getting 23mb. They offered to reduce our bill by $13 a month if we go down to 6mb, or by $23 if we go down to 3mb. I don't know how fast is considered "fast", and how much speed we actually need. Right now our main use of internet is to watch netflix through our xbox. Other than that I do download some larger files from time to time, but rarely, and those are things which could take longer if needed. I can't think of anything else that we need fast internet for. So, my question boils down to 2 things: 1 - Would we have any issues if we reduced our speed to 6mb, or even 3mb? 2 - Are there any other tips to try to get our bill reduced without lowering our service?

• Answer:

  Comcast is smart, and their website won't show you some new customer deals if you come from an IP address that is one of theirs. So...visit the Comcast website from work, or google something like "Comcast special offers" from there, then call Comcast and ask specifically if they can match the terms of a new customer offer. Comcast customer service also actively monitors Twitter for grumpy Comcast users under the handle @comcastcares. You could try complaining there if they won't match the new customer offer for you, a loyal customer. Finally, I would look at both AT&T Uverse and Verizon FIOS and see if they're available in your area. Whether or not you want to switch, these are two prominent competitors, and Comcast probably tracks their offers and may have official guidelines in place to prevent losing you to these companies.