XFINITY internet constantly disconnects unless I use VPN

I'll just start by saying: XFINITY is the WORST.  Several months ago our internet started dropping randomly, but constantly throughout each day - it worked for 15 minutes then would drop and wouldn't reconnect for anywhere from 3-15 minutes.  Consequentially, this happened to be about the same time we upgraded our plan - the 150 MBPS was working fine for our needs but the representative seemed to think this was the issue - so we did.  We got an email that said we were getting 300 MBPS as a bonus for free (only a month later to receive a notice we would start to be charged for it - gee thanks).  We were able to call in and get a promotion which was still more than we wanted to pay but whatever.  Anyway, constant drops we start to notice happen when we are on work video calls and streaming movies - looked like our data usage was out of control but couldn't figure out why?  Doing research led us to XFINITY throttling when you approach your data limit but we were barely using the internet so not sure what was going on (we tried turning apps off on phones, only using one computer, etc.  We don't have many smart devices right now - everything we have now worked fine on the 75 MBPS plan we were originally in!  It just makes no sense.  We started to use a VPN when we would get on to the internet and immediately the service drops stopped.  The speeds we were getting were what we paid for and everything seemed to work - albeit we were frustrated that this solved the issue, when XFINITY tried to troubleshoot with us for HOURS to no avail - not sure they even are aware of what they are doing.  The second we disconnect from the VPN our service suddenly drops for 10 minutes or so and then if we don't reconnect to VPN it starts dropping again - no clue why.  If we forget to sign into VPN, same connection issues until we do.  Today however, as we booted up computer, we logged into VPN and were immediately kicked off and couldnt reconnect to internet at all - all day.  XFINTITY app says everything is fine, I rebooted all our equipment (consisting of brand new router and modem that XFINITY convinced us was the original issue).  Tried to contact someone at customer service - not a human in sight - only went in circles yelling "representative" into the AIs '(ear?).  Never was able to talk to someone but did pin down a live agent on chat who troubleshooted with me for a good 2.5 hours with no results.  Finally the agent cuts off and disappears, a new one comes on for a while to try and help and then says, "I'm sorry, I'm from XFINITY mobile - I am unable to assist with this..."  Then another rep comes on and says they need to send a technician out for a fee - I say no way because my internet was working fine that morning and I know they ALWAYS try to pass the fee on to the customer.  Okay, then I get transferred again to someone and he straight up says, "your account is in a soft disconnect, please call this number..."  I asked what a soft disconnect was and they he told me it was due to a billing issue.  Why send a service tech out XFINITY??  So you can charge me $99??  When I logged into my account, my bill is past due yes but only 4 days and there is a note under the balance that reads: "TO AVOID SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS PLEASE PAY PAST DUE BALANCE OF $40.85 BY SEPTEMBER 17" - today is August 29?  I was just notified I am now a "PLATINUM" Comcast customer - been a customer for some 20+ years and they are going to cut my service all day and have me running around buying new equipment and chatting on my cell phone for a $40 bill?!  They also cut my cell phone service earlier today too since we happen to use them for that as well - but there is no overdue balance on that account - they basically are desperate for their $40 so much that they will risk their customers livelihoods just to get their money.  They are a corrupt and crooked company who wants all their money but doesn't want to provide anything in return.  They got too big and are unable to handle what they signed up for.  Kicker is that we pay IN ADVANCE for this service so essentially I was cut off from a service today that I already paid for last month (maybe they thought they could get away with this since its technically the last business day of the month?)  Its complete [Edited: Language] and unfortunately we choose to purchase our equipment rather than be ripped off by them and switching providers would require an investment on our part to use something else - although after this mess we are seriously considering it. If anyone else feels like you are being throttled and messed with - just know that YOU ARE.  XFINITY will deny everything and have you running around doing all sorts of circus tricks when they have the resolution all along.  They spy on you and know everything about you but play dumb when it comes to simple connection issues.  They are a sinking ship and I wouldn't recommend them to my worst enemy.