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Why I Hate AT&T!

Cityboy

Cityboy

Banned
I was just trying to reduce my AT&T phone bill by a measly $5.00 per month because they were offering it. It costs the extra $5.00 per month when you order by phone, which I had to do when I ordered phone service a few months ago because their web site wouldn't accept my order for some reason back then. Well, I tried it again today. While attempting to place my order, a "Chat" icon popped up for me to chat with an AT&T agent about saving $50 today. Here's how that conversation went:

AT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat.

Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

chatinfo.gif
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Kelby. How may I help you today?
you: so how do i save $50 today?
Kelby: What are you ordering with us?
you: im trying to reduce my phone bill. I signed up by phone a few minths ago because the web site was down and got $45 per month for what was offered at 40 per month on the net
Kelby: There will be no $50 rebate unless you are to order DSL with us also.
you: can't get dsl here
Kelby: Then there is no $50 cash back I am sorry.
you: no problem. I am going to save $5.00 per month over my current bill though, right?
Kelby: Correct.
you: is there any way to waive the $16 one time charge for switching to what is the exact plan I have now and should have had in the first place?
Kelby: No I am sorry there is not.
Kelby: Is the order process going fine for you?
you: so far. I'm about to hit the "go" button
Kelby: Great!
you: now that you mentioned it...NO! here's the exact same message I got the last time I ordered that cost me $5.00 per month extra...GRRRR>: Due to technical problems, we are unable to process your order online at this time. Please contact us at 1-800-248-9850 Monday through Thursday, 8 am to 7 pm and on Friday and Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm.
Kelby: You are going to need to start the process over I am sorry.
you: Well, I realize you are trying to help, but you guys are making Vonage look better by the minute. I cannot say I am the least bit pleased with AT&T's customer service.
Kelby: I am sorry since you are just changing your current phone bill I am not specialized in current customers.
you: Well, there's always a reason....the people who take phone orders cannot seem to help either. Is $5.00 per month worth losing a customer over?
Kelby: No it is not but I am sorry I am not specialized in your field.
you: That's what everybody I talk to at AT&T says. Guess I'll see if Vonage wants my business.
Kelby: Thank you for chatting with AT&T today. It has been a pleasure assisting you.
chatinfo.gif
Thank you for chatting with AT&T today. Have a great day.

So, needless to say, I got the SOS from AT&T. What a bunch of jackasses.
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What net service do you have? I know some people that use VoIP and it's OK for them.... I don't have the option so.... I would be pissed too if I were you. As someone IN customer service it am pretty lenient, but I DO expect SOMEONE to take care of me...
 
I just dropped the last of my AT&T stuff for phones a month or so ago.

I'd do a little investigation on Vonage before going that route. Although I've never had there service, I've heard that there's quality issues and even worse is their business practices. E.g. I think in the fine print, you're signing up for 2 years after an intro period. If you try to get off their service it's something like a $160 fee.

Also, if you have a satellite for your internet, they normally don't allow you to use VOIP.
 
I am seeing more and more people not having phones in their houses anymore. They each have a cell phone and that is it.
 
We have DSL for Internet and the monopoly of Chillicothe Telephone Company charges the same for naked DSL vs. home phone (OK, not exactly but within a couple $) that it just makes sense to still have the home phone. I would be just fine with just cell phones. We lived that way for 9 months while we rebuilt. We've had the home phone back now for 6 weeks, I think Monica and I each have talked to our Moms one time each on it. Now, I don't know how many policital calls we've had in that time.:censored: Makes me want to take it back out.
 
bczoom said:
I just dropped the last of my AT&T stuff for phones a month or so ago.

I'd do a little investigation on Vonage before going that route. Although I've never had there service, I've heard that there's quality issues and even worse is their business practices. E.g. I think in the fine print, you're signing up for 2 years after an intro period. If you try to get off their service it's something like a $160 fee.

Also, if you have a satellite for your internet, they normally don't allow you to use VOIP.
Click to expand...

I'll be very upset if that is the way Vonage works as far as canceling. They told me there is no contract and I can cancel at any time. I also got my first month for free. I was just billed for the 2nd month and the bill was exactly what they said it would be: 30 dollars and change. Less than half of what i was paying for phone service but you have to already have high speed internet before you can take advantage of Vonage.
I've noticed a few seconds longer to connect when dialing local numbers but no quality sound issues. I've only had it one month but am very happy with the service and the savings.
 
Doc said:
I'll be very upset if that is the way Vonage works as far as canceling. They told me there is no contract and I can cancel at any time. I also got my first month for free. I was just billed for the 2nd month and the bill was exactly what they said it would be: 30 dollars and change. Less than half of what i was paying for phone service but you have to already have high speed internet before you can take advantage of Vonage.
I've noticed a few seconds longer to connect when dialing local numbers but no quality sound issues. I've only had it one month but am very happy with the service and the savings.
Click to expand...

Did they put that in writing??
 
urednecku said:
Did they put that in writing??
Click to expand...

I haven't looked for it in writing. But I'll try to find out for sure.
The rep stressed that there was NO Contract. Cancel at any time. I hope she was telling it like it is.
 
Doc said:
I'll be very upset if that is the way Vonage works as far as canceling. They told me there is no contract and I can cancel at any time. I also got my first month for free. I was just billed for the 2nd month and the bill was exactly what they said it would be: 30 dollars and change. Less than half of what i was paying for phone service but you have to already have high speed internet before you can take advantage of Vonage.
I've noticed a few seconds longer to connect when dialing local numbers but no quality sound issues. I've only had it one month but am very happy with the service and the savings.
Click to expand...

I'm still holding out on Vonage. I'm not sure it will be the best move for us becuse we can't get DSL in my area yet, no cable service, but I have high speed wireless internet through a local ISP in Edmopnd, OK. If we had to rely on the wireless internet for phone service, we might have no sevice during ice storms like we had here last December. Didn't have high speed internet for 4 days and got reminded what dial-up is like...and yes, dial-up still sucks. However, we never lost telephone service through it all. As bad as AT&T's customer service is, we may be stuck with it a while.
 
Good point CB. When cable is out our phone will be out also. But since we have a cell phone also, we have a backup in that regard.
I thought you actually had to have cable to use Vonage. With wireless I would be a little more leary of the service.
 
I took everything off my AT&T service. No calling plan, no caller ID, no long distance carier, nothing. I use their service only if its very local or in case of emergency. Outside of that I use Skype and my companies cell phone.
 
Doc said:
I'll be very upset if that is the way Vonage works as far as canceling. They told me there is no contract and I can cancel at any time.
Click to expand...
Doc,

I don't have Vonage so I don't know for sure. Do a search for "Vonage contract" and see what pops up.
 
What really amazes me, and I'm sure I'm not going to make friends here is how many people piss and moan about the "phone company" and don't do anything about it.
Switch....no excuses just change....if it saves you money do it, if it is not money saving suck it up.
Pretty simple concept!!
 
norscaner said:
What really amazes me, and I'm sure I'm not going to make friends here is how many people piss and moan about the "phone company" and don't do anything about it.
Switch....no excuses just change....if it saves you money do it, if it is not money saving suck it up.
Pretty simple concept!!
Click to expand...


Ah yes, but remember... many of us have limited options for phone companies... I have exactly ONE option for local service and almost NO cell coverage at home. I am open to suggestions though...:whistling:
 
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