THE FIRST TIME
A few years ago I signed a one year contract with Cingluar wireless
service. Although my credit was spotless I was required to post a
hefty cash deposit for the service. From the very beginning the
quality of the service was poor. I called and complained about the
poor service on a regular bases, but to no avail. Each month the
service would deteriorate a little more until after 10 months there
was no service at all. I called and tried to cancel the one year
contract because of the poor service, but was told the quality of
service wasn't guaranteed and there would be a $300.00 cancellation
fee plus I would still be liable for the last two months service
fees. I turned the phone off and tossed it in a drawer. After
the contract had ended I contacted Cingular to find out when I would
receive my cash deposit back. That's when I found out Cingular does
not automatically refund deposits. One must make application for the
refund. I made the application and was assured I would receive my
deposit in 30 days. It took 5 months of continuous calling to
finally get my deposit back, less fees of course.
AT&T
After leaving Cingular I went with an AT&T program which
required no contract. $39.95 plus tax was simply withdrawn from my
checking account each month and I received 400 minutes, which I
never really used up. It was the perfect plan for me. Nothing to
think about, just good service, which I've received for the last two
years.
CINGULAR TAKES OVER
After two years no problems, Cingular took over AT&T wireless
last month. On January 9, 2004 my wireless service was disrupted
without notice. I called AT&T, now Cingular, and was told that my
service was disrupted because I had not paid my bill. I pointed out
that the payment was supposed to be taken from my checking account
automatically. After checking, the Cingular representative agreed
with me and re-established my service. I was also told I could have
avoided this problem if I had called Cingular and reported the
problem before my service was disrupted, clearly the problem was my
fault. On January 10, 2004, my checking account was debited $41.15.
On January 11, 2004 my account was debited an additional $41.15. I
On January 12, 2004 Called Cingular and talked to Tim Honeywell who
offered no explanation as to why I was charged twice. He also told
me that he could not credit my checking account the second $41.15.
He said the money would be applied to my next month's bill. I asked
to speak to his supervisor. He refused. When I asked how to spell
his name, he finally connected me with Mike Rafter who told me, yes
he would have my account credited and to allow 6 weeks for the
credit to be applied. This was all he could do. Not satisfied with
the way Cingular was handling things, I requested the name and
mailing address of the President of Cingular. Mr. Rafter put me on
hold and after a minute I got a dial tone.
Some things never change.
Jim Fournier |