Phone company hell: What can I do?

[philosophie_en_rose]

Okay, the stupid phone company called my house and offered DSL for 19.99 per month for a YEAR. That's cheaper than AOL. I signed up.

The bill they sent says that they're charging $50.00 per month. 150% more than I agreed.

This is a major phone company and yet, they have not responded to my very many requests for them to change the bill. Hell, they recorded the conversation where I did sign up. They can go back and check. PLUS, their website verifies that this is the deal that was available at the time I signed up.

Aside from canceling (I need a phone, at least) what can I do to not pay the stupid $30.00.

[xmas74]

1. Was this Sprint?

They did the same damn thing to me!
I turned them in to BBB.

[philosophie_en_rose]

2. Qwest.

They promised $19.99 a month with local phone service. I said okay, but now they're trying to charge me $129.99 total.

The DSL is only part of the problem. And Qwest customer service specializes in rudeness. (And as mad as I am here, I'm very nice on the phone - not their fault some jackass at their company lied to me).

I'll definitely complain to the BBB, though.

[xmas74]

3. I also threatened to drop them

and use my cell permanently. They fixed the problem pretty damn fast after that.

[philosophie_en_rose]

4. Good one.

I will do that, as well. I'm really floored at this. I could understand having to pay inflated taxes or even fees -- but a completely wrong price is just too much.

[xmas74]

5. They know that cellphones can take away their business.

Tell them that you will go to only cell for phone calls and you will use cable for internet services (or local land service, etc.). State clearly what company you will use instead of them! Then it is no longer an idle threat-sounds like you have done some research.

[philosophie_en_rose]

6. Actually, comcast has a better deal for faster speed.

At least I think cable internet is faster than DSL (I'm techno illiterate). $14.99 per month for a year.

I'm going to send them another letter, with the comcast advertisement included. :)

One thing is that I want everything in writing from now on. Not going to deal with those rude jerks, especially since they lie.

[xmas74]

8. And send it certified mail.

Make your complaints clear and concise. When they receive it they will have to sign and you will have a receipt for your next conversation.

[Redneck Socialist]

11. Comcast customer service sucks

at least in my opinion.

[philosophie_en_rose]

13. Can't get worse than QWEST.

I'm a low-maintenance consumer. I don't want to ever have to call customer service. I'll put up with a lot, but this is the first time that a company has blatantly lied on such a big scale. (for me).

[philosophie_en_rose]

7. Thanks for your help, by the way.

I really appreciate it. I opened the envelope and almost fainted!

:pals:

[xmas74]

9. No problem.

There are companies out there that really hate me. I do this sort of thing to them all the time.

[miss_kitty]

10. there is a regulatory commission in WA st for the phone companies

call them. Don't waste your time with the BBB. Waste of space.

[philosophie_en_rose]

12. Really? I'd add that to the letter.

And I'll look it up.