Eleven months ago, I signed a one-year service agreement with WorldCom Wireless.
I had intended to find another provider the moment my obligation was terminated, because I was extremely vexed with WorldCom’s billing and other things which I felt needn’t have even arisen. In short, I felt I was always in the position of having to tell them what their obligation to me was, rather than them simply living up to their side of the contract. More trouble than it was worth.
Well, now, as everyone knows, WorldCom appears to be coughing up blood, and will most likely go tits up before Labor Day.
My dilemma: I still have my bill to pay, at least through the end of July, when I can terminate my service according to contract. But, given the set of circumstances, I feel strongly that this would be tantamount to pissing down a rat hole. It won’t get WorldCom out of financial trouble, and I could put the money to better use.
I don’t want to base my decision on the lame excuse that I’m disappointed in their service, and therefore they have it coming. Ethically speaking, I owe this money, since I cannot deny I’ve used the cell phone service. But practically and legally speaking, what would the implications be if I didn’t? Is WorldCom guilty of breach of contract?
In short, I’d like practical advice, rather than knee-jerk reactions. Thanks.
I believe Worldcom can still do damage to your credit rating if they send your bill to collections. It is pissing down a rat hole, but someone will come looking for the money you owe based on the contract. Your account is just some blip on someone’s computer, and every week your account will bring up some computerized messaged that says you are in default.
I would fulfill my contract and dump them. You were never happy with their service to begin with and thats a perfectly legitimate reason not to continue with it.
Nor would I let WorldCom’s problems affect my decision. After all, the decision was made by you before any of their problems were public. That the timing is like this is not anybodies fault. Dump 'em.
(I have been very happy with Verizon so far, if you’re looking for suggestions. )
It’s not an ethical dilemma that you’re having. Yeah, WorldCom does evil things, but if they haven’t done anything illegal or at least immoral to you, you should stick by your contract.
This is all pretty much what I had been thinking, as well. It just seemed a shame to put good money after bad. The remainder of my bills for the remainder of my service will simply be a drop in the bucket for a company that’s going to be deep sixed shortly. Seems a waste, but I can’t deny that I’m using the service, and should pay for it.
I was listening to CNNFN and they were talking about this. They said customers shouldn’t see too much change, mostly it will be the stockholders and employees who will and have been effected.
So services should continue as normal, even if you renew your contract. Although you whichever part of your business could possibly be sold to another company. As I understand it the Baby Bells are quite hungry for assets.
But from your experiences I’d also just finish out the contract and move on to another provider.
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