Motherfucking Phone Company! GAAAAH!

Just got off the phone with those bastards. Basically, over the summer, we noticed that we were no longer getting wireless service at our house. We were using ATT Wireless, who had gotten bought out by Cingular. Called and was told it was because they were no longer maintaining their old TDMA lines, but would I like to upgrade to a new GSM phone?
I should known something was up. I went ahead and got the damn thing, but cancelled one of the two lines we had on the plan. Bad idea apparently, even though I was told there would be no penalty, since this was an ‘upgrade.’ Believe me, I asked.

Just got an invoice for $160 from my friends at ATTwireless. Called to ask what it was about, and got an apology for the error- actually, I owe $275 for early termination. I keep my cool, and ask what my options are, whether anything can be done. I am told that I can get a credit for 2 months worth of service. I sigh, and open my wallet, but as I do so, I ask, to make sure, that this is it. That I’ll be shut of the company for good. Good thing I asked. 'Well, sir, since we’re in mid billing cycle, you’ll get another bill for about $50 after you pay this. ’

I hang up.

What the holy fuck is this all about?!?!? And of course, since I was an ATT customer, and am now a Cingular customer, no one can help me.

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!

sigh Do I have any recourse here?

Yes, you do.

Don’t pay them a red fricking cent. Tell them why in telephone calls and certified letters. Assuming your credit is good, one lone blemish is not going to hurt you.

Hmm, and I was wondering as I pulled into the driveway if you’d gotten the phone thing worked out today. Guess this answers that question.

Should I have a drink waiting on you when you get home*?

*And, since I now have no phone with which to call you, when exactly will that be?

Oh, no, Dearest, your phone is on the dining room table…it’s a CINGULAR phone, so it works just fine…mutters

Thye cut the line on the phone that I’ve had boxed up in the garage since August, as was going to donate to the Red Cross.

And crazyjoe, I am sorely tempted. I’m a glutton for punishment, though, so I’m going to spend the weekend cooling off, and try to reason with them next week.

Where in Gleann Abhann are you?

Just north of Little Rock. We actually just got back from GA Arts and Sciences down in Louisiana this weekend.