I had gotten a letter from my cable company, who is also my ISP. It stated that back in September 2003 they offered me a trial period of increased connectivity. Faster! Faster! or something like that… I declined saying my current connection speed was fine.
So the letter states that the trial period is over, and I can choose a Faster! speed, or if I do nothing, I can keep my current speed for just $9.99 extra per month. First of all, I didn’t want this trial thingy, second of all, I don’t want to pay more… So I call the phone number they supply.
I must say the woman on the phone was quite nice, and answered my questions. I explained that I never asked for an increase in connection speed, and was told that “technology changes” and all users got upgraded to the new speed. the old speed/price is no longer available.
Me: “So basically I’m being held hostage and have to pay more now?”
Yes
Me: “Will this happen every year? Will the price increase by $9.99 next year as well?”
I don’t think it will.
After determining I don’t have many choices, she tells me the new billing will take effect April 1st.
Me: “Wow, that’s appropriate. April 1st, that’s April Fool’s Day. I guess the joke is on me.”
(No comment…)
She never got upset in anyway (what a pro!) and then asked me if she could help with anything else, and I told her to add my name to the list of customers complaining about this. She then said she would fill out a complaint form with my name on it.
Thanks for the excellent service Charter!