OK, This is a Problem that I have been having for two years. I have spent days on the phone with Tech support and have tried tons of speed boost programs and tweaks. My question is not about have to tweak my computer or modify settings; it’s about my provider’s responsibility to provide the speeds they advertise and that I am paying for.
Here goes. I have AT&T DSL service. I am not going to bore you with all the details of what I have tried. Suffice it to say that my DSL speed is about 1/3 of the minimum speed I am supposed to be getting. I have spent days on the phone with AT&T DSL tech support on multiple occasions. I have done everything they asked, even reformatting my hard drive and reinstalling Windows. Each time I have patiently waited for their tech support to run out of options or things to try, and then asked them what the problem is. The answer is always, “You are a long ways from the Local Relay Station (or something like this)”. Then they usually suggest that I upgrade to a more expensive package if I want more speed. I of course laugh at this because it is such a silly suggestion to pay more for crappy service. I always respond that, “I just want the speed you advertise and that I am paying for.” At this point they will usually transfer me (for the 20th time) to someone else who will once again ask me the same truckload of questions that the first 20 people asked. After I reach the same point as I did with all the others, I inform them of what their legal duty is. (I read in a computer course I took that there is a law that the Internet service providers are required “by Law” to boost your signal if you have followed all of their suggestions and you are still not getting the speed they advertise.) When I bring this law up to them, the response is always the same, “Please hold, while I transfer you.” This last person will once again ask me the same bunch of questions as before, and then suddenly discover the “Big Problem”. What is the problem you ask? “AT&T does not offer DSL Service in your area”. (This of course is a lie, because I have called in several times pretending to be my next-door neighbor and asked if AT&T offers DSL service in this area. The answer is always “Yes”). Their solution to this problem is: “ You can keep the service as it is or we will let you out of your contract with no penalties, because you should not have been given service in the first place”. This last statement is said in a threatening tone, as if to say, “ Keep bugging us and we will cut you off.”
Now I know your thinking, “Why don’t you just go with someone else”. Believe me, I would if I could, but the only other service in my area is, Sudden Link (Suddenly disconnected) cable, and they want $60 for their basic service. They will give it to you for $40 but you have to subscribe to their cable television service to get it for that price.
What I want to know is; is there any way to force AT&T to abide by the law. I mean surly there has to be some commission out there that you can complain to or something. What good are laws if they are not enforceable? What can I do?
Thanks for your help.
2007-02-01
06:26:14
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5 answers
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asked by
Anonymous