What is your opinion on this business practice?

Question

SBC, my provider, is now AT&T. I had a past due balance that is not due till August 7th. I also have not received a disconnect notice because my balance has not been past due for a long time. But AT&T has prevented me both access to my email AND all internet services, only leaving me access to phone. Do you think this is fair and legal practice? Personally, I just think it's another creative lie to bully customers for every penny they can get. I live in Ohio and even though SBC is the coolest company on the face of this planet, AT&T's bullying is definitely giving me second thoughts although once my SBC contract is up AT&T's rates are very cheap if you sign up online. My 2nd question would be, what other high speed CHEAP, reliable, and considerate DSL providers should I look into?

Answer 1

I, too, have SBC and have been transferred to AT&T. If you were behind on the bill, by even one month, they have the right to stop your service until you pay the bill. If you had until August 7th and you were, say, one month behind, you no longer will have access. I had the same thing happen. The internet is not considered a necessary item. The phone is....and yet it is still only a convenience. I have been in the SAME situation. You need to call them BEFORE you get behind by two months. If you don't pay your bill by August 6th, come 2 am you will no longer have a phone either. Your "disconnect" notice IS on the bill, but it is on a second or third page. That is the only notice you will get from them. I hate it too, but the PUCO in Ohio allows this type of thing. It is such a shame.

Answer 2

I got one that said the same, I called them right away and they straightened it up while I was on the phone. Have not had a problem since. AT&T had screwed up and admitted it (well... SBC did).

Answer 3

I agree with you 100%

Much better price from DSL extreame !