QWEST is at its fraudulent practices again. One would think that it (they) would learn from the recent past fiascoes.
QWEST is currently terminating its "Q by QWEST" local wireless service program, which has been marketed since sometime in 2002. The program originally cost $39.99 per month, and recent subscribers have been paying $49.99 per month. These are flat rate fees, plus the usual applicable taxes and fees. The plan's main feature was unlimited local service, which could extend, as is the case here in Minnesota, to a number of area codes and a fairly large area. No long distance or directory assistance was included or available.
You had to buy a new, special phone for this service at full retail, a Kyocera 2119 (very good phone, by the way). Total activation cost w/ the phone was $138.00. No service agreement was necessary. No problem so far, right??? Very good deal, right???
Ok, so what these fraudulent bastards were pulling all along was setting up a classic "bait and switch" scheme. Within the past week, I, and ALL Q by QWEST customers, have been notified that QWEST is "discontinuing" this service on December 9, but they will be happy to "switch" you to another of their existing plans.
Guess what??? The "switch" requires purchase of ANOTHER new phone, and the comparable "new" plan is $79.99 per month PLUS the $35 activation fee PLUS a one year agreement requirement which includes a $200.00 early termination fee PLUS prior credit approval.
Let's face it folks, this is nothing but any on-going scam. I am pursuing this with the Minnesota PUC and I suggest anyone similarly situated do the same in your state. Stay tuned on this one!!!
Timothy
Hamel, Minnesota
U.S.A.