Centurylink deceptive practices, dishonest company and employees kingwood Texas

I contacted Centurylink through an internet ad I saw online.  I explained in very clear details what my needs were;  I explained I had just signed up for Suddenlink three weeks prior and was promised 50 mbps for an additional fee.  Not once could I reach 50mbps and this was even after four different technicians came to my home. Suddenlink finally admitted they could not guarantee me 50mbps even though I was paying for it.  I made it very clear to both companies I needed a minimum of 50 mbps because I run 42 websites and trade the markets from home as well as sell trading software and provided demos for prospective customers.  The young lady representing Centurylink proceeded to tell me Centurylink offered fiber optics in my area at 10mpbs but since it was fiber optics vs cable the speed of 10 mbps for fiber optics was the equivalent of 100 mbps.  I repeatedly explained I needed a minimum of 50mbps.  She assured me I could get 50mbps plus phone service for $59 per month.  I agreed to sign up for the service and she transferred me to Jose employee ID# 9832398.  Jose again reiterated I would be getting the equivalent of 50 mbps with their service using fiber optics.  I signed up for service.  After three phone calls and two different techs came out the line was active.  Yet no internet service.  I called the technical support line and after 1 hour I was told there was something not connected on their end.  He had to put in a ticket to get it fixed and called me back 30 minutes later. Finally the internet is working but the maximum speed is 10 mbps.  I’ve been out of the market for a few days and now I hit the ground running with trades as the market is moving fast.  I submit first 10 trades, missed the trade due to slow internet speed, loss $3200.  I submit several trades the next day as the market is up over 100 points again slow speeds missed the trades and hit with a $2700 loss.  I reset modem and tried selling a few positions, left $5400 on the table due to slow internet speed.  By this time I’m furious.  I call Centurylink and explained I’m supposed to be getting a minimum of 50 mbps.  I’m told that’s impossible because they don’t offer 50mbps.  I asked to speak to Jose, “sorry we don’t transfer calls”.  I asked where he’s located “sorry we don’t have that information”.  I asked for a supervisor and was told by the supervisor, I was miss informed as fiber optics is not offered in my area or even in the state. 

By now the end of week 1 of Centurylink I’m out of $20,000 in losses due to poor internet services.  Okay so I try the phone service I signed up for; the static and clunky service is so bad my broker can’t hear me. I called him on Skype and because the internet service is so slow Skype does not work either. I’m now using my cell phone to make trades which has its problems. I’m behind on updating my websites because using FTP the internet connection should be instantaneous and it cuts off. I’m having to update website manually through the hosting company, this takes forever.

I just moved to Texas from New York.  In NYC I had 100mbps for $79 and Centurylink wanted to charge me $79 just to get 25 mbps after I complained.  I was told Texas is a backward state.  I was fairly warned of this and it’s been a nightmare.  I can’t believe a simple commodity like internet speed is so difficult.  Losing money in the market is a given, but losing money because of negligence by Centurylink makes me furious.    

When employees of a company cannot reveal their last name to customers and hide behind ID numbers, that’s a red flag there’s something wrong.  I was lied to and deceived into signing up for their service. How does an individual sleep at night when they spend their working hours deceiving consumers and the company allows and encourage such deception.  No amount of money is worth compromising your integrity for a pay check.  

I could file a law suit against Centurylink but I did not get him on tape.  I will however call them again and act as a new customer and explain again what I need.  If the person I get tells me again I can get fiber optics, I will have them on tape and with this I will have the basis for the lawsuit for deceptive practice and negligence.