First Communications, LLC Sneaky Tactic to Collect More Fees Akron, Ohio Nationwide

I am a small business owner and do not normally take the time to post negative reviews but I felt compelled to post this so that other small businesses do not have the same experience as I did with First Communications.  

After being a loyal customer for 4 years, our IT consultant recommended that we switch to another provider mainly because of the internet speed we needed to operate.  We did so for both of our office locations.  Our IT consultant, our telephone consultant, our new provider and First Communications consulted and went through the process of making the switch.  Two months later, I received a disconnection notice bill from First Communications.   When I called about this, I was told that their records showed that we were no longer a First Communication customer but because their service is billed in arrears, I still owed for one month of service. They also apologized that I did not get a bill for this and stated that they would send me one.  I paid the bill and thought I was finished.

About 2 months later, I received another disconnect notice. Again, I called.  This time I was told that to disconnect, I have to write a letter 60 days in advance.  When I asked why I was not told this when I called in January, they apologized but said that it is in their contract.  I asked to speak to a manager who advised me that although he could not help me, he would bring this matter to the attention of his boss.   Her response - send me an email with a bunch of highlighted language showing the contract terms and insisting that I make pay for 4 months of service that I never used.  Although, we had a lengthy email exchange, she never addressed the fact that her employee told me that their records showed the account was closed and that all I had to do was pay for 1 month of service. 

It is my opinion that this is a deliberate tactic to collect additional fees from customers who switch providers.  Prior to this time, I received my bills regularly.  After I terminated, all I received were 2 disconnect notices, which allowed fees to accumulate.  Prior to this time, I felt that I could rely on what the customer service agent tells me.  Moral of this story - do not use this company and, if you do, make sure you talk to a manager any time you call and get whatever they tell you in writing!