AT And T Incompetent and careless. Consistant frequent problems with their service. They have more than one location,which made it impossible to pay my bill via internet. Charged $5.00 to pay via telephone with credit card Westbury New York

I was told by At&T their service included Hi-Speed internet. After 3 weeks waiting for the delivery of the"modem", I called them again. They apologized stating they didn't realize it was not in my area. I pay my bills via internet through my Banker. I made several attempts with and without the assistance of AT&T agents and was successful only once in paying on-line. To make a long story short, I called them to cancel their service. I asked if there was a cancellation fee they said "not with them" and instructed me to call Dishnet TV in regards to cancellation. I did so and paid a cancellation fee. I asked for my final bill with AT&T and I was told to wait until it came in the mail. On Jan 12,2009 I rec'd a billing statement (Collection Alert) for $253.06 to be paid by Jan 13,2009. I called AT&T 01/12/09 I paid $53.06 via telephone. Leaving a balance of $200.00. A few days later I called again to make payment arrangemnets on the $200.00. I talked to "Jackie" ID #329.
I was instructed to call back when I had the money to begin the payment arrangement. I am retired and on a fixed income. I called AT&T on Jan 29th to make arrangements to pay at least $40/month. I implied that I would try to pay more whenever I could. I was told by a female, that AT&T would not accept arrangements I had to pay the full amount or 80%. She told me that no matter what I paid it was still going to be placed in a National Collection Agency. I mailed a check for $40.00, on 01/30/09 leaving a balance of $160.00. I recently received a small loan to clear my credit. Obviously I am not trying to avoid my obligation to pay the bill. I don't think it unreasonable to be afforded the consideration to make payment arrangements. If they should place it in collections, arrangements will still be made and I will be charged an additional fee along with the payment. And it will also affect my credit rating. I have much documentation of the problems I had with AT&T. I feel that this is very inconsiderate and an extremly poor way to do business. They failed to deliver the complete services offered. AT&T has over 1,400 complaints already filed against them. Some are similar to my complaint.

Barbara
Romulus, Michigan
U.S.A.