ATT U-verse Does not honor contracts Nationwide

in 2014, based on offered promotions and promises, I accepted a 2 year contract (via telephone) with ATT U-verse for cable, internet and voice services.  At my insistence, the agent confirmed several times that the total monthly amount would remain fixed at $177.- thru the life of the contract, or until January 2016.

I was also offered a $100 credit card (received) and the choice of one item; I picked the 35" TV.  I confirmed with the agent that I chose the TV.  I subsequently confirmed on their website that I elected the 35" TV and I believe there was one more written confirmation subsequent to that.  When, after a few months I called to tell them I had not yet received the promised television, I was informed that I had neglected to confirm my choice (yet again) and so I lost the chance at the promotion and it was no longer being offered – tough luck. Nowhere did I see, nor was I advised that I needed to confirm my choice of gift not only once, or twice – but three and four times.  Does this sound like a rip off promise, or what?

Now, ATT has started billing me $195.+/mo, and when I call to complain that this is not the contract price, the agent advises me that the offered promotions are still effective but that other aspects, such as free box was only valid for a year and as that period has expired, they are charging $9.00 for the box.  They are also charging $3.00 for TV (whatever that means) and $1.00 for something else and, in short – charging $18.00 more a month.  I spent over an hour on the phone (as per usual), explaining that the agreement was a fixed monthly amount for 2 years and that, if they are going to raise fees for whatever reason, what is the point of a contract?

The agent offered a new promotion offering a savings of $26/mo for 3 months but I kept telling her all I wanted was the same contract that we had in place that was supposed to be fixed for 2 years.  No way, she said, could she remove the new charges.

I did not accept this new offer because I don’t want them to think they can break our contract, placate me with a new – lesser – offer and wash their hands off it.

I feel totally abused by ATT and am sick to death of their devious practices and deceitful policies.