Charter, aka Charter Advanced Services (AL), LLC False Advertising Cincinnatti Ohio

On January 31, 2014, I ordered phone and internet services from an online special after two months of our Windstream internet being constantly down.  I was told that if I prepaid Charter $79.99, it would cover the $29.99 installation fee we would receive our first statement April 6th.  I wrote this down not once, but twice, along with the date of documentation and confirmation number of my order.  I also received an email with the confirmation number of my order. I did use my debit card to prepay the $79.99.

I received my first bill last week stating that it will be due March 19, only 13 days after my first 30 days' use of these services. Prepayment was applied to my first month's service from the date of installation, 2/7 to 3/6.  I understand that.  What I do NOT understand is why I am having to pay for a full month's service with payment due only 13 days from 3/7, the first day of my second month's service.

Their customer service rep kept repeating the same thing, about how "all cable companies charge in advance."  It sounded like he was reading a script. The fact still remains.  I was told by the person from whom I ordered Charter, and I repeat, that I would receive my first bill April 6, 2014.  Am I wrong, or is this false advertising?  I told him it is and also told him they need to get together with the people who market their "online specials" and tell them to stop lying to their potential new customers.  

I have read the forums and have heard all about how all cable companies charge in advance, ad nauseum.  I don't want to see or hear it again.  My service with Charter, thus far, has been great. The bottom line is this.  I don't like being lied to. We're on a tight budget here and because of what I was told when I ordered these services, I did NOT calculate this into my budget this month.