Beware PAC Bell DSL hidden charges
I recently agreed to a one-year contract for DSL service with PacificBell/SBC. I ordered from them over the phone, where I was given the details of the offer, one-year contract with free equipment by agreeing to perform the installation myself. I was informed of the $150 penalty for early termination, and what day my service would be turned on.
My next phone bill came, and there was a $50 charge for activation which had I had NOT been notified about while ordering. I called to contest this charge, and they said that not only did I have to pay this the activation charge, regardless of whether I was told about it or not, but that failure to do so would put me in breach of the contract, kicking in the $150 early termination charge.
I attempted to explain to them that I had entered into an oral contract when agreeing to the service, and asked how a fee not revealed to me at that time could be considered a valid term of that contract. I reasoned with them to no avail, and while they admitted it was possible that I hadn't been informed of the charge, it was a fee that applied to all new accounts, and that I was liable for it.
Jason
Coronado, CA
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Bill
San Diego,California,
Hmmm, that seems fishy.
#2Consumer Comment
Sun, February 17, 2002
I'm in San Diego. I recently ordered DSL from SBC Pacific Bell over the phone like you did. The Representative that assisted me was More than nice as well as informative, as they usually are. It took 5 days to receive my self install kit and about 8 days for my DSL to be activated. I only pay $29.95 a month for the first 3 months but on the 4th month, it bumps up to $49.95 a month, however, there is no activation charge at all, nor is there any type of early term fee. There isn't even a contract anymore they said, however the rep did say that its only for their customers in Orange/San Diego Counties though. You may wanna try and call their DSL Support Center. The number is 877-722-3755 (Very Helpful Friendly Reps there as well. They may be able to put you in the same plan they gave me. It would'nt hurt trying. The part I don't understand is that I received a letter about 3 days after speaking with the rep that explained EVERYTHING. They have to send that to all of their customers I would assume. It would've told you about the $50 activation, and at that time you could've called and had them fix it. Not too mention, the rep that took my order even had their manager come on the line to explain everything a 2nd time, which I felt was redundant, but definately squashed any notion that they would make a mistake. Did they not do that for you? Just my .02 cents. Hope it helps you or anyone else.