Complaint Review: Cricket Broadband

I subscribe to Cricket Broadband, which is a monthly "pay as you go" service for internet. When you activate the service, it includes one month of service. Well, I was unable to pay a few weeks ago...so no problem...my internet service was shut off. Approximately one week later, on August 25, 2011, I paid #42.00 for another month of service. I received a email message from them on September 8, 2011 saying my service will be shut off on September 11, 2011.

When I called to inquire about this, I was told that my service is "due" every month on the 11th. May I remind you that there is no contract and when I pay the monthly fee, I expect to receive my MONTH of internet service. They tell me that I owe for the time my internet was disconnected. So basically, I am being charged for a service that I did not receive.

I just filed a complaint with the FCC over this.

Their website advertises:
Get reliable wireless broadband with the Cricket 3G network! With data plans starting at just $45 a month, you can have blazing fast wireless internet service in any Cricket Broadband coverage area. With Cricket, there are no signed contracts, no overages, and no catch.  Purchase a Cricket wireless internet card and get started today!

Also: Contract Terms and Fees

Carrier's Early Termination Fee
None

Contract Term
None

Security Deposit
None

I call bullsh*t on this. No signed contracts? You owe for service when it's shut off...sounds like a contract to me! No overages? Sounds like they have no problem charging ME an OVERAGE. No catch? Sure there is.....they charge you for service when you didn't have service. If you are going to charge me for this...leave my d**n service ON. I will then gladly pay my due amount!!!

I think it's time to stand up against this company. I am switching to (((competitor's name redacted))). And will be switching my phones soon too. Thanks Cricket! If this is how you treat your loyal customers.....

Just noticed this on their website also:
Coverage indoors may also vary

Well really? So as long as I'm outside using the internet.....no problem? You guys suck and I hope you get shut down. Any attorneys out there ready to take this on? This cannot be legal.

 sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company, ..plus, if you post a competitors name more than likely they will show up on search engines as a Rip-off! - - your comments on this policy are welcome. CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report. In this case we removed an alleged competitors name