This is absolutely the WORST phone man ever created. I had Ameritech for over 7 years and had no real problems-- phone was never disconected due to non-payment. Well in July of last year I moved to a new city and called Ameritech 2 weeks before the move to disconnect and reconnect phone service in my new town. The gentleman I spoke to was very nice.
In fact I had a second line installed. Before I finished the order I asked him what my current bill was because I wanted to pay it before I move so that it was one less bill to worry about. He informed me that my account balance was zero and my next bill should print around the 15th of August. So I move into my new home, the repair technician comes to install the second line... all is well, until about August 6th.
I now have NO dial tone. I call Ameritech only to be informed that my service was disconnected due to non-payment. I ask what bill and am informed that I receive a bill every month and basically it didn't matter that the AMERITECH EMPLOYEE LIED to me. It was my fault. So I said fine and I paid the bill over the phone with a check. My service was back on within the hour. 3 days later my service is disconnected AGAIN.
So I call back wait on hold forever. Am now told that the check was returned NSF. So I call my bank to find out why as there is more then ample money in my checking account. The bank tells me that this check was NEVER presented to them. I call back Ameritech and now I am told that Ameritech's system rejected it due to some kind of coding error on their part.
I am also told that I can not pay over the phone because the same thing will happen, so I am given 7 days for the payment to reach Ameritech by US Mail. I mail the check teh same day. Now don't forget that I am charged $27.00 each time they reconnect the phone. I am up to $54.oo now. So on the morning that the check was suppose to be due.. my phone is disconnected again. They did not even wait for the day to end and tha mail to be processed. I call back and speak to a real b****. She says that I can pay over the phone. I tell no because I mailed in the check and the last time I paid over the phone it was rejected. She tells me it will not be rejected. I say no and that I want the service connected she says NO.
So we are at a stand still. I refuse to send them anymore money until I have service. She says there is no payment and again it is my fault I listened to the Ameritech agent in the first place. I call back later that day and low and behold my payment has posted to their system. This woman reactivates my service immediately and says that I can call back when I get the bill to get a credit for the $27.00.
I ask when did they payment post?? 2 days prior to when it showed in there system. So I should never of had my service disconnected. I now have my bill and call to get the credit .... this b**** tells me that I can not have a credit and it doesn't matter what the other rep told me. I speak to a manager and get the same response. I inform both that I will lodge complaint with the Attorney General.
They didn't care, obviuosly because they didn't think I would. But I did file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Both of whom responded to me with in 7 days. And I was speaking with the Ameritech Corporate Office with in 10 days. I got my credit and a useless and unsincere apology.
I searched long and hard for a new local phone company and found Z-Tel. This is by far the best phone I have ever had. I would recommend them to everyone. Rates are cheaper, customer service is quicker and friendlier. As a side note right after I switched I receieved a customer satisfaction survey call for Ameritech. They received nothing higher then HIGHLY DISSATISFIED. If you can get away from this company from HELL do it now. RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN. They do not care about you.
Diann
Fowler, Indiana
U.S.A.
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