I do not like AT&T (long distance) Caution-rant to follow

[frannn]

I have been using Verizon for local service and AT&T for long distance. I never actually checked the rates because 1) I was too busy/lazy, and 2) this was an uninformed decision made a long time ago. Anyway, I very rarely make long distance calls, and my AT&T bill is over 7.00 every month. This should have been my first clue..... Then, my kids made several call to CA (that, of course is another issue), and the AT&T bill ended being over 23. I was being charged between .30-.35/minute, plus a monthly fee of 4. Regardless of the fact that I paid the bill a week ago, their reps still call me for it, and their automated system still does not reflect the payment, although the rep I spoke with said he can "see" the payment. So, why call me 7:30 Sunday night to try to collect for a bill I've paid last week? And, when I call to ask a question about activity on last month's bill, why tell me "don't worry about last month's bill, that one is already paid". When I say, "wow, .30/minute is a high rate" the rep then offers a bunch of other different calling plans to try to keep me as a customer. Apparently, once you choose AT&T, you are put on their highest rate plan until you call back to "negotiate" (as the rep put it). So, I guess this was due to my negligence in the past, but not anymore. I cancelled AT&T, and got long distance thru Verizon- 1.50/month, .10/minute weekends, .05/minute weekdays. Or, after 8 pm I can use my cel for free. Ok, rant over. Guess this was a cheap lesson to learn. I should go check the rates on my credit cards......

 

[goofyforlife]

I totally understand the rant...

In my state, MD, Verizon customer that have package plans can get long distance at $.05 per minute/no monthly fee/ no minimums.

Not sure if they offer it in other states but it works for me.

 

[JoiseyMom]

Been there done that. I make very few long distance calls. I use my cell phone minutes since they are included. I checked my AT&T bill and saw I was being charged a service charge and taxes on it and no long distance calls. I went ballistic. I called AT&T, and they did they best to convince me to stay. I said no, and I said I don't plan on paying for services I didn't receive. TO make a long story short I also swithced to Verizon, who were wonderful. After many phone calls with AT&T, and them still billing me and saying I was still on their calling plan, my DH spoke to someone, and then antoher someone the next month to clear it all up. Document who you speak to. I will never deal with AT&T again. They were HORRIBLE.

 

[kerry34]

Oh I have been there. A few years ago, I received a bill for my long distance from AT & T. At the time, I hadn't made any calls so I was expecting the usually 7.00 a month, which is a ripoff to start with, but instead I got a bill with a 13.00 long distance charge which I didn't make. I called them and told them that I didnt even know anyone in the state on my bill. I told them also that I had absolutely no intention of paying said bill. I also put it in writing. The next month another bill came, same thing. I called again. Told me they would take care of it. The next month the collection calls started. Told them yet again and sent it in writing yet again. Next thing I know I went to make a call long distance and they shut off my long distance service. I was so mad. I called them and told them again that it wasnt mine. They appologized and told me they would correct the problem and turn my service back on. I told them not to bother, because I was switching to Verizon. Much better, no monthly fee and no mistakes yet on my bill.

 

[totalia]

Verizon seems to be the best rates overall. And with your cell phone and the right plan, long distance is free, even to Canada.

There's just one problem that my fiance and I have found with Verizon. The inability to stay connected. It disconnects at least once during every conversation. It's very very annoying.