I received an e-mail advertising a free cell phone and AT&T cellular service which included a shared minute package between two phones, with free calls between plan participants. Completed the application and submitted, was contacted two days later by a rep who informed me AT&T would not accept my app for two phones without a deposit, but he was able to get me a "much better deal" with Cingular. When I explained I really wanted a shared minute package, he told me Cingular did not have one. Found out later, in a Cingular local store, that they offer exactly what I was asking for.
When I agreed to accept the Cingular 400 minute/$39.99 plan, was told I would receive 2 Nokia phones. Five days later, received 2 Ericsson phones, which were set to Roam, no matter where I was. Received zero documentation regarding how to set up Voice Mail, which is essential to both my husband and myself because of our jobs. Began that evening to attempt to contact both IDS Customer Service and MCI/WorldCom, the company I was informed when opening my phones would be my actual provider. After calling until their Customer Service centers closed without reaching someone (stayed on hold average of 15 minutes per call), began calling again next morning. MCI/WorldCom recording all day was "We're sorry, the MCI/WorldCom Customer Service Voice Mailbox is full", click... Never reached a live body at IDS that day, either.
Called a total of 20 times per day (set limit for myself!) for next three business days without reaching a live body at MCI. Finally went to local Cingular store, was told they weren't supposed to help me because I was an MCI customer, but because she felt sorry for me, reprogrammed my phones off of Roam setting. Is anyone else suspicious of a company that presets a phone on a setting that will cost the customer more money? She declined to help with the Voice Mail issue. I e-mailed the Customer Service address given by IDS for MCI/WorldCom, letting them know the problems I had experienced to date, and that I would be seeking legal advice in breaking my contract if they did not contact me or my husband my 5 P.M. Today. No phone calls came.
Today, the 7th day of phone ownership, I reached, through my own Internet investigation, a person at 800-449-2269 (write that down if you're trapped in this customer service hell). She helped me set up my voice mail (was actually an accounts person), but couldn't explain why my phone would have been set on Roam. She also told me "there are very few actual retail outlets, and there aren't any within your area". (On the way to finding this person, I tried all of the automated options on MCI's so-called customer service number. The one that will help you find a local store is temporarily out of service; they give you a toll number to call. When you call it, you get routed right back to their main "customer service" number!)
I am completely disgusted with both of these companies. The only thing MCI seems to do well is tell you numerous options for paying your bill. IDS should, in my opinion, be brought up on fraud charges for their marketing practices. I hope I can stop someone else from getting trapped in this nightmare. I've turned this over to my attorney at this point. Wish me luck!
Kate
Wichita, Kansas
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