I had the same experience with Boingo—I signed up in an airport and could never get online. When I called to cancel citing technical issues and asked for refund, they told me they couldn't because the fee wasn't based on usage.
When I asked the agent if there was anything he could do, because I would be calling my credit card company to contest the fee, it was like I'd flipped an automatic switch with him. He answered that he could offer me nothing because I'd threatened to contest with my credit card company.
This company has AWFUL customer service. It seems to me that instead of screwing their customers for fees if they can't get online, they should instead try contacting those customers who've paid for the service but show no activity on their account, to head off problems like this.
It's only a $30 charge, but they've now made me so angry that I will be calling the credit card company to contest. At least dealing with AmEx and my complaint will cost them a few dollars in customer service hours.
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