I signed up for AT&T's $39.99 "regional" plan which includes long distance and no roaming. The trouble is, AT&T's map detailing your areas "regional" coverage is misleading. It appears the map includes all of the Atlanta metropolitan area, parts of NC, SC, Tennesssee, etc. The map is color-coded and the rep explained that the tiny areas of the maps which are not covered in my plan should not affect me. WRONG!
One day while talking on my phone in downtown Atlanta I noticed the word "ROAMING" continously flashing on my cell phone. I continued making calls on the phone but after completing my call I called ATT. I was told there weren't enough ATT towers in the Atlanta area and they had to use use other competitor's towers. When the signal "switched" to the other company's towers, the "roaming" designation would appear but I was not to worry about it. I should have recorded that call. You know sometimes you're instinct kicks in and alerts you when something is not quite right.
Well, my first bill was about $19.95 because I began my service in the middle of a billing period. The next month I got hit with a whopping $179 bill!!! This is the kicker: I mainly use my cell phone when I work on weekends because that's when I need it most to contact my clients. My plan includes FREE NIGHTS & WEEKENDS! I do NOT work during the week. I am at home and therefore I use my land line to make calls. I admit I may have made a total of 10-12 "anytime" calls during the month in question. I once again contacted ATT to inquire about this ridiculous bill. I spoke with a very rude young man who told me I was charged roaming rates for calls I had made because I was "out of my plan's calling area." I am in downtown Atlanta for God's sake!!!
I immediately smelled a scam and asked to speak with a supervisor. I was told there were no supervisor's available. The man hung up on me and when I called back I was told a "notation" had been made in my file regarding the previous conversation and it indicated I was rude to the guy I had spoken with. I tried to cancel my contract but of course I was told I would have to pay a "early termination fee." So I memorized the DAY my contract would expire and I paid all my bills on time. When that day finally came, you better believe I gave ATT a piece of my mind and told them what they could do with their eff'n service and I HOPE THEY MADE A MOTATION OF THAT IN MY FILE!
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