So we're moving... here's the point form version:
-wife calls Bell to cancel, we're switching for the move (many many problems in the past) our phone, internet, and TV
-Bell sweet talks my wife into staying (I'm not home for this part, but whatever -not willing to argue about it)
-Bell calls us the day before our move to confirm the work is being done the next day (Friday) somewhere between 8 and 5
-8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 1, 2, 3 oclock comes, so I call
-Bell confirms on the phone at 3 oclock that I'm on the list for that day, don't worry
-at 4:58 I call again, just curious where they are...... and...... ready for this.....
"Oh sir, you're not on the list for today's work.  Let's make you an appointment for someone to come out."

I nearly had a f&$king breakdown on the phone.  Needless to say, everything is now cancelled, no charge for cancelling.  I was ready to snap, I don't know that I've ever been angrier on the phone.  Here's the best part... when our phone got hooked up, we had a message, from Bell, around 10 in the morning, to confirm they were coming out that day to hook everything up.  Why are they calling my disconnected number (that they disconnected!) to confirm something that can only be confirmed after they reconnect everything!  And then to not have me on the list for something THEY CONFIRMED WITH ME TWICE!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7uvttu8ct0

Sorry to hear about the crap you went through ... but the story was funny  

Bell sucks, no doubt about it.

that was funny...

I once switched to unique bill since i had BEV and Phone on 2 different ones. It took forever for them to cancel the old account.

The kept sending me letters that i was owing money i paid 3 times with the new account, even the guy on the phone couldnt find it in the system ! He told to not worry, since he couldnt even find it in the system himself, then he assumed i would have no problem with that ?? They would send me a letter every month, telling me it was the FINAL notice and that i should pay or else i would be disconnected... I think i called 15 times and i forgot how i resolved it.

I love them too...

... sounds like my experience with Videotron internet a few years back. I had them for my internet at my appartment in 2001. In Jnauary 2002 I called them to tell them I bought land and was building a house on a new street and was moving in on October 30th, and they told me not to worry, they were scheduled to install high speed internet in the area in March.

March comes along, no lines. Called them up, they then said April.

April comes along, no lines. Called them up, they then said May.

... see a pattern developing?

October 28th comes along. No lines up. I call them up to tell them that there is no lines up so I must cancel. Their answer:

"No problem sir... your account will be cancelled on November 27th. There is a 30-day cancellation notice."

These f**kers wanted me to pay them a month!!!! Even though I called them in January, telling them that if no lines are up, I will be cancelling!!! Well, it took 8 MONTHS to get my money back. I got Bell high speed instead (but MAN did they suck) like everyone else on the street. Videotron came to install the lines the next summer. Out of 81 houses, 3 hooked up. They dropped the ball.

And to be honest, I am with Videotron now because the line was already there when I got the house I have now.

Point of the story, you are fine with any company for phone or web service... until you have to call customer services. THEN you are royally screwed. Big corporations don't want your story... just your money.

Oh... and Bell phone... yeah... they cut my bill down to 25$ a month AFTER I wanted to cancel with them and go to a web-phone. They didn't offer me anything when I called them and asked them if they could lower my bill. Classy. But then again, they are all the same.

I left Bell years ago due to their high rates.

One day I got notice that they were cutting the long distance program I was on and there would be higher rates. I called them to tell them this was unacceptable and I was paying on avverage $75 a month when Rogers Home phone was advertising $19.95 for the first year, and free Rogers to Rogers calling so that would solve my long distance needs as my wife calls her Mom in Montreal. The rep told me I can do nothing for you.
SO I switched to Rogers. Two weeks later Bell sends me a "Sorry you left us card" and offered me a $17.95 month rate and cheap long distance pkg. To say the least I was not impressed and till this day refuse to even listen to any offers from Bell.  

We switched to Vonage several years ago. Not too sure if it saves any money but it has been reliable for the most part so long as our (Rogers) high speed internet service is working.

With great joy I did as instructed and opened the little box  outside the house to disconnect Bell's demarcation point.  

Quoted from HP5P

... Two weeks later Bell sends me a "Sorry you left us card" and offered me a $17.95 month rate and cheap long distance pkg. To say the least I was not impressed and till this day refuse to even listen to any offers from Bell.  

That is Bell's modus operandi. They don't care until you stop paying them and leave. They are such a large corporation now that their internal departments don't even speak to each other. This is quite common for most large companies. even the company I work for often falls in that trap. Luckily, we have lots of people working here that still care, so often the calls are properly directed. Not so the case for Bell. Most support and customer service departments are outsourced, so there is ZERO accountability nor sense of duty. Just a dude in India answering for a ton of companies and paid to give people the runaround.

Hey... doesn't anyone here work at Bell??? are these comments actually sent their way?




... yeah, right.

I work at Bell,

and i'm sorry you guys are having trouble, but to be honest, mess happens, and it happens with every company, not just Bell,
go to Rogers, or Videotron, or even some of these new VOIP companies you might have a problem, or you could be lucky and everything could go smoothly.

It's the nature of the beast, i mention to my management all the time about problems i hear about through customers, but it always falls on deaf ears.
all i can do as a technician in the field is to try to fix the problem as quickly as possible and get that customer back up in service.

Please what ever you do, don't take out your frustrations on the technician who comes to your house, it's not his fault that there have been missed appointments
and so on and so forth, as for Bell, we get one job at a time, so as soon as i get it on my board i call the customer right away, let them know i am on my way and approcimately how long it's going to take for me to get there, i will also search through the records to find any contact numbers to call incase they aren't home and arrange to come back later when they are around.

I feel for you guys, i really do.  but most of us technicians really want to help you, so when they promise you a tech between 8am and 12pm, and i call you at 3pm it's because i just got the job, i haven't been sitting on it all day trying to piss you off.

I am actually one of the techs that gets sent out to fix customers who have multiple problems or re-occuring problems, as i'm usually really good at finding the crazy troubles, and i am really good at calming down customers who are really upset, i have received multiple letters and phone calls through bell to commend me on my customer service skills.

So again, i'm sorry that you guys have problems, but us as technicians try to do the best job we can, as we are the only face of Bell you actually see.

And just for future reference, if you want to switch to bell, and want a really good deal, or would like to see if they can get you a better price on what you have already call this number and give them my info.

Number : 1-866-242-0008
Tech Name : Eric
Tech ID : B53644

Thanks, and sorry for the long winded speech

Eric

I have a similar situation going on NOW!

In addition to the 3-services-one-bill mess similar to what Azatotht had (we were "overpaying", receiving a check, then a letter that we owe this exact same ammount, from some VP, saying that they would disconnect us - for months we had to call them 2-3 times a month for hours to argue with them.  They "fixed" it at least 3 times before we started to receive "correct" bills - but higher then the expected price.)


We just moved. Wanted a service hook-up during our vacation time, they scheduled on saturday instead.  Don't ask me why, I still don't get it. There was supposed to be a second technician to come for all things internet... we're still waiting. L.O.L.
No problems, I hooked up the router myself. Yay me.
Worked no problem for more than 24 hours, then yesterday the WHOLE PHONE LINE was disconnected. it was DEAD!! Oh, joy.

Called them to ask why they switched us off, the guy was telling me "we didn't disconnect you, please disconnect everything and try again" ... yeah right. They wanted us to stay home today to receive their technician!!!!!!!

Turns out someone had completely switched off our line from their dispatch. They called this morning to say it was their fault.  Who in their right mind would find it natural to turn off a recently reconfigured line and number?

Eric, will the tech will still come by, now that we don't need it anymore?


They got lucky. I promised them if they wouldn't have it fixed by the time I get home today, I was actively looking for a replacement phoneline supplier in the evening.

(altough, I think that I would get similar problem with any of them, they all suck in phone tech support.  Its not the service itself the problem, but the calltakers not knowing what to do.)
I've been suggested to look into teksavvy for a replacement net hookup.

If they have a technician booked to come by your place, odds are he'll still come, but if you are lucky and he's like me, he'll call you on your contact number
or try your house number, and if everything is working and ok, tell him he doesn't need to come, he'll be happy to go get a coffee.

As for switching to teksavvy, it might save you some money, but if you were having line troubles and trouble getting technicians sent to your house,
then i have bad news for you, any company offering DSL internet still uses bell's lines and technicians to come out and hook everything up for you,
so if thats the trouble, you'll still have it with another supplier.

Hope everything gets worked out, and if anyone has a technical problem or question, feel free to PM me, i'll try to help you out,
but things with the call centres or billing, or things like that, sorry folks, can't help.

Eric

Quoted from thunderstorm

Please what ever you do, don't take out your frustrations on the technician who comes to your house, it's not his fault that there have been missed appointments
and so on and so forth, as for Bell, we get one job at a time, so as soon as i get it on my board i call the customer right away, let them know i am on my way and approcimately how long it's going to take for me to get there, i will also search through the records to find any contact numbers to call incase they aren't home and arrange to come back later when they are around.

It sounds like you get a lot of abuse.

i've had people chase me down the street, call me every name in the book, throw stuff at my van, oh yeah it's great... but on the flip side, i have had thousands of really great customers who were really happy to have me there, and explain everything to them, and fix it properly

Eric

Quoted from Monkeybug

It sounds like you get a lot of abuse.

It's like screaming at a gas attendant for the high prices of gas. Poor bastard is making minimum wage and he gets the crap... not the company executive.

People tend to always be harsh with the first person they see representing the company they have trouble with. But the funny thing is that you get so much back for simply being nice.

Here is a flipside to my videotron story... when the tech came over to make sure the internet line was OK, it was the next day after I moved into the house I now have. Ask Azatotht and JD3 if they remember how hot it was the day I moved. August 1st 2006. The tech came on the 2nd. 34C outside. this poor guy is on a steel ladder in the blistering sun, adjusting a cable from the pole to my house (the original cable was too low). I actually had the guy stop and come inside to have a drink. He kept saying it was against company policy. He finally took an hour off. I got some pizza and gave him a beer. The guy was cooking out there.

A week later, the guy called me up to thank me, and to call him directly if ever I had a problem. I even found out later that he "neglected" to put a filter on the line, thus permitting me greater TV and web access.

Like eric said... don't be hard on the guy serviceing you. It's the corporate assholes that are the problem.

Based on the stories in this thread, I don't think I'd let Bell handle my balls, let alone suck them  

Quoted from thunderstorm

Please what ever you do, don't take out your frustrations on the technician who comes to your house, it's not his fault that there have been missed appointments

The very last person I'd ever blame is the tech.  Every time I've met someone in person they've been excellent people and workers.

Quoted from thunderstorm

And just for future reference, if you want to switch to bell,

Cogeco can charge me double and egg my windows and I'll stay with them.  Sorry dude, YOU are a nice guy and obviously and excellent employee, but your company still sucks my balls.

Bell used to be the only game in town, a monopoly. Now we have lots of alternatives for telecom and internet. It's a shame they still act like a monopoly, their loss though.

Quoted from Sparky

Like eric said... don't be hard on the guy serviceing you.

heh.. too easy  

Quoted from machine.slave

Quoted from Sparky

Like eric said... don't be hard on the guy serviceing you.

heh.. too easy  

Now that's funny.

Quoted from jonny_eh

Now we have lots of alternatives for telecom and internet

Do we really?  Basically you have DSL or Cable as your internet choices (and 3G if you want to pay).  In Ontario DSL is all on Bell-owned lines, Cable as all on Rogers-owned lines.  Regardless of which 3rd party company you call, when something goes wrong.. they call Bell or Rogers, just like you or I.  I love calling our DSL providers at work when there's a problem.. they "open a ticket", which means they'll call me back after they've spoken to Bell support about the problem.

I could be wrong, but I've never seen more than one cable service being offered in an area  (ie. you don't have a choice of Shaw or Rogers, it's one or the other).  So really as I understand it, our choices for TV in (Ontario at least) are one cable provider (Rogers / Shaw depending on your area), and two satellite providers (Bell / Shaw).

Of course, I could be wrong.. I'd love to hear of what everyone thinks is the best current solution, since we're moving soon and looking for a change.

Quoted from machine.slave

Of course, I could be wrong.. I'd love to hear of what everyone thinks is the best current solution, since we're moving soon and looking for a change.

I like what I do every end of September when I rent a cottage.

No phone.

No web.

No problem.

Quoted from thunderstorm

and i am really good at calming down customers who are really upset, i have received multiple letters and phone calls through bell to commend me on my customer service skills.

Now I know what the Alchol-based Slushie Machines are for  

I'm personally impressed with guys who can go to different houses and trouble shoot.   Just to imagine the mess & untidiness of some houses, and rude attitude, plus others just breathing over your shoulder to make sure you don't mess-up anything...,

Bell can suck my balls too...I wish I could cancel my line all together.

Update:  Cogeco came today to do the Internet and TV.  They actually came by a couple days after we moved and hooked up basic cable for us until they could get out for the digital cable box.  They were supposed to come between 12 and 5.  They rang the doorbell at 1130 and apologized for being early but wondered if they might be able to start early.  

Then I called Bell just to make sure everything was cancelled..... and they only had my phone and TV cancelled... "Oh, did you want to cancel the Internet as well?"  What a F#@*#@# company.  "Yes, that's what CANCEL EVERYTHING means."   Douchebags!  And despite 3 people telling me that I wouldn't be charged for cancelling, I am willing to GUARANTEE that there is a good $50 cancellation fee on my last bill.   Man, I can't wait for them to call me in a couple months and ask me to come back.  

Had a similar experience with Bell.  New house needed a line.  6 attempts over a 3 month period  - still no dial tone... all the while getting a monthly bill.   They continued to blame me saying it was an 'inside the house problem' even though there was no dial tone at the demarcation line outside.  Finally got it cancelled (after going up the chain of command 2 levels) and then out of the blue ... got a call from their customer service one day asking if I wanted 'Payment/Equipment Insurance' something or other and then asked "Do you understand the offer".  I said, yes I understand...no I don't want it.  So what happens?  I started getting a $10 monthly bill for 'payment insurance' on a non-existant line.     

Needless to say, I am land-line-less.

Quoted from thunderstorm

i've had people chase me down the street, call me every name in the book, throw stuff at my van,

Eric

I did apologise for that.  Jeez.
Hey, I didn't know you work for Bell.

Note the starred change in the title of this thread....

Bell called me today, 3 weeks to the day since I had my Bell-ectomy.  I feel great BTW, I can run faster and jump higher, it's like getting a new pair of shoes.  

So dude on the line gives me his whole line about customer service, and they're doing their best, and he can give me their absolute best rate, and he really wants to get my service back, yada yada yada.  He tells me he really wants me to give him honest feedback and so I assure him anything I say has nothing to do with him as a person and he's a nice guy, but who he works for is the problem.  He also tells me this is being recorded and will be played for his boss and higherups so that they can change and offer the best service possible.  I listen and 'Uh-huh' him the whole time.  He asks me all about why I quit and he was super sensitive to the whole story, even when I'm calling some of his higher ups 'a**-wipe' and whatnot.  He tells me they have a 'Do Not Call' list and if we can just talk then he will put me on the list if I want and I'll never be bothered by them again after 30 days.  He promises me that Bell is changing and he wants me to come back.

Then we get to the good part.... he's talking rates and plans and monthly payments.  I apologized, said I had to interrupt him, and told him that I would only consider coming back to Bell if his boss would come to my door and kiss my naked a** and hand me a thousand dollars in cash.  Then I'd agree to sign up for life.  

Long pause.......

"Have a good day sir, thank you for your time."

I have a feeling they won't be calling me back anytime soon and I might be on that 'Do Not Call' list a lot faster than 30 days.  

**** Again, I did assure him a few times in the beginning that nothing I said was directed to him personally.  

Man, did that feel good.  So Bell can lick my balls, but they evidently won't come kiss my a**.

Quoted from McMean

**** Again, I did assure him a few times in the beginning that nothing I said was directed to him personally.  

Man, did that feel good.  So Bell can lick my balls, but they evidently won't come kiss my a**.

now you must invoke the Charter of Rights and sue Bell for blatant  discrimination

I'm just wondering, was it the a** kissing part or the 1 grand that makes this a dead deal?  knowing Bell, it's the grand...

Quoted from The Loafer

I'm just wondering, was it the a** kissing part or the 1 grand that makes this a dead deal?  knowing Bell, it's the grand...

Funny I was thinking exactly the same thing as I was reading this.

But really, you have to take the position that they're all bad, you look out for yourself and work the system.  So, every year when the "annual special introductory fee" runs out I call up and say "look, we are broke - we HAVE to go with the better deal - so we'll just switch"  .... and then they extend the preferred pricing. If they don't I switch.  And we have a MajicJack as a back-up.

so far, I like Videorton...they have been good.

It's funny-I've actually been looking at switching from rogers to bell because of the crappy rogers service we get here.  Besides, I like the sound of the new IPTV service they're rolling out.  

Of course, I'm still on the Rogers "Free DVR for life" plan that doesn't exist anymore, but I think I can probably do even better at this point.  Honestly, if it wasn't for the kid, I'd probably cancel cable and just download everything.

Wow, I had similar problems with bell in the past.  and the wife had the same issue last month moving to the new place.  I went phoneless (just have my Rogers Cell, no land line)  and went with Teksavvy for my internet service.  Teksavvy seems to be good, its wicked fast (much faster than my bell ultra was, even though on paper it is slower)  and they consider 200 gigs a month to be fine for an average user (I use a LOT of bandwidth)

But like T-storm said, mess happens, and all the companies have issues.