seductive_tee
01-18-2003, 06:21 AM
Abc 7 consumer: dsl nightmare
Posted - january 17, 2003 3:47pm reporter: elizabeth manresa
-wjla script-
Anchor:
Ever have a problem logging on to the internet? Well, you're not alone.
Internet service companies continually rank as one of the top consumer complaints.
Abc-7 news consumer reporter elizabeth manresa joins us with one woman's horror story.
Elizabeth manresa on-set:
When it comes to the internet, there are still plenty of kinks to be worked out. And right now, thousands of computer users are discovering their high speed internet provider is anything but high speed.
In tonight's 7 on your side report: an internet hang up.
Story:
You plug in...
You dial up... You log on...
But if you're like cindy powell, who uses her home computer for business - dial-up internet service is for slow pokes.
That's why she pays for high-speed access from direct tv dsl.
Lately though, it's been antyhing but speedy. In fact, her internet provider has run out of gas.
Cindy powell, direct tv dsl customer: "i got an email from them that they were going out of business and that i had to swtich providers, that i had at least 30 more days with them, but that i could switch providers at anytime."
But when cindy tried to switch internet providers, she hit another roadblock.
Powell: "i was told that direct tv had a hold on my line, and that there was no way they could start my service until direct tv released the line."
But according to direct tv dsl, customers should have no problem switching. Apparently they've made transition agreements with other companies.
However, direct tv dsl seems to have already packed it in.
Powell: "there was just a recorded message on their toll-free number that said, 'sorry we're going out of business and there's nothing we can do to help you.'"
So for now, cindy is stuck with a dial-up service.
Powell: "and, in short, i'm pretty much powerless."
Elizabeth manresa on-set:
We tried to contact direct tv dsl, but they did not return our calls.
What can you do if you have a problem with your internet provider? You can contact your state consumer protection office. If your think there is fraud involved, you can contact the federal trade commission or the department of justice's internet fraud complaint center.
Posted - january 17, 2003 3:47pm reporter: elizabeth manresa
-wjla script-
Anchor:
Ever have a problem logging on to the internet? Well, you're not alone.
Internet service companies continually rank as one of the top consumer complaints.
Abc-7 news consumer reporter elizabeth manresa joins us with one woman's horror story.
Elizabeth manresa on-set:
When it comes to the internet, there are still plenty of kinks to be worked out. And right now, thousands of computer users are discovering their high speed internet provider is anything but high speed.
In tonight's 7 on your side report: an internet hang up.
Story:
You plug in...
You dial up... You log on...
But if you're like cindy powell, who uses her home computer for business - dial-up internet service is for slow pokes.
That's why she pays for high-speed access from direct tv dsl.
Lately though, it's been antyhing but speedy. In fact, her internet provider has run out of gas.
Cindy powell, direct tv dsl customer: "i got an email from them that they were going out of business and that i had to swtich providers, that i had at least 30 more days with them, but that i could switch providers at anytime."
But when cindy tried to switch internet providers, she hit another roadblock.
Powell: "i was told that direct tv had a hold on my line, and that there was no way they could start my service until direct tv released the line."
But according to direct tv dsl, customers should have no problem switching. Apparently they've made transition agreements with other companies.
However, direct tv dsl seems to have already packed it in.
Powell: "there was just a recorded message on their toll-free number that said, 'sorry we're going out of business and there's nothing we can do to help you.'"
So for now, cindy is stuck with a dial-up service.
Powell: "and, in short, i'm pretty much powerless."
Elizabeth manresa on-set:
We tried to contact direct tv dsl, but they did not return our calls.
What can you do if you have a problem with your internet provider? You can contact your state consumer protection office. If your think there is fraud involved, you can contact the federal trade commission or the department of justice's internet fraud complaint center.