Dear Source:
Recently I installed the service called "TalkVI." It is advertised as a better solution to what is provided by Innovative. Heaven and Source readers are aware of my problems and past experiences with those cheeky bastards. After the installation and for the first month I had no problem. I was in a state of communications bliss.
Now I feel that maybe I might find myself crawling back to Innovative asking to be accepted again into the group of miserable users. I will have to take back my words "Cheeky Bastards" and transfer this honor to Ackley as they have earned this infamous title.
Now for 3 ½ weeks my service has been down. Trying to dial any number results in an immediate busy signal after pressing the third number for the number your dialing. Thinking that it may be a line or equipment problem a quick run to Radio Shack for a solution and the same problem.
Time to call customer service and with a friendly greeting my problem is documented and a trouble ticket is assigned. Time to be patient and allow the workings of the more superior communication company to jump into action. Well needless to say that the word Ackley and action have nothing in common. Calling after several days (using my cell phone) and questioning the status of my repair order, "Yes I have it right here" is the cheerful response. It was explained that for some reason it had not been passed on to anyone and I could only assume that it was used as a drink coaster for a few days. With a more direct tone of voice I explained that I needed my phone. The attendant said that it was being passed on to the repair department. With my cellular minutes being exhausted it was time to place another call. Again the same friendly attendant answers the phone. With a calm voice I posed the question, "What's the status of my phone repair?" Here comes the kicker! We have to give it to Mr. Ackley for resolution. Is my problem so big that none of the rank and file can resolve it? The number one guy, the buck stops here, has got to fix my line? Where is Waldo, oops I mean Mr. Ackley.
I do have to say that Ackley does have one thing that they can take pride. Their accounting systems, especially the billing department has it going on. On the first of every month I get an invoice telling me that I am already one day late in payment. I brought this to the attention to customer service today. Stating the point that I am not happy having to pay a bill for which the service has not work for the entire month. The response was, "And your point?"
I am passing the hat around to take up a collection for a new ball of string and two cans. Please Mr. AT&T come on down.
Larry Boecker
St. Thomas
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