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AT&T Tells Us WildFire Couple Won't Pay
Dish Network CSR didn't follow company's disaster policy
by Karl Bode Friday 26-Oct-2007 tags: business · consumers · AT&T DSL Service · Dish Network
Earlier today we reported that a California couple, left homeless by the Southern California wildfires, called AT&T to cancel their bundled satellite TV and phone service, and were told they'd be charged $300 for failing to save their Dish Network receiver. They also weren't allowed to defer the bill until they got insurance coverage.

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We spoke to AT&T spokesman Brad Mays, who investigated the incident. Mays says that after the couple called AT&T, they were transferred to Dish Network, and a Dish Network representative did not follow the disaster policy Dish has in place. Mays ensures us that they've contacted the couple, and they will not be charged for service cancellation or equipment fees.

The company notes that it's the policy of both Dish and AT&T to not penalize disaster victims. "We are providing several no-cost options for fire victims to suspend their phone, broadband and satellite service, including a pause of service, with no equipment fees," says the company. As we mentioned yesterday, they're also helping victims by offering free phone and Internet services throughout the impacted counties.

We'd like to think the couple would have been cut some slack without the press attention. Hopefully, at least, we saved them a few weeks of haggling with customer support representatives.

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pokesph
It Is Almost Fast
Premium
join:2001-06-25
Sacramento, CA
kudos:1

1 edit

back-peddle

we all know AT&T and/or Dish Network was going to back-peddle on this as soon as it hit the news/web and look, they did.

Trying to save face, huh?

Edited to reflect dishnet as well.
Cod

join:2000-07-05
Kernersville, NC
Reviews:
·RoadRunner Cable

1 edit

Re: back-peddle

said by pokesph:

we all know AT&T was going to back-peddle on this as soon as it hit the news/web and look, they did.

Trying to save face, huh?
How exactly did they back-peddle when they didn't do anything wrong? If you read the statement, it was quite obvious that Dish Network was the one who errored.
bogey780

join:2004-03-19
Here
kudos:1

Re: back-peddle

NSA!
Cod

join:2000-07-05
Kernersville, NC
Reviews:
·RoadRunner Cable

Re: back-peddle

said by bogey780:

NSA!
Oh yeah, forgot

morbo
Complete Your Transaction

join:2002-01-22
00000

Re: back-peddle

how could we ever forget? it's an ongoing national security...

DaSneaky1D
one wall to block them all
Premium,MVM
join:2001-03-29
The Lou
"...to cancel their bundled satellite TV and phone service"

AT&T has a face to save there.

pokesph
It Is Almost Fast
Premium
join:2001-06-25
Sacramento, CA
kudos:1
said by Cod:

said by pokesph:

we all know AT&T was going to back-peddle on this as soon as it hit the news/web and look, they did.

Trying to save face, huh?
How exactly did they back-peddle when they didn't do anything wrong? If you read the statement, it was quite obvious that Dish Network was the one who errored.
Sorry.. I fixed it. I MENT both companies.
digitel

join:2002-10-02
Aurora, CO
Dish network sucks for customer service...
Austinloop

join:2001-08-19
Austin, TX
kudos:1
Reviews:
·AT&T U-Verse

Re: back-peddle

On the earlier thread concerning this issue, I did raise the question as to whether the offending CSR was with ATT or with Dish. The answer is now obvious. Given the stress that the customer was under, it is understandable that they did not snap that they had been transferred to Dish. Not sure that ATT's response was primarily saving face as it was to tell what really happened, but that may be lost to some on this thread.

Annonymous

@rr.com
I used to work for Earthlink, and unfortunately we had to do the same thing, well, actually I never had to, we outsourced sat. CS to the Phillipines (before it all went to Phil), but if you ever want to get out of a screwed up bill, just send a legal complaint, it's cheaper for the company just to credit the charges than to go into the legal system over it.

burgermeister
All Computers Are Junk

join:2000-10-23
Utica, MI

Well it good to know...

that with all that's been happening, so many resources can be dedicated to one couple's frigging Dish receiver.

I can sleep better tonight!
--
"I've learned that depression is merely anger without enthusiasm."

roc5955
Premium
join:2005-11-26
Rosendale, NY

BASS TURDS!!!

That just goes to show, that the corporations ONLY want your money. That's their main function in life, to rip people off!
--
"Understanding is a three-edged sword."

burgermeister
All Computers Are Junk

join:2000-10-23
Utica, MI

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

They are, after all, in business to make money.

And how were they ripping anyone off?????
--
"I've learned that depression is merely anger without enthusiasm."

toby
Troy Mcclure

join:2001-11-13
Seattle, WA

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

I agree.

People would complain if they raised the rates to help pay for people who lost their STBs.

These people have house insurance.
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3
Yea... Corporations only want your money. Didn't Wal-Mart just give 250K to aid in disaster relief? wait.. no.. they didn't.. because they just upped it to 1 million. Another business, I heard, gave 2 million. AT&T and other companies are providing free calling service and WiFi in affected areas to help people stay connected. That's just a start.. but I can certainly see how corporations main function in life is to rip people off. Money, aid, and physical support is coming in strong from those greedy corporations all over the place from around the country...

Please.. engage the brain before you say such silly things.
--
"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-serving, the lazy, and I’m told it’s a woman’s prerogative..."

hopeflicker
Capitalism breeds greed
Premium
join:2003-04-03
Long Beach, CA
kudos:1

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

said by fiberguy:

Yea... Corporations only want your money. Didn't Wal-Mart just give 250K to aid in disaster relief? wait.. no.. they didn't.. because they just upped it to 1 million. Another business, I heard, gave 2 million. AT&T and other companies are providing free calling service and WiFi in affected areas to help people stay connected. That's just a start.. but I can certainly see how corporations main function in life is to rip people off. Money, aid, and physical support is coming in strong from those greedy corporations all over the place from around the country...

Please.. engage the brain before you say such silly things.
It's more of an advantage to corps to offer donations and what not. Can you say BIG tax write offs?

It's so true. BIG corps only want whats in your wallet.
--
People pray to God because they're told to.

supernac

join:2003-03-26
Springfield, MO

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

Do you have a job? If so why? Is it to make money?? Your so greedy!!!!!!!!

hopeflicker
Capitalism breeds greed
Premium
join:2003-04-03
Long Beach, CA
kudos:1

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

said by supernac:

Do you have a job? If so why? Is it to make money?? Your so greedy!!!!!!!!
LOL
--
People pray to God because they're told to.
jjeffeory

join:2002-12-04
USA
Well, some people also go above and beyond making money. They want to help others and feel satisfaction in what they do.
Bluestealth

join:2003-08-18
Fairfax, VA

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

"Some" people, not most.

en102
Canadian, eh?

join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA
Good PR will help, as will donations.
If AT&T didn't help getting these customers their service back... then they wouldn't be getting revenue from them.
Tax deductions are always good as well.
--
Canada = Hollywood North
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3
1st, it's not "more of an advantage"...

2nd, do you know how the tax code works and why donations are able to be written off? Theoretically, money needs to flow from the private to the government and some goes back to the private sector. You may funnel money direct to charitable causes yourself instead of the government doing it. So, what's wrong with that?

3rd, very good! Yes.. corporations DO want whats in your wallet... and...? What's your point? That's what business is all about.. supply and demand... they have something you want - you trade with them.. money for product and/or service.

Paranoid people also look at Christmas gifts and think "I wonder what they want from me"... sad, really.

Let me give you something to think about... a charitable donation is going to get into the hands of those in need FAR faster than the government... so please, tell me what's wrong with a donation - even if a tax break is in play.

This is ridiculous.
--
"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-serving, the lazy, and I’m told it’s a woman’s prerogative..."

Thaler
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA
kudos:3
said by hopeflicker:

It's more of an advantage to corps to offer donations and what not. Can you say BIG tax write offs?
Ummm...trust me. They would've made a whole lot more money in just keeping their donations, rather than give them away. You bet your ass they're included in tax write offs. Don't we all try and account for the $5, $10 or whatever we donate to charities as well come tax time? Their donation is no different than the ones citizens make.

said by hopeflicker:

It's so true. BIG corps only want whats in your wallet.
What else are they supposed to want? If a company wanted anything more from me than what's in my wallet, I'd feel like I had a stalker or something.

toby
Troy Mcclure

join:2001-11-13
Seattle, WA
yep, its also cheap advertising.

hopeflicker
Capitalism breeds greed
Premium
join:2003-04-03
Long Beach, CA
kudos:1

1 edit

What is wrong with big companies???/

Misleading ads, false advertisements, monopolies, bait and switch, illegal business practices, B.S. TOS/EULA's that is written to where the common folk can not understand, overpriced, piss poor service, shareholder comes before the customer, and the FINE PRINT.

ALL to get YOUR $$$$

It's all shady and it's all BULLSHIT!
--
People pray to God because they're told to.
kommander

join:2003-11-03
Yakima, WA

Re: What is wrong with big companies???/

Said by hope flicker:

What is wrong with big companies???/

Misleading ads, false advertisements, monopolies, bait and switch, illegal business practices, B.S. TOS/EULA's that is written to where the common folk can not understand, overpriced, piss poor service, shareholder comes before the customer, and the FINE PRINT.

ALL to get YOUR $$$$

It's all shady and it's all BULLSHIT!

Move to China. I'm sure that the goverment ran every thing will be to your liking. There are no pesky greedy companies over there.

hopeflicker
Capitalism breeds greed
Premium
join:2003-04-03
Long Beach, CA
kudos:1

Re: What is wrong with big companies???/

said by kommander:

Said by hope flicker:

What is wrong with big companies???/

Misleading ads, false advertisements, monopolies, bait and switch, illegal business practices, B.S. TOS/EULA's that is written to where the common folk can not understand, overpriced, piss poor service, shareholder comes before the customer, and the FINE PRINT.

ALL to get YOUR $$$$

It's all shady and it's all BULLSHIT!

Move to China. I'm sure that the goverment ran every thing will be to your liking. There are no pesky greedy companies over there.
so you enjoy all of these?
Misleading ads, false advertisements, monopolies, bait and switch, illegal business practices, B.S. TOS/EULA's that is written to where the common folk can not understand, overpriced, piss poor service, shareholder comes before the customer, and the FINE PRINT.
--
People pray to God because they're told to.

Thaler
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA
kudos:3

Re: What is wrong with big companies???/

said by hopeflicker:

so you enjoy all of these?
Misleading ads, false advertisements, monopolies, bait and switch, illegal business practices, B.S. TOS/EULA's that is written to where the common folk can not understand, overpriced, piss poor service, shareholder comes before the customer, and the FINE PRINT.
I highly doubt anyone enjoys any of that. However, seeing as how I'm lacking the startup capital to maintain my own ISP, I'm in no position to show them what's what. If they break the law, that's up for the court system to decide. However, if AT&T has wronged anyone specifically so wrongly in their business practices, then one would hope they'd drop their services.

Even if AT&T is in a monopolistic power position, they are still peddling luxuries with their broadband provisions. Consumers still have the right to vote with their wallet, and sever the non-essential services with a company that has done them so wrong. And yes, as damn near integrated & handy the internet has been in today's modern life, nobody's going to drop dead directly as a result from stepping off broadband.

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
said by kommander:

Move to China. I'm sure that the goverment ran every thing will be to your liking. There are no pesky greedy companies over there.
I so tire of this type of tripe.

Tell ya what, be a good little slave-sumer and pay the bills for the rest of us. Maybe then you'd care about being ripped off.
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3

Re: What is wrong with big companies???/

I happen to agree with bbt4. Everyone wants what other countries have and always point the finger to them saying "If they can have it, why can't we"... and then when people are told to move there and get it, responses like yours come.

Other countries have things at the cost of other luxuries that we enjoy. What SO MANY Americans don't see is the whole picture. I bet that 98% of all people that point to other countries as being the holy land of "the best" of the best have never stepped foot outside this country and see everything through rose color glasses.

Before people start bowing towards the orient because of fast broadband, step a few feet in those people's shoes and then come back and talk about it.

Think the people in the orient aren't ripped off? Sure, they have better cell service, broadband and technology, but I'll be damned if I'd want all that at the cost of being able to tell the world that I think George W. Bush is a scum bag and not be shot for it.

bbt4 was spot on with this statement... like it or not. People don't like the truth. Most, in America, always look at the good that others have and want it, but are FAR from willing to accept all that comes with it. Let's start there first.
--
"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-serving, the lazy, and I’m told it’s a woman’s prerogative..."

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK

Re: What is wrong with big companies???/

Uh, wow. That's well off topic. My point being I'm so tired of hearing the lame arguments "If you don't like it, leave" or "Try moving to Cuba/China/Korea/Iran" etc

It's just a lame cop-out to any argument. "You got xxxx problem with xxxx here.... Then leave the country."

Imagine if the Government replied that way. "Oh you don't like the tax increase? Ok we'll kick you out of the country."

It's just a silly response.
--
"Regulatory capitalism is when companies invest in lawyers, lobbyists, and politicians, instead of plant, people, and customer service." - former FCC Chairman William Kennard (A real FCC Chairman, unlike the current Corporate Spokesperson in the job!)
fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
kudos:3

1 edit

Re: What is wrong with big companies???/

Upon reflection, I do not wish to post.

panda
Visualize Whirled Peas

join:2000-01-08
Danvers, MA
Reviews:
·Verizon FiOS
said by hopeflicker:

Misleading ads, false advertisements, monopolies, bait and switch, illegal business practices, B.S. TOS/EULA's that is written to where the common folk can not understand, overpriced, piss poor service, shareholder comes before the customer, and the FINE PRINT.

ALL to get YOUR $$$$

It's all shady and it's all BULLSHIT!
It seems to me that the answer should be obvious. Be neither "common poor folk" nor a "customer"...

Be a SHAREHOLDER and make it work inf your favor! Then, get elected to the BOD, and get more options, etc.

I feel so...

...empowered!


--
"[He] couldn't get a clue if he stripped naked, rubbed himself with clue musk, went to the middle of the clue breeding grounds at the height of clue breeding season when it was full of horny clues and did the clue mating dance for days."
Youngjm

join:2002-04-01
Ada, MI
said by hopeflicker:

said by fiberguy:

Yea... Corporations only want your money. Didn't Wal-Mart just give 250K to aid in disaster relief? wait.. no.. they didn't.. because they just upped it to 1 million. Another business, I heard, gave 2 million. AT&T and other companies are providing free calling service and WiFi in affected areas to help people stay connected. That's just a start.. but I can certainly see how corporations main function in life is to rip people off. Money, aid, and physical support is coming in strong from those greedy corporations all over the place from around the country...

Please.. engage the brain before you say such silly things.
It's more of an advantage to corps to offer donations and what not. Can you say BIG tax write offs?

It's so true. BIG corps only want whats in your wallet.
It is truly amazing how many people hate big corporations but if it was not for them, how many of us would have jobs and the things that we like to use?

EvilDonations

@charter.com
Corporations can not write off cash donations. The only thing a corporation can write off is donations of goods or services that they provide (i.e., a web design company could write off the cost of creating a web site for a non-profit) or the donation of goods that they actually used in business; for example, the donation of a truck to a non-profit.

Since the expense of these things can already be written off anyway (it's called depreciation, and sometimes just expensed), no -- a corporation is usually much worse off doing a donation than even you as an individual. That's why it's so important that we each individually do our part -- we, at least, can write off most donations to non-profits, whether NGO or faith-based.

And $1M is a lot of money. Think about how big of a deal that is to close such a big deal, regardless of how big the company is. That's a lot, even to a big company. That's a lot of cereal boxes, esp when you consider how tight-assed Walmart is, and how low their margins must be on each item.

On the other hand, if Walmart is giving away $1M in GOODS (as opposed to disaster relief cash), then they can write it off. That would make the most sense anyway -- most people need goods in the stricken area more than cash, since it's hard even to find stores that are open. And Walmart can write it off -- that's good. And keep in mind that when you write it off, you only get back the taxes you paid on it. That means Walmart might get 30% back on their total donation.

Even worse, even if Walmart is giving goods, who are they giving it to? You can't write it off unless you're giving it to a non-profit organization, because otherwise it's not tax deductible. If I give away hot dogs from my hot dog stand to people on the street, I can't write those off -- only if I donate them to the American Red Cross or something.

Anyway, I do agree -- business does what's best for business, usually. But people who run businesses DO have consciences, and (moreever) it's good for businesses to donate for at least two reasons: PR and to excite your community and employees that you are making a positive difference.

As Guy Kawasaki says, your business should create meaning. If you do that, your business will also generate revenue.

Disclaimer: I own a small business but am neither an accountant or lawyer, although I do study both as a hobby. And I do wish I could deduct more contributions and gifts.
hogrunr

join:2005-10-21
Spring, TX

1 edit
hmmm...wonder who that big company was...*cough* HP *cough*

Oh PLUS matching employee donations
qworster

join:2001-11-25
Bryn Mawr, PA

2 edits
Has Halliburton given a penny?

No.

And why shoud they? After all, they only got paid BILLIONS of dollars from our Govt. for war mongering!

Thaler
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA
kudos:3

Re: Has Halliburton given a penny yet?

said by qworster:

Has Halliburton given a penny?

No.
I don't remember anyone mentioning them.

Welcome to Tangentville.

mech1164
I'll Be Back

join:2001-11-19
Lodi, NJ

Re: Has Halliburton given a penny yet?

said by Thaler:

said by qworster:

Has Halliburton given a penny?

No.
I don't remember anyone mentioning them.

Welcome to Tangentville.
Isn't that next to BiasTown?

AtomicZero

join:2004-11-24
West Palm Beach, FL
Well maybe not rip offs, that doesn't sound right...they DO provide a service. But what I think he was trying to say is that most corporations tend to not really cater to the needs of the customer and are more interested in the bottom line.
ossito16

join:2004-07-31
Whiting, IN
Are you seriuos? Donating money & resorces is the least they could do. With all the tax loop holes these companies use they should have given 10 times the amounts offered. Take a look at some of the financial statements, in the 10's of billions.

burgermeister
All Computers Are Junk

join:2000-10-23
Utica, MI

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

The horrible corporation I work for is matching all employee donations plus adding dough and donating vehicles.

I hate these big companies!!!!!
--
"I've learned that depression is merely anger without enthusiasm."

Thaler
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA
kudos:3
LOL, man companies can't catch a break. They bill disaster victims and then they're called heartless bastards. They suspend the bill and provide free services to disaster victims...and then they're greedy SOBs that're only after a buck.

Good God, pick a side and stick with it. The customer got what they wanted from the company they do business with. If that isn't a case of customer service, I don't know what is.

supernac

join:2003-03-26
Springfield, MO
My bad, the phrase "bass turds" is ok, but mention CAPITALISM and your post gets deleted!

Thaler
Premium
join:2004-02-02
Los Angeles, CA
kudos:3

Re: BASS TURDS!!!

Clearly you haven't gone fishing.

NyQuil Kid
8f The Nyquil Kid

join:2001-01-06
Brick, NJ
Just thought you might need this once you come down from your soapbox:

»www.graphicmaps.com/webimage/cou···olor.htm

[8F] The NyQuil Kid

Matt3
All noise, no signal.
Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12

Kudos AT&T

Good to see they are doing the right thing here. I just hope it would have happened if the story hadn't made BBR and BBR hadn't contacted them about it.
--
Pretty Fly for a White Guy™

See 9 replies to this post
hoyleysox

join:2003-11-07
Long Beach, CA

this one got blown up

AT&T had a rule and it is not an entirely unfair rule, they would have to raise subscription costs without it. The rule is "he who does not return our equipment will be billed". AT&T's biggest mistake was not flagging Southern CA accounts as exceptions to the rule. Do you live in Southern CA and want to get out of your contract? Write AT&T soon...

ropeguru
Premium
join:2001-01-25
Mechanicsville, VA

Re: this one got blown up

said by hoyleysox:

AT&T had a rule and it is not an entirely unfair rule, they would have to raise subscription costs without it. The rule is "he who does not return our equipment will be billed". AT&T's biggest mistake was not flagging Southern CA accounts as exceptions to the rule. Do you live in Southern CA and want to get out of your contract? Write AT&T soon...
You are joking right?? You think large companies like this really lose money when a disaster strikes? In a case like this it would either be written off or insurance of the company, not the customer, would pay out.
--
FWD#: 223611

Rick
Premium,MVM
join:2001-02-06
Waterbury, CT

Apparently a problem here

is the so called seamless way these companies (and some others in partnerships) operate.

It sounds like the customers phoned at&t..THOUGHT they were talking to At&t people..but were transferred instead to dish network people. Which, does make sense when you consider the service involved. But apparently it was never clear to the customer who they were actually talking to.

I guess in the world of call centers..that's not that unusual but in a case where something like this comes up..it does create confusion.

Anyways..it's good they straightened it out.

And lets hope all the fire victims get back on their feet soon.
--
The Coyote captured the RR! Roadrunner Rick is now Comcastic!

See 8 replies to this post

JE
JE 's BACK BABY
Premium
join:2000-12-15
Charlotte, NC

1 edit

my only concern...

Is did the DISH rep lose their job, because if it made national media attention, there is no other way to go, but FIRE HER!

je

See 9 replies to this post

texans20
Premium
join:2002-09-28
Texas!

Mistake

I've worked in many companies, and most companies have in place a disaster policy. It's not good business to screw customers. When my area was hit by Hurricane Rita, I was sent a letter by Sprint saying I could postpone paying my bill for two months without penalty, and they gave me free roaming and promised to credit any overage fees if I went over my minutes. My credit card company, American Express, said I could postpone paying my credit card bill and they promised to credit interest charges and not charge me a late fee or "hit" my credit report. Oh yea, my local phone company was AT&T at the time. They offered to postpone paying my bill as well, along with Time Warner and the power company.

We have to remember, the couple was told they would be charged by a representative in a call center probably making less than $10 an hour. Chances are, that call center representative has less than one year experience taking calls, anyone who has ever worked in a call center knows they experience massive amounts of employee turnover.

You idiot liberals need to calm down. This wasn't a case where the CEO of AT&T laughed evilly as he said "Let's take their $300", it was a low-paid representative who didn't know better. I bet if they would of hung up and called back, they would of got a representative who would of known the policy of the company. Remember it's these big, "evil" businesses that put bread on the table of millions of American's homes. If they didn't make money, nobody would.
--
The true patriot is motivated by a sense of responsibility, and out of self interest -- for himself, his family, and the future of his country -- to resist government abuse of power. He rejects the notion that patriotism means obedience to the state.

See 6 replies to this post

Alakar
Facts do not cease to exist when ignored

join:2001-03-23
Milwaukee, WI

AT&T put this out yesterday day....

before this story broke. Hey Karl Bode See Profile! How come you never post up news items like this?

»www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4···id=24613

San Diego, California, October 25, 2007

In response to the Southern California wildfires, AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced mobilized resources for the anticipated largest customer-support and infrastructure-restoration effort in AT&T's California history. Although the telecommunications network continues to perform well during the crisis, the company is extending its community support services and calling upon resources from throughout the state and nation to restore telecommunications infrastructure that has been damaged in the fire.

Wireline Network

The network continues to perform well with minimal disruptions. Network congestion has eased and most calls are now completing normally.
Due to severe burn damage to a nine-mile fiber connection, the communities of Julian and Warner Springs remain isolated — able to make calls within the community but not beyond. Technicians are currently working to establish a temporary microwave radio link to reconnect service to those areas.
The communities of Dulzura and Silverado Canyon also remain isolated. Fiber connections will be restored as soon as conditions permit.
AT&T is establishing emergency resource staging areas in San Diego County as central points of coordination for materials, technicians and vehicles involved in the restoration effort.

Wireless Network

More than 99 percent of cell sites in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Ventura counties are functioning normally. Since the start of the fires, 28 cell sites have been restored in these areas.
In San Diego County, the wireless network is at 95 percent capacity, despite call volumes running 30 to 50 percent above normal. AT&T crews have restored service to 27 cell sites since the crisis began Sunday. Additional capacity continues to be added to key cell sites to ensure network quality for emergency responders and customers.

Community Support

AT&T is establishing mobile customer service centers located at four local assistance centers, including the Fallbrook Community Center, Ramona Community School, Rancho Bernardo Community Center and Cuyamaca College in Rancho San Diego. Service representatives will be available to help residents with billing needs, relocation of services and other issues, as well as free wireless phone calls for responders and evacuees.
At those centers, AT&T has also worked with San Diego County to install key infrastructure, including T-1 lines, a total of 60 voice lines and enhanced wireless capacity.
AT&T has established a Wi-Fi hot spot at QUALCOMM Stadium to provide free wireless Internet service to evacuees at the facility.
AT&T has also established support centers that offer free wireless calls at evacuation centers in Temecula and San Bernardino.
For residents and small businesses displaced by the fires, AT&T California is providing certain voice mail and call forwarding features, free of charge, for 30 days to displaced consumers and small businesses. For customers who need a local service line installed at a temporary or new location, the Line Connection Fee will be waived. AT&T residential customers displaced by the fires can call 1-877-722-6787, and small business customers can call 1-800-750-2355 to have the services set up.
And this today:

»www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4···id=24614

AT&T Offers Free Phones to Displaced San Diegans

2,000 GoPhone Devices With $10 in Air Time Available to Residents from Mandatory Evacuation Areas

San Diego, California, October 26, 2007

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) today announced the availability of 2,000 GoPhone devices with $10 in air time to residents who were ordered to evacuate their homes during the past week. The phones will be made available on a first-come, first-serve basis while supplies last to residents who live in any area in San Diego County that was declared a mandatory evacuation area during this week's fires.

The phones will be available at all company-owned AT&T retail locations and at local community assistance locations in Fallbrook, Ramona, Rancho Bernardo and Rancho San Diego; where AT&T has established on-site customer service centers. The phones will provide up to 90 minutes of usage time.

"In times of crisis, the ability to connect with family and friends is a necessity and, at the same time, comforting," said Tammi Terrell, vice president and general manager for AT&T's wireless unit in San Diego. "Hopefully, this offer will provide those affected by the devastating fires with an opportunity to either take care of critical needs or simply reconnect with loved ones."

Residents eligible for the offer must be 16 years or older and show a valid photo identification, including ZIP code from an area declared a mandatory evacuation area. The offer is good for one phone for each person.

In San Diego County, AT&T's wireless network continues to operate at near-normal levels. AT&T crews have restored service to 27 cell sites since the crisis began Sunday.

--
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom; it is the arguments of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." William Pitt the Younger

Karl Bode
News Guy
join:2000-03-02
kudos:33
Host:
Time Warner Intern..
PC gaming GAMES
PC gaming Tech

Re: AT&T put this out yesterday day....

quote:
before this story broke. Hey Karl See Profile! How come you never post up news items like this?
I don't know. Maybe because we did?

Alakar
Facts do not cease to exist when ignored

join:2001-03-23
Milwaukee, WI

Re: AT&T put this out yesterday day....

said by Karl Bode:

quote:
before this story broke. Hey Karl See Profile! How come you never post up news items like this?
I don't know. Maybe because we did?
My apologies. I didn't see the short generic blurb under "Wireless Carriers Step It Up In Response To Fires". I'm used to seeing AT&T splashed all over the title of these posts when it's something bad. I guess that isn't required when it's something positive.
--
"Necessity is the plea for every infringement of human freedom; it is the arguments of tyrants; it is the creed of slaves." William Pitt the Younger

Karl Bode
News Guy
join:2000-03-02
kudos:33
Host:
Time Warner Intern..
PC gaming GAMES
PC gaming Tech

3 edits

Re: AT&T put this out yesterday day....

Yeah, the "tiny, underfunded consumer-focused website is being mean to a massive International telecom conglamorate I work for" bit. I've heard it.

That "generic blurb" was also repeated via link in the story above. I also think AT&T actually has some of the best, most approachable PR guys in the industry, and they handled this complaint exceptionally.

Feel free to submit feel-good AT&T stories to our inbox when you see them.

burgerwars

join:2004-09-11
Northridge, CA

This couple's priorities are all mixed up.

If my house just burned down, the last thing I would be concerned about is being billed for a melted satellite dish. If this couple is doing this for publicity, or to get some sort of extra compensation from AT&T for their corporate hate-monger behavior, I wouldn't bother listening to them.
cableguy619
Premium
join:2003-06-24
Chula Vista, CA

2 edits

Re: This couple's priorities are all mixed up.

get clue if you don't follow up with them and it has been since Monday they have been evacuated they are now calling services to put a hold they will continue to bill you. Alot of Utility companies do not have a exact location of every burned down house. When you have to deal with this your self you will understand, and to the publicity hey easily the reporters could have come up to them and asked how the restoration process was coming along. Reporters are everywhere over there still in burn areas that are opening up. Ramona officialy opened up last yesterday.

Guesst

@sbcglobal.net

ATT

When SBC (which is now ATT) split my area code, I was billed over 1000.00 for dialing into the old area code, even though they explained for six months that it would be free to call from one to the other. I even had the documentation in writing they'd mailed to all the affected changees.

I called SBC and they told me it was ATT's problem, and they transferred me to ATT--who promptly told me the billing error was on the part of SBC and retransferred me.

I could never get anyone on the phone to take responsibility for the billing error, even though we all agreed it was a billing error and I should not have been charged for dialing into the other area code.

That was seven years ago. ATT eventually disconnected my long distance service for refusing to pay the bill---and it now shows up as a bad debt that I've never paid.

Thanks SBC/ATT!

Rexter
YeeHaw

join:2002-11-17
cloud 9

Typical Dish Network BS

I don't know much about AT&T, but I do know quite a bit about how Dish Network does things. This is a typical example of Dish Network's established environment, and culture of not giving a f#CK. Sure they have the policies in place, but no one there cares. "I don't get payed to care."
--
With every new wave of optimism, or pessimism, we are ready to abandon history, and time tested principles, but we cling tenaciously and unquestioningly to our prejudices. (Benjamin Graham)
RJ44

join:2001-10-19
Nashville, TN

Got to have a scoop!

Of course, someone COULD have checked with AT&T and/or Dish Network before taking the story to press, in an attempt to run a non-biased story.

Naaaahhhh, never mind.
Claybraker

join:2002-04-13
none

Re: Got to have a scoop!

But then we wouldn't have had 2 different threads, with over 200 posts total. William Randolph Hearst would be proud.

What really bothers me is Rick's posts on this topic. He's making sense. My head's spinning.
cableguy619
Premium
join:2003-06-24
Chula Vista, CA
uhhhh the people are moving back into the area and the press is already asking questions on how are things going so go figure they didnt call them..
fitbryan

join:2005-07-26
Santa Monica, CA

dish CS is awful!

sounds about right. I had an awful experience with DISH Network and will switch when my contract expires soon.

ShootToThril
Tell The Truth
Premium
join:2004-06-07
Sherman Oaks, CA

1 edit

dslreports.com

Good Job on helping these people sort it out, It makes me feel proud to be a part of the DSLReports community seeing that "We", can make a change on occasion and lend a helping hand as a community.


GlobalMind
Domino Dude, POWER Systems Guy
Premium
join:2001-10-29
Hollywood, FL

Re: dslreports.com

said by ShootToThril:

Good Job on helping these people sort it out, It makes me feel proud to be a part of the DSLReports community seeing that "We", can make a change on occasion and lend a helping hand as a community.


Yep I agree. Good on AT&T/Dish for stepping up here to take care of the issue.

Great that we could be involved somehow.

Dish_hater

@comcast.net

Dishnetwork

Dishnetwork is the worst anything company on the face of the entire planet. Their installtion dept. is decrepit and their customer service reps are even worse. They never know anything. All they do is answer questions and if they can't thy make stuff up. I KNOW BECAUSE I WAS DISH INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR and I used to deal with them 50 times a day. Work orders were never correct, account numbers were wrong, Customer weren't told the correct facts for their installations and it was a losing battle just to deal with all the mistakes.. okay yeah I am venting but I'm not surprised that a Dsih rep would give out wrong information. Oh and by the way... Dish is going down.... way down! And AT&T won't be able to save them.... DirecTV rocks in programming, customer service, equipment. Dish is crap!

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK

1 edit

Re: Dishnetwork

Clearly, a completely unbiased opinion.

In my opinion, from all the experiences I've had with Dish Network, the problems were never with the Dish CSR or policies... In fact, the only problems I ever had were a result of the Contractors....

Technogeez
Agape in amazement.
Premium
join:2007-01-20

They found it...

They must have found the gear.
tbaggs

join:2001-03-24
Columbia Falls, MT

ATT & DISH

Seems to me that all are missing the point IT NEVER SHOULD HAVE HAPPENED IN THE FIRST PLACE! weather it was ATT or DISH these folks lost all they own they worked for it why the hell would anyone ATT or DISH tell a person who just lost all that they would have to pay $300.00 in the first place my god ATT & DISH kindly WAKE UP! Have you lost your minds!!!!!

Patel Rakesh

@comcast.net

ATT and Dish

I tell you what happened...some dude on the other side of the map answered the phone, and they don't give a f#@& about US customers...that's what happened.

RRMAN
Premium
join:2007-04-02
Cleveland, OH

Re: ATT and Dish

OMG my house burned down...I know F the house lets go on TV and dis companies for a living...come on! If my house burned down $300 is not going to mean crap! let the Fckin home owners insurance hassle with them. Come on people lets not buy into everyone I am on TV ATT sucks yohooooohhhhooo!! Oh yeah my house burnt down with all my belongings and my gosh I need to watch TV first...F everything else.....get a life people!!!
--
Two people shorten a road.

Suntop
Premium
join:2000-03-23
Choteau, MT
Reviews:
·3Rivers Communic..

1 edit

All your money are belong to dish!

What you say? I have to pay 300 bucks BUT MY HOUSE WAS DESTROYED BY THE FIRE.

DN:Sir, you could of grabbed your equipment. I am sorry but you will pay for it as all your money are belong to us!
--
The following statement is true...




The preceding statement was false!!
--George Carlin

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