Consumer Tools
To Bundle Or Not To Bundle—cable TV, Internet and phone service
Dear Consumer Advisor,
I’m thinking about bundling my telephone and internet services with my cable service. By bundling I will get just one bill for multiple services. But how do I decide which is the best service for me and what do you do if I have a complaint?
Your phone could become pay to play!
TURN CONSUMER ALERT: Unlimited local calling threatened. Phone companies want to end unlimited local calling, charge for incoming calls, charge for calls to 800 numbers and even charge for calls received from telemarketers.
Beware of Collect Calls from Payphones
Collect calls from a payphone can cost the recipient $3 or more per minute, so avoid them when you can.
Wirepro: A Goldmine for AT&T, A Waste of Money for Most Consumers.
TURN advises consumers to think twice about the cost of Wirepro, which have recently gone up. Inside wire rarely break. For most customers, inside wire insurance is not worth the money, especially at $7.00 per month.
NEW! Freedom From Telemarketers—It’s Easier Than Ever Before!
Over 157 million consumers depend on the Do-Not-Call list to keep annoying telemarketers away. Those consumers can now enjoy more freedom from telemarketers than before. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which administers the list, has announced it will be extended indefinitely.
Is Bundled Service Right For Me?
Dear Consumer Advisor,
What is bundled service, and why is AT&T constantly sending me glossy advertisements for it? ? Do I have to buy a package of services from them, and will it be cheaper if I do?
Signed,
Happily Unbundled
How to Reach an Actual Human at Your Utility Company
Dear Consumer Advisor,
I get so frustrated every time I have to call my utility company! The phone menu rarely offers what I want and never seems to lead to a real live human being. Is there any way to avoid the endless phone menu and connect with someone who can actually help me?
Sincerely,
Wanna Person
The Repairperson No-Show
Is there a rule or a law that requires electric utilities and local phone companies to show up for repairs when they say they will?
Avoid Paying Additional Utility Deposits
Dear Consumer Advisor,
On top of the sky high utility bills I pay every month, my utility has informed me that I am required to pay a deposit of $200 in order to continue receiving service. I've been a customer for years and was never asked for a deposit. I don't understand why all of a sudden they are demanding such a large sum of money. How did they come up with the amount of the required deposit? What's going on?
