Fun and Games with AT&T, Episode II: Lost Time

Previously on Fun and Games with AT&T...

After many hours wasted on the phone and two failed attempts at buying an iPhone, AT&T has informed me that as a matter of policy I will not be compensated for this ordeal. They also double charged me $195.72 for their own mistake triggered by the same screw-up, which I was told will take another billing cycle to be credited. Not clear in what form yet – I’m hoping a check.

I am unwilling to let this matter rest without a proper compensation for my time. And so the story continues.

Fun and Games with AT&T, Episode I: Dreaming of iPhones

Earlier this year I’ve decided it was time to get a new cell phone. My three years old phone was falling apart and I wanted something more sophisticated. The second generation iPhone was announced that week, and with first generation phones hard to come by, I patiently waited for the newer version. When they were finally announced, I logged into my AT&T account to make sure I was eligible for the discounted price. I have two lines on the account, one already on the iPhone plan (which qualified) and another without a service plan (ended in Jun 2007). For some reason the website was showing my second line did not qualify despite the fact it was out of contract.

And so my adventure begins...

Tell Me What You Really Think

Here is a recent conversation I had with two employees of a company whose name I won’t mention:

Me: When are you leaving town?
Employee 1: Tomorrow early noon.
Me: Would you like to meet before you leave?
Employee 1: Sure, how about we meet 8am and we can buy you breakfast?
Me: Well, I don’t eat breakfast but I can talk while you eat.
Employee 2: That’s actually better because our boss will be pretty pissed if we bought you breakfast.
Me: Is it personal or because I work for Yahoo!?
Employee 2: He hates your company and will not approve the expense.

Needless to say I had ice water for breakfast.