[mikester]

Recently I switched to Time Warner Cable for my TV service. I posted about it regarding their DVR vs my beloved TIVO at the time.

I love my TIVO and basically, I've continued using it. I'll be sending their DVR back if this gets worked out - if not I'll be sending it back and cutting their cable to my house.

Basically the deal is - I called them up and scheduled an install. My instructions were specific - I wanted my service date and the start of my billing date to be one in the same. I asked exactly what I could expect my first bill to be: $109.40 is what I was told.

I got the first bill: $149.06.

Different from what I was told when I ordered the service. It explained itself in the statement. I was billed for a prorated amount between my install date and my billing date. Something I told them I specifically didn't want to happen (I hate that crap).

So, I called up customer disservice and asked them about it. I was told not to worry about it - mistakes like these happen in between billing cycles - pay the $109.40 and it'll work itself out on the next billing cycle (I got this dudes name).

FFW to the next month, as I expected - no change - the past due amount now shows the difference between what I paid and what I didn't.

I called up today and was asked 'Did I have service during those days?" "Of course I did, but only because you're install scheduler did not follow my specific instructions." "I'm sorry sir, you have to pay it."

"Put me through to the folks who handle disconnects. I may have to pay it, but it'll be the last few dollars time warner ever sees from me."

Note, I was not disrespectful or mean - I was matter of fact and to the point. I knew exactly what I wanted and asked for it. I told her I wanted a credit for the amount shown past due on my account - I had already been told the previous month I would not have to pay it.

If I do, it'll only be to keep them from sending it to collections which I know they will do.

So...I get to a supervisor and he says he needs to talk to the other Customer Disservice rep who told me I didn't have to pay it. He'll call me back once that is done - no indication how long that'll take. I got his name too of course - I always get their names.

Man I hate this crap - these guys have what amounts to a monopoly of sorts too. Very little competition...only recently am I able to get broadband from someone else other than TWC...

Sure, I could just pay it but I was switching to save money from Direct TV. The difference they are trying to get from me is a month's worth of savings. I went without TV (not that hard) for a few days to make sure my Direct TV had no pro-rated bills and tried to get my TWC to start on the billing cycle start date. They made the mistake - NOT ME - I'm not paying it.

Rant complete. For now...