buyskes@lafcol.uucp (10/17/89)
I thought the Digest's readers might be amused by this story: A friend of mine, a new graduate student at Princeton, manages to actually get new phone service during the strike. The only problem is that the number NJ Bell told her is actually the number of some office at the Princeton Seminary. Well, by good fortune she gets a wrong number, asks the person what number they dialed, and so discovers her true number. But since information is giving out the seminary number to people who ask for her number, she calls NJ Bell to straighten things out. NJ Bell: No, we can't change your listing to the number that actually reaches you, because that number belongs to someone else. We'll adjust the switching so that you can be reached at the number we originally told you. Friend: But that number is an office at Princeton Seminary. NJ Bell: Oh, you're right. In that case I'll have to disconnect your service immediately. We will call you as soon as we have your new number. Needless to say, after two weeks she still doesn't have service, although she calls NJ Bell regularly. We're all looking forward to seeing her first bill. Steve Buyske uucp : rutgers!lehi3b15!lafcol!buyskes Mathematics Department Bitnet : BUYSKES@LAFAYETT Lafayette College Easton, PA 18042
msmith@topaz.rutgers.edu (Mark Robert Smith) (10/19/89)
I too have had difficulties with NJ Bell Customer Service. I, being a Rutgers student, had to apply by mail for service. The NJ Bell form contained some service options, but not the CLASS services which I wanted for my line. So, I called the Customer Service number, and was forced to ask my question in response to the question "Is this an emergency". I was told to call after the phone was turned on, and request those services. After the strike ended, I got my service on a Saturday. I called the Operator and asked her for the number (the form said to do this). Then, on Monday, I called to have the services added to my line. At that time, my connection wasn't in the billing computer yet, so I had to wait a week. I called back a week later, and successfully had the services added. At that time, I was told that the $21 connection service charge for those services would be waived, since I couldn't order them on the form. So, two weeks later, my phone bill arrives. Yup, a $21 connection charge for the CLASS services. I called the phone company, and after waiting for 5 minutes for a human, got one. I explained the process, and the fact that I was promised a waiver, and the woman (a very rude woman) on the other end said "Well, Why didn't you write those services in on the form?" I told her I was told not to, and could a please speak to a supervisor. After a 10 minute hold, she returned and said "the $21 will be adjusted, Mr. Smith". I paid the bill minus the $21, so it will be interesting to see what happens next. Mark Smith, KNJ2LH All Rights Reserved RPO 1604 You may redistribute this article only if those who P.O. Box 5063 receive it may do so freely. New Brunswick, NJ 08903-5063 msmith@topaz.rutgers.edu