Bell Sympatico High speed internet service - frequent service interruptions in service - slow access speed experiences - technical support trouble

# 20 for July 4, 2003

Complaints.com received the following on July 3, 2003:

From:

RE: Bell Sympatico High speed internet service - frequent service interruptions in service - slow access speed experiences - technical support trouble

Dear sir;

I formerlly had Bell High Speed internet service for my home internet connection. However, the service was horrible with frequent interruptions in service and slow speed of access to the net. Numerous telephone calls to Bell Sympatico resulted in several home visits by techs but they couldn't fix the problem. One of them told me that the problem was my burgler alarm since it shared a phone line. The Sympatico serviceman recommended a visit by the burglar alarm company. $80 later after a visit by the ADT tech my burglar alarm was pronounced just fine...and that they hear this 'all the time' from Bell Sympatico folks.

I called and called Sympatico...there is a HORRIBLE access to their technical services (not listed as a primary telephone menu choice) and waiting times were frequently 20 minutes plus...and still no corrections. So I called Rogers Hi Speed cable and CANCELLED the Sympatico acccount.

Rogers installed cable which is 50% faster and has been perfect. Any tech questions are handled quickly and easily.

Sympatico called me back and offered two free months for me to 'compare'. I relented but made it clear that I wasn't about to be swiching modems back and forth. "No problem" I was told by Bell....you're already connected, this way if you don't like Rogers you can keep the Bell Sympatico..."NO OBLIGATION ON YOUR PART" I was told.

I never looked at Sympatico again as Rogers has been great. Now Sympatico has sent me a bill for $178.00 for service AFTER I cancelled which was after the two free months THEY OFFERED. I've called to inquire as to why this is the case. They tell me that it was my responsibility to have cancelled after the two month free period....I didn't so they're charging me. They now threaten collection agency.

I'm a research scientist....not a deadbeat. I have NO INTENTION of paying what is clearly devious, unethical blackmail. I've called Bell Sympatico several times...to no avail.

My advice to the consumer:

W. Mark Erwin

Comment On This

I have the similar experience as yours. At beginning, I was told there is a free month with a 3MBits Sympatico Internet service cost around $39+tax, but when I received the Bill, the first month is charged and to my surprise, this high speed service only provide me 2Gbytes download a month, the over used part is charged a high price. I contacts them many times and even receive the threaten collection letter. I have to pay them to avoid their threaten. Form this website I noticed that I am not the only person who was trapped by sympatico and it seems the Bell sympatico has always do their business like this and they will continue to do it like this. They know that A single person can only be a victim in most of the situation...

It seems the law can not correct their wrong doing, since it's a big company.

What I can do is just tell my friend: avoid Bell Sympactico.

Comment On This

I totally agree with you on this.

I have gone through so much of dilemma's with Bell and their support.

Not to mention the fact that, support is outsourced to India. Not only wait times are lengthy; the tech's disconnected on me on numerous occassions and they advice me "not to worry" when I call them back. Worse customer service ever and to make matters worse, their security suite is now out of date (Even with all updates).

I wrecked a laptop and was on the verge of my having my main PC wrecked. Uninstalled Sympatico security manager and tried the free version of windows live OneCare security suite. All issues resolved. Symantec security manager was not even detecting any issues.

Talk about surfing speed? No where near the promised 6MB per second bandwith rate.

I am an Information technology professional and these guys can't brush me off. They told me to call microsoft when I told them the antivirus/spyware suite had failed.Should you need back up for court proceedings, I can be reached at itplanett AT gmail.com

-Nathan.