AT&T's Takeover: A Customer's Nightmare

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses participants' experiences and opinions regarding AT&T and its acquisitions, particularly focusing on customer service and service quality. Participants share their frustrations and satisfaction with various telecommunications companies, including AT&T, SBC, and Cingular.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with AT&T's customer service and performance, describing it as an "oxymoron."
  • Another participant shares a positive experience with TransWorld, noting it as a cheaper and reliable alternative to AT&T.
  • One participant provides a detailed account of the history of telecommunications mergers involving AT&T, SBC, and Cingular, highlighting the complexity of the industry.
  • Another participant expresses nostalgia for the old AT&T and disdain for the current SBC/Cingular brand.
  • One participant shares confusion about their service provider, SunCom, and its relationship with Cingular.
  • Another participant humorously notes the difficulty of keeping track of the various telecommunications companies and their changes.
  • One participant mentions that DSL service isn't great, but cable modem service is preferable, sharing their positive experience with Time Warner Cable.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses satisfaction with AT&T, highlighting their husband's employment benefits and their own positive service experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants, with some expressing dissatisfaction with AT&T and others sharing positive experiences. No clear consensus emerges regarding the overall quality of service.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary based on location and specific service providers, reflecting a range of opinions influenced by personal circumstances and regional service quality.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in personal experiences with telecommunications companies, particularly those considering alternatives to AT&T or exploring the history of telecom mergers.

The_Kitchen_Guy
The_Kitchen_Guy
Silver Member
Messages
12,389
It was bad enough when SBC took over Ameritech and had the termerity to call it a "merger."

But when AT&T took over SBC, it all went into the sewer. Yahoo/AT&T has slowed down or doesn't respond at all, it hijacks my browser windows and worst of all, at AT&T, "Customer Service" is an oxymoron.

That is all. (I feel better now.)
 
Yeah, I had AT&T once a few years ago. They do suck.

We use TransWorld now. I don't remember now what our rates are, but it's very cheap. We've had them for a couple of years now and love it. Never had a single problem.
 
Actually SBC bought out AT&T and then changed their name to AT&T.

Let's take a look at how crazy the telecom business can be.

SBC and BellSouth created Cingular Wireless. SBC owns 60% of the company and BellSouth owns 40%.

Next Cingular bought AT&T Wireless, which was a separate company from AT&T.

Then SBC bought out AT&T and changed their name to AT&T.

Now the 'new' AT&T (SBC in disguise) is in the process of purchasing BellSouth, which will give them full ownership of Cingular Wireless.

I used to work for Cingular and the hubbie still does.

Now we are waiting to see if the Cingular Wireless racecar will win the cup race for the Nextel/Sprint Nascar series.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Ma Bell is slowly reassembling.
 
I love the old AT&T. I hate Cingular/SBC with a passion. That's a whole nother story.
 
okay i'm confused...my cellphone is with suncom...is that considered SBC?

The reason why i asked is that suncom just bought out cingular....Maybe it's just a local thing, but our phones get much better service now b/c if my suncom service doesn't have service it automatically switches to the cingular tower. The lady that works at suncom told us that they bought out cingular.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
You can't tell all the players without a scorecard.
 
Hi Tiffany,

Cingular being bought out in your area was a local thing. My guess is Cingular in your area had to be sold as part of the deal for AT&T to buyout BellSouth. It was probably required by your state's regulatory agency.
 
I used to call Cingular "SUCKULAR". Their service was really bad.
 
You don't want to get me started on this subject. My day job is telecommunications management. I have a hard time keeping track of all the changes!

Chef Lisa missed MCI is now Verizon! Verizon was Bell Atlantic which merged (bought) with GTE!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Rhonda, seeing north Indiana on your location, dare I ask - are you an Ameritechie? The Kat Lady spent 17 years with SBC (nee Ameritech, nee Ma Bell).
 
Re: Att Sucks
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Rhonda, seeing north Indiana on your location, dare I ask - are you an Ameritechie? The Kat Lady spent 17 years with SBC (nee Ameritech, nee Ma Bell).
Click to expand...

DSL ISN'T THE GREATEST, but if you can get a cable modem you're in heaven. I've been with 3 different company's due to moves and by far the best one/lowest cost is my current one: TWC/Time Warner Cable Road Runner.
 
At&t Is #1 For Me!!
Soothenrelax said:
DSL ISN'T THE GREATEST, but if you can get a cable modem you're in heaven. I've been with 3 different company's due to moves and by far the best one/lowest cost is my current one: TWC/Time Warner Cable Road Runner.
Click to expand...

I actually love AT&T! I had two friends switch to Time Warner and quickly switch back. They said something about bad service and not what they expected. I know Time Warner is installing small generators with their phone service because in case of a storm or power outage your phone will turn off.
With AT&T the lines are seperate and not hooked up to the electricity.

My hubby works for AT&T and he makes really GOOD money!! About dbuble what Time Warner pays their guys. I would rather reap the benefits in my hubby's paycheck from a company that pays it's employees better than any other company in town. They also pay all of our insurance benefits and he gets 3 weeks vacation each year. It's great!!

I have never had problems with my service. I love them! Although I can imagine that service and performance is different in other states. I live in TX.

Debbie :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What led to AT&T's takeover and why is it considered a nightmare for customers?

AT&T's takeover involved a significant merger or acquisition that raised concerns about service quality, pricing, and customer support. Many customers felt that the consolidation would lead to less competition, resulting in higher prices and reduced service options. Additionally, the transition period often caused disruptions in service and billing issues, contributing to the perception of a customer nightmare.

How has the takeover affected customer service?

Customers have reported longer wait times for support, difficulty reaching knowledgeable representatives, and a decline in the overall quality of service. The integration of systems and processes from the acquired company often leads to confusion and inefficiencies, making it harder for customers to resolve issues promptly.

What changes have customers noticed in their billing after the takeover?

Many customers have experienced unexpected charges, billing errors, and changes in their plans that were not clearly communicated. The takeover often results in a restructuring of pricing plans, which can lead to confusion and dissatisfaction among customers who feel they are being charged more for the same services.

Are there any improvements that customers have seen since the takeover?

Some customers have reported improvements in network coverage and service reliability, as the merger may have allowed for better infrastructure and technology investments. However, these benefits are often overshadowed by the negative experiences related to customer service and billing issues.

What can customers do if they are unhappy with the changes after the takeover?

Customers who are dissatisfied can reach out to AT&T's customer service to voice their concerns and seek resolution. Additionally, they can explore options to switch to different providers if they find that AT&T no longer meets their needs. It's also helpful to stay informed about consumer rights and consider filing complaints with regulatory agencies if necessary.

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