letter Santo N. Marino
This letter is in response to Joe Camicia’s (Charter’s public
relations representative) letter regarding wire service plan for
customers.
As always the case with Charter Communications, it addresses the good
it sometimes does, as opposed to the bad and the ugly, which seems to
occur more often than not.
Many months ago, before the News-Press and City Council became
involved in questioning the wire charge, I noticed the 95 cent charge on
my bill an called Charter Communications to inquire about it. I
ascertained it was not mandatory to be charged for this service so I
immediately had them cancel it. The point I want to make here is that
Charter Communications never articulated on their bill or insert that
this charge would be forthcoming. It just magically happened.
Mr. Camicia, Pacific Bell at least had the courtesy to notify
customers prior to implementing their wire charge. How many customers to
this day are still paying for a service they never rally wanted or
needed? Ninety-five cents may not seem like much, however, multiply it
times the number of customers Charter has and it suddenly becomes quite
significant.
In another example, Charter Communications notified everyone that the
digital converter box would be required after a certain date in order to
receive premium channel service. The date came and went and I along with
many customers chose not to upgrade to the digital service. My bill
arrived and, sure enough, I was charged the higher digital service rate.
I called the business office and, as usual, spoke with someone who had no
answers.
I asked for a supervisor or manager and was advised no one was
available, which by the way is the norm. The matter was finally resolved
when I appeared in person at their offices on San Fernando Road.
These are but two examples of Charter Communications inefficiency in
the way they service their customers and in their bottom line philosophy
of squeezing them for every cent they can get. The list could go on, but
why bother.
Let’s face it, Charter Communications is the only game in town and
they know it. So does Mr. Camicia.
Santo N. Marino
La Crescenta