PLEASE permit me some space in your newspaper to express my dissatisfaction with the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company. As an aspiring communicator, I feel compelled to pen this letter, and as a qualified Computer Technician, I am always on the prowl for any deal that I can capitalise on.
Earlier this year, I purchased a DSL modem and router from a friend whose Internet Café business was about to close its doors to the public. I thought I had gotten a good deal on the modem, so I applied to GT&T for their DSL Service, which at the time; the bandwidth was only 256kbps at the cost of $9,980.00.
I signed the contract and the service was delivered within the agreed time. I explained to the Sales Representative that I had a modem, so I only paid the first month’s rental.
On Sunday November 21, 2010, I called the 093 service to check my account and was told that I’m in arrears.
When I called the Customer Service Representative and enquired why I’m in arrears, I was told that I have to pay an installation fee of $4,000 for the DSL service because I didn’t purchase my modem from GT&T, among other things.
I find this appalling, since the explanation of an installation fee for the modem was given to me at the time of applying, and months later, I’m charged for a service that I had not utilized. Further, I think that the public is being held to ransom, particularly those that have their own modem, and is under the impression that they’re cutting out the installation cost for the DSL service.
If a new customer applies for the DSL service they pay $9,980 plus $15,000 and something as an installation fee, which as I was made to understand is the cost of the modem. If this is so, then what exactly is the cost for the modem and the installation fee, and why persons having acquired a modem from other sources outside of GT&T have to pay an installation fee?
I would be grateful if some answers can be provided.