Remember the AT&T "Cherry picking" controversy? They're doing it.

[Atman]

On background for those unfamiliar with the story, the CT public utilities commission (or whomever is responsible for making such decisions) took a lot of heat last year for allowing AT&T special exemptions from cable tv rules and laws and along with the, many customer service protections. One of the big complaints was about the manner in which their new technology will be deployed. Because it comes through phone lines, AT&T would be able to "cherry pick" only the best neighborhoods, and leave others without the same competitive options.

AT&T of course vigorously denied it would ever do such a thing.

Well, the new U-service looks pretty sweet. Since our cell phones are already with AT&T now because of the Cingular merger, we decided to check it out. Switching to AT&T from Cox would save us about $35 a month, and offer LOTS more services...like a DVR, and cable boxes included for each set in the house (Cox requires you to rent separate boxes for each tv). So, after fifteen minutes of filling out paperwork, the guy calls in our order to schedule the hook up...and we're told "Sorry, we can't hook you up. You're considered a high-risk address."

We are in an affluent, upper middle class 'burb of Hartford. However, two blocks away from us begins a neighborhood of section 8 homes. You'd never know it if you're used to such areas being run-down with cars up on blocks in the yard. The neighborhoods looks like any other, except for that there are several duplexes. They're all nicely landscaped, well maintained by the town. But apparently, we're a bit too close to the riff-raff to have all this fancy equipment in our house. Or something. They wouldn't give us any explanation beyond the "high-risk neighborhood" crap. Even though we're already AT&T customers. I'd cancel my cell phone service tomorrow, but I just renewed so it will cost me a fortune to switch (besides, Cingular does have the best service in the area).

I know this may sound shocking to some, but it appears AT&T might have actually LIED to the public utility commission in order to get into town. Imagine that...a mega-corporation lying in order make a buck off the community. Who'd have thunk it?

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[JerseygirlCT]

1. Doesn't surprise me a bit.

They pulled a fast one on my years ago when they were my internet provider. I've also got Cingular, but I'd never willingly sign on with them again. They are liars, IME.

Cox has gotten better with customer service, and I'm fairly satisfied, anyway.

Perhaps the competition will help lower Cox's rates? We can hope.

[REACTIVATED IN CT]

2. Blumenthal is now going after them for it ! n/t