Im so angry - I need advice about Voicestream...

[scm518]

Hello everyone...

just got off the phone with voicestream (my cell carrier) and they have to change my cell phone number, because my current number will be allocated to allow people to call in from their landline phones to reach their voicemail. My old phone number ended in 1234. Anyway - they are giving me three days notice in which to select a new set of 4 last numbers (alreday chose them) otherwise my number is terminated and i get my new number that they choose in the mail in a week or so. They gave me one month of service ($40) for my "imconvenience" I am very angry because I have nearly 375 or so clients that I have to let know of this change, aswell as getting all my business cards and letterhead changed and send out mailings cost me 341.28 cents. I LOST 301.28 on this deal and they say that this is all they can compensate me for. I tried calling back to talk to a higher-up, but my account is flagged as a changed number account, so I keep getting refrenced back to the same CSR in the financial department that I spoke to the first time and he basically says that there is nothing he can do and I am out the money.

Does anyone have any suggestions on what I can possibly do in this situation? It has really made me stress alot.

Thanks for your time

Sean

 

[rahvin]

You are probably out of luck, they control the numbers. You could try sueing them if you want, best bet is to change providers (switch to ATT or something).

 

[scm518]

See,

I realize that they do control the numbers, and i am more than happy to give my number up, what however angers me is the fact that they refuse to compensate me for any of the expense that it will cost me.

 

[rahvin]

They are a corporation, they will not recoginize the cost to you a consumer. The courts have ruled numerous times that the phone company controls the numbers and you have no legal rights to claim compensation (unless you have a contract saying they will never change your number). Look at it this way, you are a buying a service from them, they have changed the terms of that service by changing your number, this does not entitle you to compensation from them under the law. Your only real recourse is to refuse to do business with them in the future for harming you in this way.

 

[Vincent]

You should change to another carrier.

 

[scm518]

In my contract it does however state that I am assigned that number for the period of one year, and after that period they have the right to change it since they own it. I am only a few months into this contract. -- I do want to switch however -- can anyone suggest any plans/companies right now that would give me about 300+ minutes from the NYC area including long distange (call Scranton PA alot) - ??? any suggestions would be great! --- thanks everyone

 

[rahvin]

If your contract says they have to give you the same number for a year then they have violated the contract and you are released from your obligation. I would call up and point that out to them..

 

[NovaTerra]

I had voicestream. I got Nextel. The two way radio feature is way cool, it costs less, and the csr's are a LOT better than the a$$holes at voicestream

If you have to change your number anyway, just change phone companies. Feel good that you are only out 300 bucks..wait till they screw up your bill.