Backporch Beer - WE'VE CLOSED! THANKS FOR YOUR PATRONAGE!

AT&T Residential Chat Denier of Services

I had a little problem with my AT&T phone bill this month so I went online to review my account. While I was wholly unsuccessfully flailing around their website trying to figure out what package deal I could get for local phone service and DSL, a window popped up offering me a live chat session to help me figure out how best they could meet my needs. Here’s a transcript (with a few editorial comments):

Chat InformationAT&T product specialists are happy to assist you with your questions. Click below to begin your live text chat. Chat representatives will not have access to your personal account. This service is provided to you under AT&Ts Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Chat Information
Welcome to AT&T. My name is Ricky. How may I help you today?
Ricky: I am happy to answer your questions on AT&T services. I specialize in setting up new phone accounts and High Speed Internet service.
Ricky: Hello how can I assist you today?
you: apparently my package deal expired and i’m being charged a large amount this last month.
Ricky: ok
you: i need high speed internet and local service, so i’m trying to find the best deal.
Ricky: Ok
[ 15 minute pause ]
you: you still there?
Ricky: Yes
[ 5 minute pause ]
you: grande can offer me 12mbps internet and local phone service for 67.88. what can at&t offer?
Ricky: 6.0 Mbps at 34.99 if the service is available to you.
you: i have at&t (formerly sbc) DSL at 6M right now. my last bill switched from a bundle price around $80 for DSL and local to $105. do you have a package deal for DSL and local?
Ricky: Yes the Double pack .
[ 10 minute pause ]
you: thanks for being so helpful, ricky. /sarcasm i’ll be calling Grande now.

In an online fast-paced age, you can lose an account this quickly.