Steve's dashboard

Steve reported a problem in Best Buy on November 24, 2009 14:00:

Best Buy's Geeky Rip-off (upsale maintenance on purchase)

I went to Best Buy to purchase a new computer. I found a desktop, but wanted to buy another model; however, Best Buy now has this new Geek Squad Upsale scam and the other desktop would have cost $149 more for service I didn't request!

Best Buy's Geek Squad now performs "maintenance" on the computers to delete the spam ware and pop-ups to "make the machine 50% faster." The problem, they've done this on a majority of the units they have in stock and then charge you $149 more for this service even if the customer didn't request it. We searched for a machine that didn't receive this "upgrade." Finally we only found a smaller/cheaper model.

Technically once the Geek Squad unboxes the machine and performances "maintenance" on the box, it's no longer factory shipped. I'd consider it "open box" and thing there should be a discount not an added cost!

Steve replied on July 20, 2009 20:18 to the problem "No coverage at home... even with three bars :((" in AT&T:

I read in an advertising publication that AT&T had to add the reference to "Worldwide" ("Global") when saying the largest 3G network "Worldwide" in advertising because without including their roaming coverage on International carriers, they wouldn't be able to use "The largest 3G Network" in advertising. On a national level, AT&T does NOT have the largest 3G network.

A comment on the question "AT&T 3G Network Issues in Chicago, IL (Lake View)" in AT&T:

I would recommend calling AT&T all the time to complain. Let them know that Chicago is a problem area. I'd also file (like I did) a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Note the numerous complaints on these type of sites (just Google search AT&T coverage in Chicago) and the media reports by Fox News and the Chicago Tribune (again a Google search will help). The BBB should be able to help. – Steve, on July 20, 2009 20:12

Steve replied on July 20, 2009 20:11 to the question "AT&T 3G Network Issues in Chicago, IL (Lake View)" in AT&T:

I saw on Fox News Chicago in late June or early July that AT&T has coverage problems in high traffic areas like Lakeview especially around Wrigley Field during games. AT&T told Fox that the area is oversold to begin with, but that during games they realize it's impossible to get service. One solution AT&T claims to be using is the Cellular on Wheels (COW) that drives around to areas needing increased capacity. Apparently the COW is in the area and trying to help.

Oddly, I'm having the same capacity/coverage issues up in Rogers Park. When I called AT&T's customer service, the representative - while claiming to be looking at a coverage map - said "wow, Chicago is a mess!" He said that my area (1 mile radius) had 3 towers that were severely degraded and 1 tower that was degraded (by AT&T's notations on this map). This would explain why I can't get service in my area.

It's sad that AT&T can't properly cover the Nation's third largest city. So much for more bars in more places. <sigh>

</sigh>

Steve replied on July 15, 2009 19:39 to the problem "AT&T no signal in my home." in AT&T:

I would also join a Class Action suit. I tried to get some resolve through the Better Business Bureau. Though I received a little satisfaction, AT&T basically told the BBB to F-off. Today I called AT&T about the bad service here at my home and the representative was shocked about the report he saw. Of the four towers in my 1 block radius, 3 are severely degraded and 1 is degraded. Not ETA on repair. How can AT&T get by offering this type of service for a premium!!!

Steve replied on June 21, 2009 23:13 to the problem "AT&T no signal in my home." in AT&T:

I like this post has been tagged with THE COMPANY IS WORKING ON THIS ISSUE. What exactly is the company doing to fix reception issues? All I get from AT&T is excuses and promises, but no change in service. The service is so bad in Chicago that it's been documented on Fox Chicago, The Red Eye and Sun-Times.

Steve replied on May 22, 2009 21:45 to the problem "Sprint Scam #67 - Online Backup 'Add-On Service' Doesn't Cover Data Usage" in Sprint:

For complete customer care from Sprint, including billing concerns, you can contact Jaime Trevino at the Executive & Regulatory Department call 1-877-727-0665, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central Time.

Steve replied on May 22, 2009 21:43 to the problem "Misleading customer service" in Sprint:

For complete customer care from Sprint, including billing concerns, you can contact Jaime Trevino at the Executive & Regulatory Department call 1-877-727-0665, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central Time.

Steve replied on May 22, 2009 21:43 to the discussion "Sprint Billing Errors, On purpose?" in Sprint:

For complete customer care from Sprint, including billing concerns, you can contact Jaime Trevino at the Executive & Regulatory Department call 1-877-727-0665, Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., Central Time.

Steve replied on April 15, 2009 16:14 to the question "how to alert att wireless with coverage problems?" in AT&T:

I thought AT&T employees monitor these forums and answer questions. This question has been up for a considerable amount of time without reply.

Just how do you report problem areas for AT&T coverage?

Steve asked a question in AT&T on April 15, 2009 01:00:

AT&T's Family Calling?

I'm a recent convert from Sprint to AT&T. I was wondering if AT&T offers anything like Sprint's Pick 3 and T-Mobile's MyFaves?

Steve started following the question "how to alert att wireless with coverage problems?" in AT&T.

Steve started following the question "how to alert att wireless with coverage problems?" in AT&T.

Steve reported a problem in Apple on April 02, 2009 14:35:

I love my iPhone, BUT...

I really LOVE my iPhone. It's an incredible piece of hardware, BUT it's hampered by AT&T's poor implementation of 3G service. AT&T's 3G signal is useless in Chicago (the third largest city).

I know the problem isn't my iPhone or the equipment because when traveling recently in New Orleans, my phone maintained a solid 5-bar 3G signal the entire time inside and out. But when returning to Chicago, my 3G signal issues returned.

I can't believe Apple continues to allow AT&T to tarnish their incredible reputation. I'm waiting for Apple to really put some pressure on AT&T or to drop the exclusive agreement with AT&T. Without competition to push AT&T, I fear we are going to be stuck with this inferior 3G network.

Please Apple help us out!

Steve started following the problem "Pro-rated ETF??" in Sprint.

Steve replied on April 01, 2009 00:17 to the problem "my iphone is gorgeous but won't hold a call!" in AT&T:

I don't think the problem is with the phone, it's with AT&T. Here in Chicago I have sporadic 3G coverage on my iPhone - even downtown in the business district; however, when I was in New Orleans last week my iPhone had solid 5-bar 3G service the entire time both inside and out. The iPhone might have a little weaker signal than some other phones, but New Orleans is proof that if the 3G coverage is done right by AT&T the iPhone can be a great phone.

Steve started following the problem "my iphone is gorgeous but won't hold a call!" in AT&T.

Steve replied on April 01, 2009 00:13 to the problem "iPhone 3G routinely switches to Edge and then drops the call" in AT&T:

3G on AT&T is horrible in Chicago, also. I would switch back to Sprint immediately if it weren't for the iPhone. I just returned from New Orleans where I had a solid 5-bar 3G signal the entire time - inside and outside. I can't understand why AT&T wouldn't better cover Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco (cities where you see a lot of complaints) better than it does. Since these are large cities, you'd think they would have a large number of iPhone users.

Steve started following the problem "iPhone 3G routinely switches to Edge and then drops the call" in AT&T.

Steve replied on April 01, 2009 00:07 to the problem "AT&T no signal in my home." in AT&T:

I switched from Sprint to AT&T for the iPhone. My service on AT&T is horrible here in Chicago (third largest city). The signal drifts in and out all day long even when I'm in downtown (business district) of Chicago. Sprint was awesome with a strong signal all the time. If it weren't for the iPhone, I'd be back on Sprint. I'm surprised Apple doesn't come down on AT&T for making the iPhone look so bad.

I don't think the problem is the iPhone because I just returned from New Orleans where I had a solid 5-bar 3G signal the entire time -- inside and outside. I can't believe that Chicago (and San Fran as indicated by a number of posts) are so poorly covered. Both cities are large and would seem to have a high number of iPhone users.

I really wish AT&T would improve their 3G service. It's disappointing and frustrating.