A closure

The local cable company offered a great 3-in-1 (Internet, TV and phone) promotional package that I cannot refuse. So I called in to cancel my italkbb service after over 4 years.

When I signed up italkbb's service in 2007, italkbb offered a reasonable value proposition: it was priced at $25, a price comparable to vonage, but it offered free long distance to a few countries/regions, which is a big plus for me. More over, it provided a local access number so that overseas friends and families members can call US.

Fast forward 4 years, the italkbb's price is not competitive any more: first, it tacked another ~$2.50 fee to customers; second, the cable's promotional package includes the internaltional call. So italkbb has lost its appeal.

My billing cycle runs from 20th to 21st. I called in to cancel the service on 12/3, a CSR told me that I will not get refunded for 12/4 to 12/21. She cited that the service agreement includes a clause that italkbb charges on a monthly basis and there is no way for her to refund the unused service. Many consumers have fallen into this trap, and I am surprised no class action lawyer picked up the case yet: how can they have guts to collect money for unneeded and un-delivered services?

I will be filing complaints throuh bbb, fcc and file a charge back through my credit card company. Wish me good luck.