I keep seeing articles about Time Warner beginning to test the implementation of metered internet and figured that maybe it was time to give a call to Time Warner and let them know what I think. It took be about an hour and a half before I was finally able to talk to someone who was able to help me, but I think it was absolutely worth it.
Now, the reason that I am writing this blog post is because I want everyone who enjoys being able to watch their favorite movies and TV shows on line, enjoys the luxury of working from home over a VPN, enjoys learning about some of the most obscure stuff you can find, enjoys downloading software packages, and enjoys doing anything else the internet has to offer to call your ISP and tell them that you will be taking your monthly business elsewhere if you are forced into using metered internet. It doesn't matter if you have no other options in your area, it doesn't matter if you don't live in Beaumont, Texas (where Time Warner is currently testing their metered internet service), and it doesn't matter if you won't be affected by the metering because you would be under the cap anyways (in fact, it is extra important that people in this situation call). Just do it. My actual phone call only took half an hour and that was after they put me through a series of redirects. It's not hard, and it is helping take a small step forward to keep our ISPs from taking a giant step back.
Here is the Time Warner phone number to call:
- 877-317-7766
If you call that number, you are going to have to have an account with Time Warner or RoadRunner, tell them that you are calling because you have a service complaint about metered internet, they should send you to someone in accounts or accounting or something like that. All you have to say there is that you are concerned about the possibility of Time Warner going to a metered internet model. When I called, after I told them why I was concerned the lady asked me a simple question: "If Time Warner forced you to use a metered layout, would you continue using our service?" I gave her a simple answer back... "no." Thats all you need to do. So is it worth it to you?
If you have another service provider and want me to add their number to the above list, please let me know and I will get it up there right away. Likewise, if you know any extensions that go straight to any high ups at these places, let me know and I will add those too.
Thanks for reading. I hope you decide to do the right thing and act.
----- UPDATE -----
Someone on Reddit provided a list of some providers and how to get straight to talking with someone. I have no idea if any of these work, but if your ISP is listed, it might be worth a try.
- America Online F 800‑827‑6364 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- AT&T Worldnet F 800‑400‑1447 Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- Bellsouth FastAccess DSL F 888‑321‑2375 Press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 1; at prompt press 2, ignoring messages.
- CompuServe F 800‑848‑8990 Press 1211.
- Earthlink F 888‑327‑8454 Press 1; press 0 at each prompt thereafter, ignoring messages.
- Hughesnet F 866‑347‑3292 Press 2. Juno F 888‑839‑5866 Press # at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- MSN F 800‑386‑5550 Say "agent" at each prompt, until offered a representative; say "yes."
- Netscape F 866‑541‑8233 Press 000.
- NetZero F 866‑841‑1442 Press #### at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- People PC F 800‑736‑7537 @ Press 0 at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- SBC DSL support F 877‑722‑3755 Say "sales".
- Sprint Broadband Direct F 888‑996‑0001 Press 00.
- Time Warner Road Runner 877‑318‑8333 Direct to human.
- Verizon DSL F 800‑567‑6789 Say "agent" at each prompt, ignoring messages.
- Verizon FiOS F 888‑553‑1555 At prompt say "operator"; at prompt say "yes"; at prompt say "operator"; at prompt say "yes."
I know some of these ISPs aren't currently thinking about metering, but it might still be worth a call to tell them you don't want to see them rolling it out or letting them know you appreciate the fact that they are not considering it.
