Well thanks, thanks for NOTHING

So we are 'in discussions' with our internet and phone provider. We use Virgin how useless can you be Broadband.

Over the last say 30 days we have experienced a decreasing phone service, cumulating last week in four days in a row that the phone was not working, until we had reset the modem each morning, multiple times.

As it is the broadband connection has always been shaky. But we are on a cheap-ish plan so have just accepted that aspect of the deal.

But now to make a phone call one must first find a dial tone, say three or four modem resets. Then dial the required number four to ten times, then if you dare speak for more than say 12 minutes you will be cut off and have to repeat the process from the beginning. Not happy Jan.

I might say here that VB use the Optus mobile network as the service provider, but our contractual relationship is with VB.

MIC tried and failed to 'get some satisfaction' last week. So after being cut off and no call returned MIC rang the big gun, the TO, or as you might know him the Telecommunications Ombudsman (when are we moving to Ombudsperson ...).

This is our second outing with the TO, we used the office of the TO to resolve an issue with this same provider when the broadband lost it's broad then it's band altogether last year. They are such a helpful mob at the office of the TO. I thoroughly recommend them.

So back to now. VB are now calling us. A step forward, incoming calls do not seem to cut out with the same degree of frequency as outgoing calls.

So the big news came thru today that VB are releasing us from our contract. Really, thanks for nothing. We don't want to be released from our contract, we just want the service we have been paying for.

The boy from VB tells me, in a somewhat helpful yet condescending tone, that VB have decided to release us from our contractual obligations. Plus refund us one month's fees. Oh, I'm sorry but no. No, really, no.

Who, out there, has tried to prematurely exit an agreement with a telecommunications service provider ... basically you have to sell a limb or name a child after them to be excused from the fixed term contract. Or tattoo 'I'm sorry' on your forehead. Plus pay the exit fee. Yet here we are with an offer on the table to excuse us from the contract ... Well excuse me, no.

Stay tuned babes, I feel this ain't over till the used to be fat lady (me) sings. le xoxo