Written 13 January 2007 12:00AM

I have several bad experiences with PLDT services and worse encounters with PLDT customer service reps. I realize that a million words have been written about how much PLDT service sucks but I really dont mind if this post somehow just gets lost in all the that negativity. After all, sometimes there is just a need to rant.

Last month, I had put out a request to have my PLDT landline disconnected. This was because my application for DSL could not be accommodated. They said that because the lines here at Mandaluyong have been upgraded already, it was no longer possible to tie it up with DSL. They offered an alternative - the SMART Bro. I informed them I already had SMART Bro connected and the service sucks too and that was why I wanted DSL. Another reason why I wanted the disconnection was because every time there is a power outage - even a short fluctuation - the phone lines go dead. And when it does, it takes a very long time for the phones to function again even after electricity has returned. So when GLOBE offered landline+broadband in one, I jumped at the chance to change.

Imagine my frustration when I was already talking to the customer service rep requesting for my account to be terminated. Before she could entertain me, she got my contact info… she asked why… she asked if she could change her mind… and she put me on hold for a longgggg time to check if she could do something about my DSL application. I hung up as the fifth beep - I was getting hynotized after all.

The day after she called back and wanted to make sure if my decision was final and if my mind was set. I said yes even before I heard her end her sentence. She then confirmed the termination of the line. Great right?

Well today, I got a billing statement from PLDT. Surprise surprise. So here I go again to call on my “best buds” from the PLDT hotline. I followed all instructions spit out by the electronic voice over but the girl I got on the other end was either stupid or new. Because she could not address my billing inquiries she told me to call another extension on the 171 hotline. I said - why can’t you just patch me through there? I mean hello - Im sure there’s some connection between you and wherever you want to send me right? She said no, I had to call again. Grrr. Ok ok so I did. The next girl that I got on the other end was either on the last hour of her shift of just got dumped by her beau because for some reason she was doing her best to be sarcastic in her response. I can imagine here eyebrows sky high as she mouths - “Wait na lang po for next month’s bill because the adjustment will be reflected there”… in an exasperated voice. Uh hello? Customer Service? Im the Customer but where is the Service? I had been very polite in all my dealings with you guys but really you cannot be frustrated already since I am just now talking to you.

Sigh. This wont be the last I gather of the rants that you will read about PLDT, the customer service and other services. And I have a lot more to say about Pinoy’s and their customer service skills - well that’s another post altogether. This just concludes my long relationship with PLDT. I hope I never have to deal with them again.

(n)

 Viewed 888 times by 372 viewers