And Jill thought her internet provider in Germany stunk...

I am taking the day off to pack and get things ready for our semi-move to Clark Lake. In anticipation of our move and the fact that I'll need internet access to work remotely over the holidays, I've been online with Charter Cable for the past two hours trying to arrange internet access. Here's the log so far:

Representative 1: Tells me that I can not get the $20/month internet and basic cable package advertised on their website (it is restricted to certain locations), but I can get internet only for $15/month. Installation fee will be $80. Ouch, but fine, sign us up. I get disconnected somehow and decide I should talk things over with John anyway.

I log in later, and Representative 2 tells me that Charter services our area but not the location that I gave him. I said I had previously spoken with Rep 1 who was ready to sign me up for service at the same location. Rep 2 says there isn't anything he can do and to "have a nice day". I ask to be transferred to a different representative. He refuses, so I hang up.

I re-log in and speak with Representative 3 who says that he's sorry, there isn't any cable for that location, only high-speed internet. And I say, but that's what I want! After over an hour of back and forth, signing me up, I ask to get the $15/month internet package. He says I can't get that as a stand-alone package, and I must bundle it with basic cable for $20/month (see first line under Rep. 1). Then he tells me installation is $50. Ummm.....what????!? Do these guys really all work for the same company? And now we can get cable??

Let's just say I'm more than dubious as to whether this will all work out.