Phil5678 wrote:As long as there is this sacred Payment Services group (that can do whatever the hell they want, whenever they feel like it or get around to it), and there is no contact with the real world, other than the magical "ticket" that comes from the outside to initiate some action on their part, then things will never change for the better. They can take their sweet time with entering our payments into the Billing or Collections systems (I'd love to know just WTF they do with our money, as I'm sure there is lots more than just my payment and yours they have control of. It certainly smells like some kind of FRAUD/THEFT - taking my money and not even acknowledging it.), and there isn't anything we can do quickly, or directly about it. Their firewall is supposedly absolutely impenetrable, until someone throws a "ticket" over the wall, and then they can take their "minimum 7 business days" deciding to "find" our payment and credit our account. All the while the Collections side is busy harassing us to pay our "overdue" bill.
Phil,
I think that you point out a major problem with online transactions overall. It's the reliance of a reliable computer, company, Internet connection, and at least two or more servers that are relaying that information.
Some friends and relatives have set up online only accounts for their TV, Internet, and Phone. Not just Spectrum, I am talking about people with a mix of cable, dish, U-Verse systems. They have this "On Line only." Some people like it. But I ALWAYS want to get a paper statement in the mail so that I can see what is happening with my services from month to month. I don't want some totally automatic monthly withdrawal system, and years later, I happen to look at my records and have some $300 increase for whatever service. I want to see what is happening. I want to have the paper in my hand and see "yes" this was paid, this is due, and this is the timeframe.
I agree with you relying on some 100% automated situation, especially in the middle of a huge company transition does not make thing easy for anybody.
Satch