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Monday, November 19, 2007

Special Offer Leads To Confusion About Satellite T-V Channels

You see them frequently in your mailbox...letters or other types of ads offering something special.  But for one Panama City man, a particular offer he was interested in became a confusing hassle.  So, he brought his complaints to News 13 for help.

Walt Thrasher says he got a letter in the mail from AT&T recently…not long after his moved into his home.  It offers a three in one package including phone, t-v and internet for a monthly price.  Thrasher says, “117.95 per month covering all three programs… per month.” As a bonus, the ad offers up to $100 in cash back for qualified customers.  AT&T provides the phone service.  Internet service would also come from AT&T… satellite television would be provided by DIRECTV.

Thrasher says he called the number listed on the letter to sign up....but he was specific about receiving local channels on his DIRECTV service.  Thrasher says, “That is my primary concern.  What did she say?  She told me I had local channels available.” But, on installation day, Thrasher says he got a different story.  The installer said he could not get local channels.  He called DIRECTV.  He says, “They started giving me the run around.  Told me they could submit a waiver…take about 45 days.  They told me the local channels are not available. They turned around and connected me back to AT&T.”

So, Thrasher emailed News 13 to tell of his dilemma.  I sent those concerns on to AT&T corporate office in Atlanta.  And, in turn, the company contacted Thrasher.  He told us, “she is going to work with me...she is also going to talk about reducing my phone bill.”

Here is a statement from AT&T.
“AT&T is committed to providing customers with an outstanding service experience. We apologize for any misinformation that Mr. Thrasher may have received during his discussion with one of our customer care reps while he was signing up for service. We have contacted Mr. Thrasher, addressed his concerns and credited all charges he would have incurred as part of the service package.”

Walt Thrasher is just glad to clear up the confusion and says, “well, thanks to your help with getting hold of the people in Atlanta, I feel much better now. “

Thrasher says he just wanted to get the word out so other folks who also may have received the AT&T letter understand that local t-v channels in Panama City are not included in the package.  We are glad this problem is solved.

Robert Mercer, Director of Public Relations with DIRECTV in Los Angeles, confirms that local channels are not offered to Panama City subscribers…and also says any ad that advertises otherwise is in error.  He says there are no plans at this time to add local channels to the service.

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Thursday, November 01, 2007

Panama City Road Project Delayed

Now, the latest on a road problem in Panama City and why work is not underway to make it better.  Details in this Problem Solver update.

One of the most complex intersections in Bay County is in Panama City.  Harrison Avenue, Highway 231 and U.S. 98 or 15th Street come together at the area.
As you drive through, the ride turns rough and it is aggravating...some motorists say it damages their vehicle.  The Florida Department of Transportation told me last summer repair work would begin probably in September or October and would also include repaving about one mile of Harrison Avenue south to Sixth Street downtown.  But, so far, there is no change.

I talked with Tommie Speights, spokesman with FDOT, to get the latest word on where the project stands.  He says the delay is due to the work schedule of the contractor...Anderson-Columbia.  Also, the Bay Line railroad plans to replace and upgrade the railroad crossing on Harrison and 15th street.  Speights says at this time, the one-point-seven million dollar project is to begin sometime in January after the holidays.  Most of that work will take place at night and traffic will be detoured around the area.  News 13 will keep you updated on exactly when that work will begin.


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