Was it something I said?

Open letter (/s) to Budget Mobile

Budget Mobile is apparently taking cues from the cable industry.

Customer service from within the US. I don’t believe them that they are operating in the “United States of America”, we’re too freaking lazy for all those words.

Chat started
Dianna
I switched from — redacted — to budget recently. I have my new phone and want to transfer my prior number to the new phone. I have my Acct# and pin# from — redacted — . What do I do next?

Robert Helm joined the chat
Robert Helm
Hi! My name is Robert from Budget Mobile.

Dianna
Hi

Robert Helm
Unfortunately as of the moment we don’t have the capability to port in a number

Dianna
I specifically asked the agent about that before i signed up and he assured me that was possible. Also, Ca requires that we be able to take our phone # with us when changing service providers.

Robert Helm
We do not have the capability to port in a number as of the moment

Dianna
Repeating the same thing is not an efficient use of time. I’d like to speak to a manager.

Robert Helm
Unfortunately that is the only answer that we can give our system does not have the capability

Dianna
Under Ca regulations, you are required to have that capability. How are you allowed to provide service? Again, I’d like to speak to a manager, please don’t make me ask a 3rd time.

Robert Helm
please hold

Anne Jacobs joined the chat
Robert Helm left the chat

Anne Jacobs
Hello, my name is Anne the supervisor for this shift.

How are you doing today?
Dianna
until this chat, great. Can you read the prior chat comments?

Anne Jacobs
Sure. Please give me 1–2 minutes and I will just back read if it’s okay with you?

Dianna
That’s great, I’ll be right back

Anne Jacobs
Thank you. One moment please.
I am sorry about the wait.
By the way, may I ask for your complete name?

Dianna
Dianna Ferris

Anne Jacobs
Thank you Mr. Ferris.

Dianna
Ms

Anne Jacobs
I am sorry about that Ms. Ferris. I understand that you have transferred your service from — redacted — to Budget and it is an honor that you chose our company.
It is my understanding that you would like to port your existing number to our service.

Dianna
yes

Anne Jacobs
I have checked on this and I am really sorry but we really do not have any option to port your number in.

Dianna
I just checked and that is an fcc regulation. Federal, not just for Ca. 
If you need more info from the fcc: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/keeping-your-telephone-number-when-changing-service-providers

Anne Jacobs
If there was any way, I would be more than happy to process your request since I understand that the existing phone number is important to you.

Dianna
Not only are you required to provide porting, but it must be done w/in 1 business day

Anne Jacobs
I understand and if we do have that option, I could have done it for you while we are having this conversation, but the thing is Ms. Ferris, we really do not have the option to port your number into our service.

Dianna
Then how are you allowed to operate when you can’t comply with fcc regulations?
(I’m pretty sure regulations are not optional)

Anne Jacobs
I understand that this is mandated by the law but we are only following our company’s policy as well Ms. Ferris.

Dianna
So basically you’re saying that it is your company’s policy to violate fcc regulations?
You realize why this flabbergasts me, yes?
Are you operating in the US?

Anne Jacobs
Yes, we are operating in the United States of America.
I understand your concern Ms. Ferris but we really do not have any option to process your request.

Dianna
Can I speak to your supervisor please?
Also, I would like to get a copy of this complete chat

Anne Jacobs
I am the only available supervisor for this department as of this time. If you would like, I will request for someone to call you back within this day. I just need to ask for your contact number and I need to ask for your Budget phone number as well Ms. Ferris.

Dianna
Very funny. I have no phone access at this time as you (Budget) supplied the phone with no sim card… since I was supposed to be allowed to use my old one from my old phone.

Anne Jacobs
I am really sorry to hear that. I can request for a sim replacement since the device came without one. But this will be delivered within a time frame of 7–14 business days. 
Chat ended

Dianna
Hello? Are you still there? Seriously, you hung up on me w/o even giving me a copy of the chat file??? Good thing I can remember (and cut and paste most of it.)

… Yes, I realize I am now talking to myself. It helps if I amuse myself instead of getting angry…

My gawd, the control, it’s epic.

{Googles fcc complaint dept.}