So, You Can't Even Buy VPN App in China

I went to Amazon to buy the Cisco AnyConnect app to connect back to UM through VPN.

As it turns out, you can't even do that in China:

Fun with Comcast begins -- Cable TV is Dead!

Fun with Comcast begins.

Over the holiday season just passed, I finally changed my ISP from ATT Uverse to Comcast. When paying my first bill online, I noticed a $39.99 charge that was labeled "miscellaneous charge". So I called Comcast's customer service. Twenty some minutes later, I got a rep on the phone and was told that was a charge for a "Technician visit".

I told him I never ordered a "technician visit", nor did a technician visit my house.

He told me to hold the phone. Two minutes later, he returned and told me that the charge had been removed.

That was pretty quick. But the fun part was yet to come.

When we finished the business about my first bill, I mentioned to the rep that I received a TV set top box that I was not going to use, so I would like to know if I could just drop it at a local Comcast office.

I was really surprised then, when I was told that I could not "not use" the TV set-top box, that I had to activate it, or the service bundle would be revoked and I would have to pay more.

I asked, so even if I paid for the bundled services and I decided to not use part of it, I could not do that?

"No", the service rep replied. "We would not be able to prove that we provided the bundled services to you. So you would have to pay the unbundled price."

Hmm, I didn't buy that, but I didn't want to make that into an argument. So I just said "Interesting!" and let it go.

The Comcast device is still in its cardboard box. I do not intend to use it. I have no interest in cable TV programs.

CABLE TV IS DEAD! I guess Comcast don't want to accept that. We'll see.

Chat with AT&T

Thank you for choosing AT&T. A representative will be with you shortly.

All operators are currently assisting others. Thanks for your patience. An operator will be with you shortly.

You are now chatting with Stacie.

Stacie: Hi, how may I assist you today?

Wei: Hello. I need to view my high speed Internet service bill.

Stacie: Good Afternoon

Stacie: Are you wanting to view it online?

Wei: Yes

Wei: I've been trying to log in using my HSI account credentials.

Stacie: I checked your records and see that you have not registered your account. This means that you do not have a login name or a password established at this time. In order to view or pay your bill online, stop paper bills or change your services online, you'll need to register for an AT&T Account Manager.

Wei: OK. Can I do that registration online?

Stacie: To register, please use the following steps:

1. Visit: http://www.att.com/accountregister
2. Click "Request an Online Registration Code"
3. Enter your AT&T Direct account number in the "Main Phone Number" field, populate the customer code, the billing address zip code and click "Continue"
4. Select the U. S. Mail delivery method for your Online Registration Code and click "Submit”
5. Once you have the Online Registration Code, enter it into the Online Registration Code field and click "Continue" to complete your registration pages.

Stacie: Actually, you have to wait to get the Online Registration code via US Mail

Wei: That's a bit ironic to hear from a "Phone" company. Isn't it?

Wei: Thanks for the help.

Stacie: Since you don't have a Residential Phone Line, we can't send it any other way

Stacie: We would need an email address on file for at least 30 days in order to send it that route

Wei: I have AT&T cell phones.

Stacie: It must be an AT&T Residential phone line

Wei: And I do have an email address from AT&T for my HSI service!

Stacie: I am so sorry for any inconvenience.

Stacie: Wei, the email address must be on your Account File

Stacie: Again, I am truly sorry for the dealy

Stacie: delay

Stacie: Do you want me to request the Online Registration Code?

Wei: That's OK. :-) It's not your fault. But it just makes AT&T comic!

Stacie: I understand

Wei: No. I can do that.

Stacie: We don't make it very easy

Stacie: I sure wish I could help you

Wei: Thanks for the help so far.

Stacie: Is there something else I can help you with?

Wei: That's it. You have a nice day!

Stacie: You too

Stacie: It’s been a pleasure to assist you today. My goal is to ensure you are Very Satisfied with the service I have provided. Please use the CLOSE button when you are ready to exit our chat session.

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