‘Slammed’ Customers Given Options Firm Responsible For Switches Attempting To Unsnarl Snafu

Colville residents and businesses that had their long-distance service switched to another carrier without their consent March 11 started getting calls Tuesday afternoon advising them how to switch back, an official for the company responsible said.

Mark Cobb, chief operating officer of Telecommunication Service Center Inc., said representatives will tell customers the switch has occurred - many are unaware - and how to correct it.

If they want to stay with TSC despite the mix-up, he said, they will have that option.

“We’re very concerned about this,” Cobb said. “Our intention is not to hurt anybody.”

He attributed the “slams,” the term for unauthorized customer conversions, to an agent for TSC who contacted some Colville customers.

The agent has produced an audiotape that allegedly authorized the switches. Cobb said he has listened to the tape, but declined to comment on its contents.

Officials for US West Communications say customers who have heard portions of that tape claim it has been doctored.

Cobb said TSC has suspended its relationship with the agent, 1 Bill Plan, until the reason for the problem can be identified.

The snafu, he said, is costing his relatively small business both monetarily and in bad publicity. TSC’s relationship with the carrier who provides the lines for its service has also been strained, he said.

US West spokeswoman Dana Smith said she had not heard of the TSC effort. The Tampa-based company is responsible for unsnarling the mess created, she said, adding, “The bottom line is we want our customers to be taken care of.”

Customers can check their lines by calling 1-(700)-555-1414. If they have been switched, a call to 1-(800)-922-1879 will undo the mistake.

, DataTimes