Streamyx oh Streamyx ...

Long wait to install broadband.
Failure to re-connect Streamyx.
Slow response to repair Streamyx.

The past two weeks, Streamyx has been bombarded with complaints in the MM. Yet, TMNet's response is far from satisfactory. Initially, I didn't want to go down this lane again, but Streamyx - you give me no choice; your constant failure to please is once too many and now, I NEED to speak up.

Early this year, I went to TMpoint DU to have my Streamyx line transferred to my new address. Their Rep REPEATEDLY assured me that I would be re-connected to Streamyx within 5-7 days tops. While I was happily choosing my new phone number, he also confirmed that Streamyx was available in my new area.

So imagine my horror when I still wasn't connected after 2 weeks! The next 2 months was a complete nightmare. Working from home without Internet access severely affected my work. I called up TMNet's Service Centre MANY times, only to be put on a wild goose chase. I was fed with silly excuses like Telekom has not activated my new line (which they did within 2 days of my move), my application for re-connection is still pending at their HQ , my port needs to be reset, my Streamyx account is still listed to my old phone number (which was already disconnected by the way) and this is the best one - the problem is my modem and I should bring it to a computer shop, get it fixed, and then call them back! TMNet failed miserably to justify my missing connection and I was sorely made to wait.

Btw, TMNet does NOT return calls. Every time I requested for a Manager to call me with an explanation, I was left in vain. Despite my urgency and frustration, NOBODY had the decency to apologize for my inconvenience and stress. I had to demand for one and even then, they were reluctant!

After a month without Streamyx, I received a reminder saying that I haven't paid my bill, which only got me more riled up. Why should I pay for a non-existent service? I was told that I had to settle the bill in order to avoid service disruption (what service?)! I paid the bill after they assured me again and again that I would get a rebate once my Streamyx line is re-connected.

Almost 2 months passed and there was still no proper response from TMNet. Many angry phone calls later, I finally got back my Streamyx connection and quickly filed for my 2-month rebate. After a week or so, I was rudely slapped with a shocking email saying that I am not ELIGIBLE for any rebates! Apparently, I "breached" the clause stating customers are to ensure Streamyx service is available in their respective areas prior to applying. This brings me back to my TMpoint visit where I did get confirmation that Streamyx service was available in my new address. And now they're insulting me by saying "Hey we're sorry but we can't compensate you because you didn't do your homework"? What followed next was the biggest tantrum I've ever thrown!

By the time I finally got my rebate, I was already dead beat. The whole episode really took its toll on me and I'm no longer a happy camper, just a mean bitter customer who now frowns at the mere mention of Streamyx.

By the way, I didn't receive my Streamyx bill for 2 months following this incident. After several enquiries, Service Centre realized my bills were still being sent to my old address! So get this - I was receiving connection in my new place but was being billed at the old address? AAAARGHHHHHH!! After giving them a piece of my mind yet AGAIN, I was in total disgust and disbelief at such a horrendous display of unprofessionalism and incompetence. TMNet has left me totally devoid of any appeal or respect for them.

Today, whenever I pass by a Streamyx kiosk in shopping centres and see those sales people waving their flyers in my face trying to make a sale, it takes all my strength to stop from lashing out at them! And till today too, whenever I see a Streamyx complaint in the papers, I can't help but smile. So who has the last laugh now??

PS. I came across a similar Streamyx situation at Nihal's site. Check it out here: Nihal's Anything n Everything: Streamyx Let-Down