I seriously HATE THEM.

I signed up February 2009. Since then, I have had NOTHING but problems. When I say problems, this is what I mean: No signal, poor signal, horrible signal, signal outage, no internet, slow internet, REALLY slow internet, lagging, HORRIBLY slow upload/download speeds, connection problems.

I have two accounts. The one that I signed up in February 2009 was for me && my husband. Then I signed up for another account for my in-laws I believe in March 2009. Now, over here in Seattle, they have been busy switching Clearwire over to Clear. For free. Promising faster upload && download speeds, better connectivity, etc. So, I got an e-mail for MY account, saying that in order to receive my upgrade, I needed to fill out a form on their website, because if I didn’t, my internet wouldn’t work. So I filled out the form, then they said they would be sending me a new modem. I got the new modem a couple days later, (This was back in October or November 2009 btw) && plugged it in. NOTHING. I didn’t even bother calling, because I’ve called before, && they happen to have some of the SHITTIEST customer service that ever was, so I just didn’t see a point, plus my Clearwire modem still worked, so I figured they hadn’t switched over yet. Then, a few weeks ago, my internet totally just stopped working. I couldn’t figure it out for hours, until I remembered about the new Clear modem. So I plugged that in, voila, internet again. I find it interesting that I didn’t get any sort of e-mail or phone call or even just a mailer saying they were going to switch over, or what date, etc. Then my father in-law tells me that he hasn’t had internet for like three weeks. WTF?? So I call Clearwire to figure it out. Then some jackass proceeds to tell me it’s MY fault that they don;t have any internet, because I didn’t do the process right. He said that I filled out a form, && got the back legwork of switching over completed, but I didn’t finish filling out the form to get the new modem. He says that it looked like someone on my end didn’t complete everything, or else a new modem would have been sent out. So, he tells me to call Clearwire, that they’re open from 6 AM PST – 8 PM PST. So I call. Tells me they are closed. He tells me to call back, try different extensions. I again tell him it’s not working. He tells me that I guess I’ll just have to wait until 9 AM to call. I am now late to work, as it is 8:45 AM. I spend 30 minutes waiting for a damn rep, then spent 30 mins talking to a rep who didn’t know his ass from his face. So when I get to work, I call Clearwire. The new rep I am now talking with, tells me THAT IT IS NOT MY FAULT, that it is CLEARWIRE’S fault I never received a new modem. HA! I ask for a credit. He says he will see what he can do. I end up getting a $20 credit.

So, about an hour && a half ago, my internet goes out again. For like the 4938573947523947549574th times since I’ve had the piece of shit. So I hop onto someone else’s UNsecured wireless network in our apartment building, so that I can speak with another idiot who thinks he is a CUSTOMER SERVICE rep. – eye roll.

Here’s the conversation:

Hello Gia. Please wait while we find a CLEAR specialist to help you.
Your question was: My internet is NOT working. This happens to me about 3 or 4 times a month, always between the times of 1 am – 5 am PST. My internet will usually be gone from anywhere to 2 – 4 hours. This is when I work, && it really pisses me off. I am not paying you to NOT have internet service for any period of time.
You have been connected to Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan: Hi Jinna! I’ll be happy to help you today!
Gia: Michael Jordan?
Michael Jordan: The reason this is, is because the towers are having mandatory updates applied to them which disconnects the service.
Gia: Ok, well I think I should get a credit on my account every time this happens.
Gia: && I was NEVER told this when I signed up.
Michael Jordan: We only give credits if it lasts for more than 24 hours at a time.
Gia: That’s bullshit.
Gia: I’m supposed to be working right now.
Gia: But guess what?
Gia: I CAN’T.
Gia: I’m using someone ELSE’S unsecured wireless network to talk to you right now.
Michael Jordan: I apologize for the inconvenience.
Gia: && I can’t cancel, because I have a stupid 2 year contract with you.
Gia: You can say that you’re sorry all you want, but how does that fix MY problem Michael Jordan?
Gia: Do you have ANY idea, how much this interferes with my work schedule?
Michael Jordan: I would advise that you speak with tech support from 9am to 10pm for further assistance at 888-888-3113.
Gia: You bet I’m going to. AGAIN. This isn’t the first problem I’ve had with Clearwire, && I’m willing to bet my life, it won’t be the last.
Your session has ended. You may now close this window.

Wasn’t he helpful? NOT. I am SO pissed off right now. My husband works graveyard, so I do all my work then as well, so we can keep the same sleeping schedule. Right now, I can’t work. I CANNOT use UNsecured internet for my work…

So, don’t get Clearwire. It’s not worth it. The hassle, the fight. Ridiculous. Yes, they are cheap… FOR A REASON. I will be heading back to Comcast when my contract is up, && I will also, be blogging, e-mailing, anyone, && everyone I possibly can, that will listen, all the reasons to NEVER get Clearwire, && why they suck ass.

- GIA. Seattle, WA.