Dear Claudienne

First, let me congratulate you on the good work you are doing which has prompted me to seek your help with my problem.

On Thursday, July 14 between approximately 12-12:30 am I decided to have a conversation with a girlfriend of mine on our Digicel phones. The intention was to take advantage of the “Gimme Five” promotion which would see me paying for only the first five minutes of the call and getting the next 25 minutes free.

I began the call and there were no issues for the first five “paid for” minutes. However, seven minutes later, at the 12-minute mark, we experienced a disruption in the service and a few seconds after that the call was cut off. The message on the screen said “network failure”.

I called her back and she said she never moved, so nothing should have disrupted the service. Neither did I. Also, please note that I live in the Spanish Town area which has good coverage on their network. She lives in the Washington Boulevard area of Kingston.

Anyway, we initiated another five-minute “paid for” conversation and all was well until we reached the six-minute mark, when the service was again disrupted. I became frustrated as what was to be a $40 call had now already passed $80 because of the two separate five-minute “paid for” stints. The call was initiated for a third time and the service was again disrupted.

The next day I called the customer care and tried to explain the shoddy service I had experienced and requested some form of redress. I was dissatisfied, as even after I spoke to the manager on duty all she said in a most condescending tone was: “Well sir, what do you want us to do about it?”

Is there any recourse in this instance for a customer who received poor service from his service provider?

MSB

Dear MSB

Tell Claudienne spoke to Digicel and they said that their technical team would investigate to see why the calls were disconnected. Apparently they were unable to ascertain what caused the disruption. The company has informed us that they contacted you and have re-refunded you $100 for the calls that were disrupted.

Good luck.

Dear Claudienne

I reside in the Cassia Park area. On my street the branches from an overgrown tree across from my residence are resting heavily on the Jamaica Public Service power line and fully cover the street light.

The situation is a potential danger to lives and property, but though we have made numerous calls to the JPS, to date they have failed to respond positively.

We have been calling since April 2010. As my family’s safety is paramount your most urgent assistance would be highly appreciated.

DD

Dear DD

Tell Claudienne contacted the JPS and we note that they have finally trimmed the tree.

Good luck.

Have a problem with a store, utility, a company? Telephone 936-9436 or write to: Tell Claudienne c/o Sunday Finance, Jamaica Observer, 40-42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue, Kingston 5; or e-mail: edwardsc@jamaicaobserver.com. Please include a contact phone number.