Here is the problem in its simplest terms. When AT&T sells it U-verse telephone system, which includes Internet service to seniors they are not all told that when they upgrade to U-verse the entire home phone network is terminated when they activate the new service. The only way that they can use the phones is a complete rewiring of the phone network in the entire home linked to the AT&T modem. A couple in my community recently tried to install U-verse phone and when they tried to fix the problem it took two days to find out the cause of the problem. When we finally got through they were told it would take up to two weeks to fix it by restoring the phone original service. I was on the phone with an AT&T representative and told the rep that these were very old seniors in their late 80’s and have serious health problems and that they could not be without service. We were then told it would be cut back to 3 to 5 days. AT&T staff kept handing up and refused to address the problem on at least three occasions in one evening. There is a normal charge of $90,00 dollars for an AT&T technician to come to your home and set up AT&T U-verse. This is unacceptable to consumers and something needs to be done and fast. My recommendation is that before any senior or anyone can be sold U-verse system they must be told in simple English or the language of their choice that their current phones will be cut off. The only phones that will work MUST be connected to the new AT&T U-verse modem. That means the entire house must be rewired to make them work To me it sounds like an expensive MagicJack Plus system. The difference is they charge $20 dollars a year ($1.70 per month) and AT&T are charging consumers expensive rates. The solution for AT&T is a simple one. So that the entire house doesn’t have to be rewired have a small WiFi box linked to the phone* For TV services have a WiFi box that the TV service can hook up to. Some HD TV already have built-in capabilities but require a USB device to link it to the modem. *Have the WiFi built into the house phone if possible. This would NOT replace a cell phone but would be just an other option for those who like the simple look and feel of a home phone look.
