Timeline of Events:
Initial Contact (August 25, 2024):
I contacted Optimum Mobile and spoke with a representative named Seis regarding my inability to make calls or send SMS unless connected to Wi-Fi. Despite confirming that there was 5G coverage in my area, troubleshooting steps such as resetting the network and deleting the eSIM were unsuccessful. The line dropped during our call.
Follow-Up (August 25, 2024):
Seis called me back to continue troubleshooting but ultimately escalated my case (ticket #0000003459354) after I requested an exchange for the phone. I was promised a callback within 48 hours.
Further Troubleshooting (August 27-30, 2024):
On August 28, I spoke with another representative, Omar, who Omar had me go through multiple steps again. When that did not work, he suggested going to an Apple store for resolution since the issue was with the phone. He disregarded their previous action plan and said I could only get a replacement phone by paying off this one first. The offered phone was a third-generation iPhone. He was rude and hung up when asked if he was in NY. It should be noted that Omar hung up in my face when I asked if he was in NY. I asked because I know there is a three-hour time difference and wanted to see if that is why he contacted me earlier than scheduled.
On August 30, I spoke with Nazen, who asked me to provide detailed information for engineering. He wanted me to go through the same steps again. I explained to him that the phone was with my wife and at this point it appears this may become a matter for the courts to settle. He did not ask that I do those steps again, but that I provide answers to the email I received todayThe ticket number is still 0000003471668, and the Seq ID for the call is 154729109451-0.
Apple Telephone Support (September 4, 2024):
An Apple representative named Joey diagnosed a hardware failure related to the eSIM module, requiring repair.
Continued Communication with Optimum (September 4-9, 2024):
I continued to contact Optimum representatives Diaz and Ahmed for updates on my case. On September 9, I received a call from Rosa Alainiz at Altice USA, who assured me my case would be escalated and followed up via email.
Emails Sent: I responded to an email from Optimum Mobile Customer Care at 5:52 AM on September 4, 2024 regarding a matter I did not ask about. I responded to their email and included the email to the Altice CEO, the Cecrdesk, and several other executives in Altice USA as I did not feel I had anywhere else to turn. At approximately 10:00 AM,I received a call from Altice Corp. HQ after sending that response email. I went over everything that has occurred so far and was told by Rosa Alianiz that she would have this escalated. She stated that if they review the call and hear and confirm what Seis told me about a replacement, that an exeception can be made. She then sent a follow up email to me. That email contained this "Your satisfaction is our highest priority; therefore, we appreciate having the opportunity to review and assist with your concerns" which I came to find out was untrue.
Communication with Rosa Alainiz (September 14, 2024):
On September 14, Rosa called back to inform me that Optimum would not replace my phone. She stated their policy requires the phone to be paid off before any replacement can occur. I emphasized that Optimum is a subsidiary of Altice USA and that the final decision should lie with Altice's CEO, Dennis Mathew. I requested she contact him directly to discuss the matter further.
Follow-Up Call (September 17, 2024):
Rosa called back but did not follow up as promised on Monday. She reiterated that there would be no change in Optimum's stance regarding my phone replacement and confirmed that the CEO had not been consulted about the decision, contrary to her previous assurance. She cited a policy limiting exchanges or refunds to 21 days from the purchase date and refused to refund payments made over the past year for services I could not access.
Issues Highlighted
Lack of accountability from Optimum Mobile regarding service failures.
Unclear communication about policies and procedures.
A refusal to address customer concerns adequately or refund services not rendered.
Please note that I did not ask for anything FREE. I asked for a consideration that would, if nothing else, show goodwill by a parent corporation that, from the reviews, has severe issues with its subsidiary.
We have paid for services we have yet to be able to use, and neither Altice USA nor its subsidiary Optimum Mobile, formerly Suddenlink, will return that money.
I advise anyone with similar issues to contact the Federal Trade Commission. read more