It’s just a money grab

I recently received a billing insert from AT&T telling me that beginning Jan. 14, 2019, anyone canceling a recurring service billed in advance on a date other than the end of the billing period will be charged for the entire month. So, in the worst case, canceling your service on the first day of your billing period will result in the subscriber paying for an entire month for service not provided.

This unilateral change to the terms and conditions of service is grossly unfair to subscribers, and difficult for them to manage. (Do you know when your billing period ends? Do you think you should have to arrange your life’s events around it to avoid this devious and unwarranted charge?) I worked for the Bell System (AT&T) at the local operating company level for 27 years, and we never did this to our customers in the past.

This is nothing but a money grab and should not be allowed to stand. To avoid it, I for one would be forced to change my TV service, my phone services, my Internet service, and my email address—a significant barrier. I would bet most AT&T customers don’t even know about the change, as it was announced in a bill insert.

It appears the only protection against it is legislation or public shame. If you agree, let your state and federal legislators know your feelings and use your social media accounts to put a spotlight on this unilateral modification. JOHN BRAYMAN Little Rock