Land of Oz

Jargon

I recently changed from one long distance company (call it Z) to another (call it A). For some reason the automated payment on Z double-payed my bill so that I have a minus $80 in it. That's ($80) in accountant speak. I sent an email to company Z asking how to get a refund of what they now owe me and I get the following explanation:

It is a stand alone long distance line which is still provisioned in the switch, which will require a disconnect order. However, I don't see that we support the local service on that line, so as long as you have change the pic code with your current carrier that provides local service on the line, you should be ok to place a disconnect.

The problem is that I understand very little of what that meant. For instance, where's "the switch" (where my phone is connected?), what does it mean that it's "provisioned" (actually I think this means it's there?), who sends a "disconnect order" and what's a "pic" (really no idea here).

After telling the rep that I had no idea of what that meant, here's the answer:

"If you have already changed your long distance pic code with [company A] to another carrier besides
[company z], then you shouldn't have any interruption in your ability to dial long distance. Please confirm if you would like to place a full disconnect on this account."

I still don't know where to find the "pic code." After considerable digging, I found out it means "Primary InterLata Carrier" which is the code for the long distance carrier - but I still don't know where to change it.

So what I think he meant was: "We can't refund your money until you cancel company Z's account, which you need to specifically tell us to do."

The reason for switching is that company Z gave me a special offer that would/did cost me $0.36 a minute to call Taiwan, and company A's offer is for $0.07 minutes and $5 a month. Since the last bill was over 100 minutes, I think it makes sense to change. And of course, nothing is mentioned about my initial question which was how do I go about getting a refund.

Labels: gripes, tech