Friday, January 27, 2012

Open Range left so quick

It all came a shock. I was so unaware of the fact that Open Range filed for bankruptcy on October 6, 2011 and as a customer, was left with no internet connection for months. During those months, internet connections were pretty bad. I can remember calling a few times but the response on the other line is informing the caller - Open Range  is no longer accepting new customers. That sounds like stretching out their time in a positive way and without a bit of negativity. It sound like they are down right honest to tell me that their Communications is filled up and can only serve a certain number of customers in order to provide the best service.

The problem was that Open Range never provided any other number to call in case of internet connection problem. It was frustrating, very very frustrating. Until the day came, the day of reality, calling to inform customers that they are no longer providing services and to return the modem in a month's time. I do not answer toll free numbers so I never did talk to any person but a message came in my voicemail providing address where to return the modem  and if failed to do so will charge the customer the amount of the modem which is around $200. November 20 something, close to the end of the month is final due date for the return of modem  to avoid being charge. They also provided the same information on their website.

At my end, I feel like being kept in the dark. It happened that my connection was not working properly and was calling them for days, yet the only response was Open Range no longer accept new customers. What about the old customer who was having bad connection? What about the old customer who need to talk to a technician?

Open Range was new when I signed up. Believing they are better than clearwire who at that time was really bad on our area. Open Range offered a modem with router,  better than clear's modem only.  That was what caught my interest - modem with router. No more messy table filled with wires from computer to modem to router. They were actually $10 more compared to clear plus the monthly rental for the modem router. The good thing was that the connection was faster than clear. Funny thing is that both of the internet provider's tower place are the same location. Upon knowing this, my brain was wondering on some things but never really give it a deep thought until the day Open Range decided to discontinue providing service.

A business gone bad, doing business for one year, Open Range left so quick. I haven't got my refund for the days that the internet service should be working good but the sad part is calling a toll free number that nobody talks to you and not providing enough information for customers who need help.



This is the explanation given on the OpenRange website:


On October 6, 2011, Open Range Communications filed for bankruptcy and all operations are being wound down. If you are a previous Open Range customer and have a query about a non-return modem charge or other billing issue, email us: Your Full Name Customer Number Modem shipping tracking information Email the information above to orcsupport@openrange.us. Without this information we will not be able to research your claim.


The fruit of SILENCE is Prayer The fruit of PRAYER is Faith The fruit of FAITH is Love The fruit of LOVE is Service The fruit of SERVICE is Peace