We relocated from LA to TX where Cox Communications does not have service available. We held the same service with Cox since 2001. I accessed the website and left a message last month requesting email forwarding service so I could continue using and PAYING for the email service once I transferred out of the state. No problem one entity told me we can take care of your service needs. They actually called and led me through at least 6 different people before I was sent to someone who told me NO we don't offer that service. So instead of allowing me time to make a transition, as soon as the account was closed all service was terminated even though I was billed through the end of the billing cycle. Not recommended, use EaTEL instead as they have a much better customer service support system.

The following is an email I sent to Cox. I sent it to Customer Support and Technical Support and here I am weeks later without a response. I know big shocker. But I've done my homework over the last month and I think I bring up some pretty good points. Take a look:

Ok so I've been through level 3 tech support. I understand that there is nothing you guys can possibly do to help me send mail using my cox account. You've blocked port 25 (which has not made one bit of a difference in how much spam I get). All it really says to me is that you don't believe that I'm not a spammer. Instead of blocking my outgoing "spam", you're actually just preventing me from using my email account at work and conducting business with hundreds of contacts. I refuse to use web mail it is ridiculous and antiquated. So I see one of three solutions. 1) Lose a lot of business. I've talked to countless people besides myself who've encountered the same problem and their ready to just switch providers. 2) Conduct a phone interview to verify the legitimacy of these people (such as myself) claiming to use the email account for business rather than spam. If they are on the level then unblock the port for that account. And finally, not as good of an option 3)At least create an apply for PC AND MAC that allows people to import their address books into the Web mail system. I don't like suggesting that but I am dumbfounded that you all have not thought of it yourselves. You are losing Mac customers by the minute. Customers who might I add are willing to pay twice as much for a computer and file in a higher tax bracket. I'm in film production where macs are mostly used and in an office of 200 people I'm finding out that I'm apparently the last sucker still with Cox.

I'm sorry if this email contains the frustration that I have encountered upon researching the problem created by your company.

One pissed off long time Cox customer.

We have Cox internet and cable, but Qwest telephone, so on Nov 11, 2006 I switched from Qwest to Cox..telephone service.. well, after they made the switch, we had no telephone service for the first 5 days, finally they sent a technician to fix it, 3 days after we called. Then the phone worked, but the fax line rang several times a day and noone was on the line, so I called again and again, so they sent a different technician twice in 2 days, and it still rang, so we gave up. Now I get my monthly bill, and they added $27 to our bill for "repair"..trying to fix what they installed improperly..so I called them today and they said they would put in that I dispute the charge and let me know the result on Dec. 27th...Is this robbery or what??

The following complaint regards possible fraudulent billing, harassment and threats, and refusal to make repairs and maintenance.

We are aware that some problems may exist regarding the post hurricane damages, but as of this date, the problems and excuses are no longer valid.

THAT since October 2005 we have attempted to contact COX by email, telephone, and written correspondence to have to have Cable TV service restored back to normal. That on those occasions attempts were made by telephone wait time varied from 20 to over 50 minutes without speaking with a representative. A number of emails were sent to the New Orleans Customer Service office in most cases without response, or attempts to correct the problems. Letters written to the Corporate Headquarters and copied to the New Orleans office have been ignored, and not responded too.

THAT the one time connection was made to the New Orleans Customer Service office I was assured that the service would be reinstated back to normal within seven (7) days. And that a credit to my account would be issued for the on month's payment. Neither the repair, nor the credit was ever completed.

THAT in late December 2005 I was contacted finale by COX Customer Service by telephone and advised that a tech representative would be at my home with in a week. And that a credit to my account of one month would be made to my account, and pending additional credits for loss of service.

THAT in late December 2005 a field technician finale arrived and advise until such time that the outside service box could be replaced, repaired, and the wires replaced and repaired, there was nothing he could do to fix, or correct the loss of service. The outside box had to be fixed by another department technician. As of this date, there have been no repairs, restoration of service, and no credits to my account.

THAT COX continues to harass, threaten, and continues in its fraudulent billing practices.

RATIONAL for not contacting state agencies for Louisiana include in part: COX has direct connections with the Mayor of New Orleans Ray Nagin, who is the former CEO of COX. That COX is a heavy contributor to certain campaign funds, for state and local officials. That neither the New Orleans Service Commission, nor the State Government will take an action or protect the consumer with regard to certain entities that are favored.