TDS Telecommunications review: $120 for a $3 a month email account that was closed over 2 years ago!!!

I was shocked to receive a collection notice for an alleged $120 debt from TDS for what was originally a $3-per-month email account. That's 40 months of billing for a email account I haven't used!

I had not used that email account in nearly three years. When I decided to stop using it, I still had approximately $20 remaining on the account. I contacted TDS and requested that the account be closed and that the remaining balance be refunded. I was told a refund was not possible, so I instructed them to close the account once the remaining funds were exhausted.

At the time, the account was billed monthly, and if payment was not received within approximately 15 days of the due date, access to the email account would be suspended. Based on that arrangement, I believed the account would simply be closed when the balance ran out. That conversation took place more than two years ago.

Fast forward to today, and I have received a collection notice claiming I owe $120. I have never received a detailed explanation or itemized statement showing how this balance accumulated, especially for an account that I believed had been closed and had not used in years.

I was a TDS customer for more than 15 years. In fact, I actively promoted TDS services through several computer stores I owned and operated. Because of that relationship, I originally received complimentary internet service and an email account. When I closed my business, I chose to keep the email account and paid the monthly fee.

What has been most disappointing is my recent experience trying to resolve this issue. I called multiple times seeking clarification. On two occasions, the call was disconnected. During another call, I waited on hold for approximately 25 minutes only to be told that my account could not be accessed because it had been closed. After several unsuccessful attempts, I gave up out of frustration.

I never expected to be treated this way by a company whose customer service I once considered excellent.