Internet's been spotty and completely out every weekend for the past two weekends.
I called the company two Sundays ago, they sent someone who came the next day (Monday), but...the internet was back. The issue is inconsistent, which is infuriating because a consistent issue is easier to pin down. (Very much like an inconsistent car problem that you can't seem to replicate for the mechanic or an amorphous health problem that kind of happens but then changes or goes away.)
Anyway, the first person came (when I was not on-site), and my flatmate is NOT tech inclined and gets very anxious about being asked about tech issues. The technician arrived at 09:00. I had scheduled the appointment for between 17:00-20:00 for the express purpose of my being on-site. So, jackass walks in, says "well it's working now, and everything looks perfect, so call my work cell if there's a problem" ...are you joking? My flatmate said the tech did nothing. Did not touch any cables, did not wiggle or move or look at anything. I am inclined to believe this.
Whatever, internet is back for the week. And lo, Friday rolls around...and it's out. I power cycle the modem/router, it comes back (I've been doing this every time, I am now a pro). Ok, maybe solved.
Nope, Sat morning, nothing. I call again on Sunday and say "WTF." They ask me how old the modem is. ....I do not know, but wouldn't there be records of that since Company is the one who installed the new one?? (At this point, my affect/inflection is 100% flat, this is my last ditch effort to not snarl and snap at the person on the phone. I am well aware they are not the cause of my frustration, they just happen to be convenient. So I am making every attempt to not be an asshole, which lands on completely flat. Better than being super shitty to someone who has nothing to do with the problem.) Since there is, apparently, no way to know the age of my modem, they say "it might be old, so we can send a new one" I agree. Sure, why the fuck not. I also request another service visit. Which is scheduled for the following day between 17:00-20:00.
The internet makes it's triumphant return Monday. I keep the service appointment regardless because this is part of the issue, it's inconsistent. (Yes, I was suspicious of throttling or something, but I talked myself down from that)
This time, no random technician comes during the wrong hours. Yay! ...and no tech shows by 20:30. I cannot be around past 20:30, so I cancel the appointment.
And the new modem arrives Tuesday. Which is convenient because the internet goes out on Wednesday. I install the new modem before I leave for work, and I schedule another fucking service appointment (for Friday - today). (Again, utterly flat affect/inflection. I'd rather sound exhausted or semi-conscious than be a snarling asshole to a customer service rep who is an ocean away and not paid enough to be a convenient target for misdirected rage/frustration)
The internet comes in and out, but is consistent all Thursday after a few power cycling sessions on Wednesday.
The tech arrived today...and DID things! Honestly I don't even give a shit if the tech fixed the problem (the tech did advise that there were further issues with the box outside, which is not their purview but that of another department, so we know the issue isn't fully fixed): they looked around and wiggled cables and cut new cables to spec and refitted things and measured with the little tool-y things and said "Huh, I'm surprised you have internet at all, the signal coming in is weak and these cables are loose as hell"
They went outside to where our cables exit the building and did things while on a ladder. They laid down on our floor and crawled around to follow the cables to disconnect and remake them.
It was just so relieving to have someone DO something. They also called into the Company to report that the box outside needs addressing, so supposedly something might get done about that.
I guess we'll see if all the things they did have a real impact. Like I said, the issue is inconsistent. But I am just so damn hopeful something happened and was addressed.
We gave the tech $100. They were here for easily 1.5hrs. I woulda liked to have given them more, but we didn't have more.