NSAT&T

[moribundman]

So I'm shopping around for a new internet provider, mostly because my earthlink service sucks (my download speed has decreased by 50% over the last year while) and because I'm tired to talk to some guy half around the world who couldn't be less interested in even listening.

I checked out and considered AT&T's Express DSL for $19.99 a month. I have been an AT&T phone customer for a decade (I used to have a $250 overseas phone bill per month -- AT&T has made serious money off me). In order to get internet service from AT&T, I am supposed to disclose my social security number:

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"Your Social Security Number is required by AT&T. By providing your Social Security Number, you give credit check consent and reporting authorization as follows:
I authorize any person, or consumer or credit reporting agency to provide any information it has on me or the entity on whose behalf I make this application.

I authorize AT&T to:

*Compile this information

*Disclose my account information including my payment history and confidential information to credit reporting agencies or private credit reporting associations

*Periodically obtain and use my credit report and other credit information from any source in connection with AT&T's offering of wireless and other services. I understand that if I fail to fulfill the terms of my credit obligations under the Agreement, AT&T may report my failure to a credit reporting agency.

To learn more about how your personal information is used and securely stored, read AT&T's Privacy Policy."

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It is a violation of federal law for the social security number to be used for anything other than a registry number for social security benefits. Anybody ever READ what it says on the back of their social security card?

Seriously, what moron gives out his social security number, especially on the net where it's totally unclear where and how this information is used by whom? Nuts!

Out of spite I am now considering ditching my regular AT&T service in favor of either another phone provider, or maybe I'll use exclusively VOIP, which I have been using for over a year without more than minor hang-ups (get it?).

Does anybody have any recommendations for a non-totalitarian, non-illegal information-gathering internet provider?

 

[Shannow]

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I'm tired to talk to some guy half around the world who couldn't be less interested in even listening.

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I'll listen...if I'm not too busy...listen better over a beer

There were a lot of things that used to be illegal, and are now legal, along with a lot of things that used to be legal but are now illegal.

If you've got nothing to hide, then you've got nothing to hide, and should present your credentials willingly and without protest.

 

[moribundman]

If you got nipples they'll milk you.

 

[Oldmoparguy1]

You don't have to give your SS# to anyone but the US Gov. AT&T is way over the line. They can check your credit without it.

Remember folks, AT&T is no longer AT&T. They were bought out by Bell South/Cingular which is a lying bunch of crooks and pure scum.

 

[moribundman]

It's "The New AT&T." I'm getting rid of them as my phone carrier ASAP.

 

[Pablo]

When did they start this garbage? SSN is NOT necessary for phone service, phone contract, or phone up your arse. I do zero business with AT&T. Randomly got one right!

 

[The Critic]

You guys are just making life difficult. For once, can't you folks be normal and just go with the flow?

 

[Pablo]

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You guys are just making life difficult. For once, can't you folks be normal and just go with the flow?

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Now that's sorta the problem isn't it?

 

[alreadygone]

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You guys are just making life difficult. For once, can't you folks be normal and just go with the flow?

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Gonna have to leave that to your generation,,sonny boy

Bob