I spent 48 minutes on the phone this evening and talked (no lie) to five representatives, but I think Bellsouth may finally have straightened out my phone reference message mess. The key to the mystery was the repair rep telling me my five-years-gone phone number was somehow attached to this order! I think its because I initially ordered this change through Bellsouth’s (confusing!) webpage, and the site had my old number cached in it somewhere.

One rep told me the order had already processed itself through, whatever that means. Then I found out about the old number issue. I then spoke with a very helpful representative who filled out a “pink slip” change request, which bypasses the bureaucracy, I assume. She checked and double-checked my information just to be sure, and apologized profusely for the mix-ups.

In short, her attitude went a long way towards rescuing Bellsouth’s butt. If I didn’t make progress with this call, my next call was going to the N.C. Public Utilities Commission.

Now, the promise is by midnight Wednesday. Keep yer fingers crossed!