Conveniences we don’t even appreciate here in the good old US of A ….calling a cable/internet company and turning on services. Ya know when you call Brighthouse and they can’t have a technician out until 3 days, we get impatient. Well, try figuring out your internet 5000 miles away.
Back in February, we unfortunately never got our wifi service turned on. I still don’t understand what the dilemma actually was. We were told we had an unpaid outstanding invoice in my name. This was after 3 days of waiting to pick up our modem at the main store 15 min from our house. All my info was collected. My credit card taken and all we had to do was wait 3 days. Easily done. Then we were given this shocking info about a bill in my name for services I have never had. I then supplied my passport info and codice fiscale to support documents they asked for. Still nothing.
I should have given it more push then while there in Italy. But, I was definitely frustrated and overwhelmed while there. Standing in the Vodaphone shop by myself. Not speaking any Italian (except for Ciao)….if I recall right, I was fighting back tears. You know those tears you well up with frustration & a bit of anger mixed in….because things shouldn’t be THIS DIFFICULT.
Meanwhile, Mike was circling around trying to park the car. The store was pretty busy and I did my best to explain my concerns with them. My best wasn’t enough.
We left without wifi. Mike and I managed the time there. It isn’t all about social media. Communicating with family is essential while 5000 miles away. Even paying bills online etc, you simply just need wifi. Yes, it is a modern day convenience, but one I challenge anyone to try going without for an unforeseeable future. Unless, you are of course my mom Eileen. She is “disconnected” as she says. She will never be on “Spacebook” either lol. Thank God for that haha!
But in all seriousness, this is pretty important. Here’s my dilemma. If anyone has any suggestions, I am all ears!! 👂.
While in the store in Rieti, the customer service woman- Miriam helped us with our contract. She spoke decent English. She could at least understand us. She took all my info. We filled out a contract and then she took my credit card. We were told a monthly fee, service in our village was confirmed and it would be 3 days to receive our modem back in the store for pick up. She did say an Italian # was required for the contract, however, she said we could just use the stores #. She apparently put that info in the system. Fast forward, Wednesday comes no “pick up modem” email is received. I call the store and get her. She advised me to come into the store because there is a problem. Yup, there always is with us.
Mike & Kerri ~ our last name should just be flipping Murphy. His damn law follows us around life like a shadow.
We arrive and are told about the unpaid, outstanding invoice. Insert migraine, insert lip quivering because now I’m gettin beyond frustrated. I see Mike outside, driving the rental….can’t find a spot for the Love of God. I got my damn mask on I’m sweating, I’m homesick and I’m thinking what the actual bleep. Nothing got resolved. Keep positive, keep on keeping on Kerri.
We leave, we finish our stay in . We are home, I’m trying to once again get wifi. If you go online you are directed to enter information. We are trying to sign up for wifi for our home only. We simply need just wifi. There are a few options to select. Once you select your “package’ it requires an Italian #. If you are trying to get wifi and a landline Italian # because the package is like $4-5/more a month to include a landline, isn’t that new service? How would I have an Italian number already if I’m trying to get new service? I know they are looking for an Italian mobile #, but does anyone see my frustration? If you’ve never lived there, and you are first time applying for service, you wouldn’t have an Italian #. Neither mobile or landline.
I can’t call the store. I can’t email them. I can’t Whatsapp them. I have reached out to my daughter’s friend Maggie, who does speak some Italian. She is trying to contact the store via facebook and from there she can try to use Whatsapp. I have also bothered my poor neighbor Lida for assistance again. I’m so sorry Lida, you are way to patient and kind for my relentless insanity. I owe you a “best new neighbor/friend” coupon book, the kind we use to make our moms and our kids made us in school for special occasions. No expiration dates lol.
Ideally, we will try again with a contract in Mike’s name and info. I’ll hold my breath wondering if there is also a Michael E. Smart with an unpaid, outstanding invoice in Italy for Vodafone.
All my Italian loving friends who may already have property, have you dealt with this issue? Did you resolve it? Did you finally get flipping wifi? Better question, how did you finally get your wifi. Please don’t tell me you had absolutely no problem and this must just be a Kerri issue. I will believe you however, not what I want to hear. But I have tried other companies, some are not in our area it appears. So this is becoming such a headache. We are headed back to Italy in June and can do without wifi if needed. It is definitely not ideal, but not the end of the world. We purchased a security camera for the outside of the home and a smart lock (keyless entry) that will require wifi. Also, Our daughter is also coming and will work remotely while there, so wifi is going to be essential.
Any thoughts, comments or recommendations are always appreciated!!
“Age and glasses of wine should never be counted” –
Ciao friends.
