Monopolies bad. Choice, good

This is why I hate monopolies. Trying to sign up for service at Comcast.com. They have a decent self-service configurator. Much nicer than waiting endlessly on their phone line. I complete my order, then it pops up with a chat box. WTF? I must have hit the wrong button. I hit "close session" and I'm back to the home page. Hmm. I try to navigate back to my configuration screen, but no dice. So I go through everything again, and sure enough, the chat window pops up. Apparently Comast has devised a way to make you wait even if you don't use the phone. Amazing. After 18 minutes, "Daryl" shows up. Here is the transcript:

Philip >

Daryl > Hello guest_, Thank you for contacting Comcast Live Chat Support. My name is Daryl. Please give me one moment to review your information.

Daryl > How are you doing today?

guest_ > fine

Daryl > Good afternoon Mark.

Daryl > Do you have an existing account with Comcast, or are you a new customer?

guest_ > existing guest_ > acct number is ************. I entered that already I believe in the sign-up process.

Daryl > Are you just moving into this address?

guest_ > yes

Daryl > One moment please. Thank you.

Daryl > Unfortunately we are unable to process your order at this time. The previous resident(s) at the address you entered has not yet disconnected their service. In order to resolve this issue, we need you to contact our customer service department at 1-888-Comcast so that proper verification of the change in residence can be recorded. Or, you can bring a copy of your lease/title to one of our in-person payment centers for verification. To find a location near you, visit our Web site at http://www.comcast.com/membership/Locate_Payment_Center.asp

Daryl > I do apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

guest_ > what??

guest_ > what previous resident?

guest_ > are you talking about the baltimore house or my current silver spring address...

Daryl > The current resident is still connected at the ******** st, zip: 21230 address.

guest_ > well that is because we haven't moved in yet! the settlement is 7/27

[note: 4 minutes go by] guest_ > and my requested install is early august.

[note: 3 minutes go by] guest_ > put your supervisor on, please

[note: 3 minutes go by] guest_ > PUT YOUR SUPERVISOR ON, PLEASE

[note: 2 minutes go by] Daryl > I do apologize but I will not be able to process your order as we are not authorized to have multiple accounts active at a single address. You will need to wait until the current customer has disconnected their service, our you can go to your local office to provide proof of residency. Only then will we be able to process your order.

guest_ > I NEED TO TALK TO A SUPERVISOR. NOW

Daryl > Once again, I would like to give you our sincerest apology for this inconvenience, but unfortunately, there is nothing more we can do. Since the current customer is still connected, we will not be able to process your order at this time. Please contact your local office in order to provide your proof of residency, or please feel free to call 1888COMCAST and our agents there will be able to assist you.

Daryl > I truly wish that there was more I could do regarding this unfortunate circumstance

Daryl > Once again, I would like to thank you for your interest in Comcast. It has been my pleasure meeting with you today and if you have any further issues or questions about Comcast's services, please feel free to chat with us again.

Daryl > Analyst has closed chat and left the room

Very helpful, eh? Total time spent online: 48 minutes. Results: Nothing.

Comcast has a reputation for having some of worst customer service imaginable. A recent MSN-Zogby poll ranked Comcast 3rd from last of ALL US companies.

Well, with continued efforts such as the above, they have a shot at #1.