I'm a busy guy, so I can't afford the time to make a full rant on this one.
But I must let off a little steam. I'll try to keep it short.

After at least 100 transatlantic trips during the 90s, I moved to France in 2003. So I am familiar with the franco twist on, "customer service" and "time".

As such, during my recent move to Belgium I started the process (in mid-February) of searching for an unlimited ISP bandwidth at a reasonable rate for our Ixelles location. I'd hoped to have this service in place by 15 March.

Three weeks ago, after suffering through an endless set of dead-ends, most of which were from franco/Belgian companies who never responded to any online inquiries, I took a neighbor's advice and tried Voo.

Today I have been forced to abandon this effort. During the first week of March I called and e-mailed Voo at least a dozen times, receiving one automated e-mail response. I tried the phoe several times and got one answered call packed with absolutely false information, which ended with the "service" rep telling me that Voo provided no reference number tracking method for such customer requests/inquiries.

During the last 24 hours Ive sent Voo's "contact us" e-mail box 7x unanswered e-mails and called their administrative contact number another 7x times. Six times, these calls, which were made between the hours of 10:00 and 12:00 went unanswered for at least 90 seconds, before I was disconnected.

On the seventh call, just now, after making it through several layers of " to continue in English" options, my call was answered by a person in the loudest boiler room Ive ever heard.

Wrongly, I assumed I MIGHT be in the English language section, so I inquired as to whether she could "parlez vous anglais", as my English remains better than my French.

The Voo service rep then said "No" and hung up....[pooof}.
I must assume that their marketing efforts are better than their service, but 50+ years on the planet have taught me that if its this hard to communicate while you are trying to spend your money, its very unlikely after-sale service will improve.

So I am back to Square One.
Any suggestions for an unlimited ISP vendor in 1050?
But please just don't suggest Voo.
Also NOTE: Back in February, my 6-x attempts to communicate with Belgcom were equally unproductive, if not worse.

NOTE: I do have a nominal Internet service, because I stumbled on the generally acceptable Clearwire the first day we moved in, but their service is limited to 3GB of monthly downloads.... and I use at least 5x times that much.

(':cry:')

PS. Other than service issues, which I also experienced in searching for a local bank, I find Brussels to be a much more livable city, when compared to Paris.

Sorry to hear your troubles with Belgacom. I had great service from them when I worked with them, but like other people who have experienced bad service I was dealing with the Flanders side of the business on each occasion. From what I have read these companies might as well have different names with the differences in service and performance.

As far as internet, Belgacom has 10GB limit with each 5GB costing 10euros I believe.

You can also try Telenet or look through this list and see which companies can do what you need:

http://www.ispa.be/web/en/?n=6&e=75&s=77

Hope this helps...

After finding no acceptable cable ISP vendors and easily solving my short term (and basic) need with Clearwire, I was forced to engage Belgacom for the "in" wire, to eventually access hard-wired ADSL.

Its now one month since placing an installation order after being promised service in 3-5 days........ and STILL NO DIAL TONE in our flat, and not a single "customer service" reply to our e-mail queries for over two weeks.

While expecting this, based on other's posts, I am none the less amazed that locals accept this lack of service.

I can only emphasize this, if you don't absolutely need a copper wire connected to your home, then don't call Belgacom.

A close french colleague told me today its simply a cultural misunderstanding.
He said Belgacom never thought I would actually take them at their word that the phone line install would only take 3-5 days.

He said its just a little game.
They tell me what they think I want to hear.
And I'm expected to pretend that I never heard it.