Scene: Bahamian Customer Service

Lisa: Oh no Mark - the internet is down.

Mark: OK - I will re-set the router.

Mark fiddles with the plugs a few times... nothing.

Lisa: Uh oh - Last time this happened they had shut us down for not paying the bill. I'll check the cable. (please note the bill was only not paid because they never got around to sending us one - details, details)

Lisa turns on the TV... there is nothing.

Lisa: Looks like you have to call Cable Bahamas

Mark gets on the phone.

Mark: Hello. It looks as though our cable is down can you cehck our account for me please?

Customer Service Agent: OK - Can I have your account information please?

Mark goes through the usual rigamarole of trying to find the account.

Customer Service Agent: No - there is no problem with your account your area has been shut down by Bahama Electric Corporation for servicing.

Mark: They just turned it off?

Customer Service Agent: Yes

Mark: Was this a planned outage?

Customer Service Agent: Well - they called us a little while ago and told us they were going to do it.

Mark: OK - well we run a business from our house so we really need the internet. Can you tell me how long it will be down.

Customer Service Agent: No -it varies.

Mark: OK - I guess we'll just wait for it to come back up again.

Customer Service Agent: OK. Bye.

Mark turns on the TV and waits for sound so that we will know when the cable is restored.