Glad to know this isn't just a British thing - our customer service is ATROCIOUS. There have been many a time when ive either hung up or walked out of a shop because ive simply run out of patience. I hate being on the phone to someone i can barely understand - as a consumer its the last thing you want. I know it sounds terrible and it probably is but i always ask now to be put through to british contact centres - i don't even have a landline so half an hour calls to people who don't quite get what im saying is just too expensive. I understand its all about saving as much money as possible but some centres also need better training - the fact that a couple of days ago it took me nearly an hour to get hold of my internet company only to be redirected 4 times and still end up in the wrong department says it all.