Compatibility problems ...

In October last year I got a new laptop.  Turned out the old Pipex modem I had was so old (only 5 years - phew eh, the speed of technological change today, etc.) it would no longer work with my new laptop.  So I contacted Pipex and they arranged to send me a new one - a wireless one.

I'd seen these at other peoples' houses and knew how cool they were.  You just turned it on and could wander round the house surfing the Internet.  Check your emails in bed, read the paper on the loo, watch the BBC iplayer sitting in the bath, whatever - all I needed was a laptop (check) and a new wireless 'Speedtouch 585" modem.  'How much would it cost?' I asked.  'Only £42.55' replied the chirpy Pipex customer service operator (from Manila in the Philipines).  'Sold!' I cried, overcome with joy at my newfound wireless happiness.  But it wasn't to last.

Later when my bill came through I was charged £48.72.  'Oh what the hell' I thought, still in the honeymoon period, 'It's only £6.17 - probably VAT'.  But looking back I see it was a warning sign of a deeper dysfunction starting to develop in our relationship.  Pipex was starting to lie to me.

I don't think the problem was with me, or even with Pipex, it was with the third party in our triangle.  The new 'friend' Pipex had made without me realising.  The one she was staying late with at the office.  The 'friend's' name was Tiscali.