customer service-cancellation

even if your 1 day into a billing cycle you pay the full month as they dont prorate and nobody you call or chat with cant massage it in your favor

So they lied on the chat, twice! 

You cannot cancel service through Chat. That is only allowed over the phone. Like other companies they require a live agent to discuss the situation in an attempt to retain your business. Not only is Chat lacking in fluid conversation compared to actually talking, but the transcripts aren't seen by customer support.

You can cancel whenever you want. But as billing goes, you pay for the entire service month. As of about 2 years ago they stopped prorating final bills, which is the norm for many service companies right now.

Here is the notice from over 2 years ago.

Please read this if you receive DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse® TV, AT&T Internet, AT&T Phone, and/or AT&T Fixed Wireless service(s). We want to remind you that you’re billed in advance for recurring service(s) and/or programming charges and applicable fees based on the terms of your current service agreement(s) with us. Starting January 14, 2019, subject to applicable laws, we’re updating your agreement(s) to include your recurring service(s)/programming charges and fees won’t be prorated if you cancel the above service(s) on any day other than the last day of your billing cycle. Your service(s) will continue until the end of your billing cycle but you won’t get a refund (prorated credits) for any remaining days left in your billing cycle. For products not listed above, refer to their terms of service for more information.

Questions about this change? Go to att.com/ProrationPolicy for more information and to see the revised section of your service agreement(s).

Chat should know that and immediately give you that info instead of keeping you in for an hour saying they can help you then they just leave the chat.  Super frustrating. I know not to chat on anything now but to just call even with the 30+ minute wait on hold. They really need to do better instead of wasting your time and giving incorrect info. 

You are not billed in advance your billing cycle started the day you where installed on day 2 the bill is made and sent.

Oh no, you pay a month in advance. I just paid today for Dec 15-Jan 14. Same as cell- my first bill was for current and the next month. 

You don't pay before the month starts, but during the month. So you are paying in advance only so much as for days not yet completed. You are not paying for a month that has completed.

If your service month starts on the 15th (day 1), then the bill should produce on the 16th (day 2). Paid on the 16th if you are on auto bill pay. If not on auto bill pay than day 20 is the listed due date. If on auto bill pay I wonder if canceling kicked the payment through same day instead of the following day as normal.

The main problem is that to not be billed for Dec 15 thru Jan 14, then the last day to call and cancel was Dec 14. Once the service month started over then that cycle was secured for your billing per the Terms of Service.

So you are billed at the start of the service month, not before it starts. That is what is meant when it is said you are not billed in advance because it is not in advance of the service month itself, even if it is in advance of some days not yet used.