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New Billing System
Currently, DC Access manually manages billing for all our customers. We invoice customers based on their service anniversary, meaning we have invoices due every day of the month. As we have grown, this system has become inefficient and burdensome to maintain.
This summer or early fall, we are implementing new billing software and an online payment portal in order to make our system more efficient and, at the same time, consistent with what you've come to expect with other service providers. Under the new system, all invoices and payment due dates will be changed so they are the same day for all customers. Payments will now cover service for the following month; so you'll now be pre-paying for service, rather than paying after already receiving some or all of a month's service. Now, customers will pay their bill no later than the 25th day of the month for the following month's service. For example, you will pay in full for your October service no later than September 25th.
This also means that there will be an additional pro-rated bill during the first month of the new system in order to cover the difference between your old billing date and the new billing date. This will always be less than a full month of service.
How Implementation Will Work
Starting in the first month of the new system, we will be sending out your bill for Internet services via e-mail (or by U.S. Postal mail if previously requested) on the 10th of each month. A reminder e-mail will be sent out on the 20th. Payments are due by the 25th for the following month's Internet service through the new customer portal page or via check. If you choose, you can have your account automatically paid with your preferred credit/debit card, e-check, or EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer). You will be able to update your own billing information. If you were previously using Intuit Payment Network to pay, this customer portal will replace IPN.
Below is an example of how your bill may look for the pro-rated month:
If you pay $34.99/month and your account is currently due on the 10th of September, the prorated amount for September will be $23.33, instead of $34.99.
If you are paying quarterly or for more than one month at a time, this will only be the pro-rated amount for the first month. If your current payment is due on the 28th or later, we will waive the prorated amount for your convenience.
Here's an example of how invoices and billing will work for all following months:
September 10th: invoices for October will be sent to all customers
September 20th: payment reminders will be e-mailed
September 25th: all payments due for October service
October 1st: any unpaid accounts will be cancelled
If you typically pay by check or cash during the month (after the month of service has started), you may want to sign up to pay by bank debit or credit card before the 25th of the month to avoid any possible service interruptions. When the system is implemented, you will receive a reminder e-mail invoice or statement showing the amount due before the due date.
Look for more information in the next few months as we continue preparing for the switch. | 
Ryan Smith has joined the DC Access team as a part-time administrative assistant after spending a few months with us in a temporary position. Ryan did such a great job we didn't want to let her go! She lives in DC and has several years of experience providing great customer service - something that is very important to us. 
