This is completely circumstantial - Did you have Amazon Alexa nearby? Or Google Assistant? More likely they "overheard" your conversation than ATT doing this.
That may be simply the result of those who were initially investigating the effect having cable internet connections.
But there is nothing about bufferbloat that is exclusive to "cable internet". The effect will happen anywhere that a too large buffer exists in a device with differing speed input and output links that tries too hard to never, ever, drop a TCP packet.
The effect you describe, ping latency skyrockets during upload phase of the speedtest, is exactly what happens when some device in the path of your packets and pings has an overlarge buffer that has filled. The most likely culprit is the device installed by AT&T that interfaces between your local network and their fiber network (i.e., the fiber "modem" or "router" box).
I didn't want to make the post longer than it is, but there's a slew of related failings on Skype's site, including inability to even post on their discussion forums if your Skype account is disabled. I've seen many people post only by creating new Email & Account, which is even more disturbing as a practice. They mostly get no assistance either, as far as I can tell.
Just set up something like GetSatisfaction and let community try to help itself, while you rest and get your sanity back. Take as long as you need - a week, or a month, whatever.
You are probably in the best position to fix/improve it going forward, so selling it is not an option IMHO. Instead, look around campus for a partner-dev. Even with just one partner developer, to bounce ideas and priorities off, things will become clear for you long term.
Wait a minute, if they are leeching so much money (even if some are supposed 'credit for future') from (mostly) unsuspecting Customers - WHY did they need so many millions from Investors also, in series B and series C also?
Also - Aren't you worried that Credit Card processors (Visa, MC, Amex) will decide to just Cut Them Off permanently, due to excessive complaints? That has happened before to other "legit" recurring payments establishments. This is especially true if they Charge for "future" products, that is collect fee and don't Ship any product.
I actually clearly remember that - and at least they did send me something every month - reminding that my card is getting charged.
And yes, it still felt scammy and I was glad to unsubscribe as soon as possible.
Here - this is definitely anti-pattern designed to hide the fact that you are not really buying an item, but instead subscribing to something that will charge you monthly with nothing in return...
With little amount of information Skype requires when signing up, I think fallback option is just not feasible. If you left the company or email provider out of business - and you forgot to switch your email AND THEN you forgot your password??!
Just sign up for new Skype account...
