Why am I not surprised at all the posts about Verizon treats/mistreats the very customers that are a part of making them as big as they are? And, just because they are so darned big doesn't give them the right to treat anyone so badly. Personally, I would rather not call "customer service".
But, today it was necessary. Two years ago, almost to the day, I moved into my current apartment and had Verizon/FIOS installed and a 2 year contract. I knew the day was coming when I was going to have to decide what to do going forward. Moreso now as I am permanently disabled and existing on disability income only and have been in an out of hospital the past several months so internet, tv etc., wasn't even on my mind much. I had a friend pay my bills when I wasn't in shape to do so myself and am just now feeling almost human.
So I call this morning to see what would be available to me now or when my contract expires soon. And at a lot lower that the current $234 a month! It started out at $164/month but over time the credits I originally received disappeared. $234 could be a car payment!! Also, my son is moving out the end of the month so his set top box won't be needed and I also wouldn't have the need for whole house DVR.
I was advised that not only is my contract not ending but, there is 17 months left on it!!!! WTH?? Was told that I signed a new 2 year contract 12/2013 when I discontinued the Back Up & Storage and upgraded the internet speed. First of all that didn't happen, the topic of a new contract wasn't even discussed. And why would I even sign a new contract?? It wasn't necessary and defies logic. But, the rep insisted that I did renew and so it must be so. Thankfully, I keep all those emails forever and there is email from Verizon about the 2 changes I made and not one word about a new contract. This must be the trick they use to keep people in a never ending contract. Anyway, the best she could do for me was $171 with downgrades. I told her that I'd already spoken with Comcast and could get almost the same only better for under $100/month. She was silent. Not another word from her at all, so I thanked her and hung up.
I'm not a fan of Verizon or Comcast for that matter, they are equally deficient in customer care/service not to mention that the bigger they get the worse they get. For now these seem to be the only options available to me. That doesn't mean I have to like it. It sucks, seriously. Now, some might think these services are not necessities and perhaps they are right, but, when you've had your back cut open a couple of times in 8+ hour surgeries each and are now so disabled that I'm almost a recluse, I do come to count on phone, tv & internet. I find it inherently wrong that pay so much for so little really. I mean I watch maybe 20 different channels and have zero interest in the other 200+ and shouldn't have to pay for them.
Most importantly is the fact that while already in a 2 year contract that Verizon decided when I made a change they had the right to sneakily put me in a new 2 year contract. Ok, I'm done for now. At the rate I'm going I'll probably be in some sort of housing for disabled. Peace.
