First responder discount not apply to feds?

[MadJag]

I signed up with Verizon in December of last year, and tried to get the first responder discount on an Unlimited plan.  I was initially validated as a first responder in January of this year, but it never showed up on my bill.  I spoke to several people (in Verizon billing and the employment validation center) over the past few months who all said I should get it, but it still wasn't showing up.  

Over the past week, it got escalated to a supervisor at the validation center and all of a sudden I am told I do not qualify.  When I called yesterday, I was told that although I did get validated as a first responder, the discount does not apply to me because I am a federal first responder, and that the discount only applies to state and local first responders. 

Is this really Verizon's position on first responders - that state and local officers get a benefit but not federal officers?  Is there any first responder discount for feds?

[MadJag]

Thanks for the reply, but I don’t think the tens of thousands of law enforcement organizations around the country each individually negotiated with Verizon.  More likely, Verizon decided to give first responders a discount and have their validation service verify status, but for some reason, intentionally or not, only had it apply to state and local agencies. 

[vzw_customer_support]

We absolutely appreciate your service in a first responder capacity, MadJag. Sorry to hear about the confusing experience with customer service regarding qualifying for a discount as that is not what we want for you. I'm happy to shed some light. At this time, the discount offer is extended to state or local active, volunteer and retiree first responders. For more, see #3 of the "First Responder Discounts Details" section of this article: http://spr.ly/6601EWKeZ As it mentions in that article, you can still sign up for a discount with the federal government employee discount program with non-unlimited plans here: http://spr.ly/6602EWKew Does this help clarify?

RyanM_VZW

[vzw_customer_support]

MadJag, we appreciate your recent switch to Verizon Wireless and your service as a Federal First Responder. We regret that your discount was initially validated and then not applied to your plan. How the discount applies may change over time although Federal-level personnel are not eligible for the first responder discount at this time. To answer your question, active federal government employees are eligible for discounts under the federal government employee discount program. You can sign up for this discount here: http://spr.ly/6604EWKeA

Question #3 at the link attached under 'First Responder Discounts Details' explains what personnel do or don't qualify for this discount. Does this provide clarity? http://spr.ly/6606EWKeC

AlanS_VZW

[boringusername]

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@MadJag wrote:

Thanks for the reply, but I don’t think the tens of thousands of law enforcement organizations around the country each individually negotiated with Verizon.  More likely, Verizon decided to give first responders a discount and have their validation service verify status, but for some reason, intentionally or not, only had it apply to state and local agencies. 

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Really? You think when wal-mart or some other company give their employees a disocunt Verizon is eating that cost? No really is paying Verizon the difference. Also there are counties that have deals with Verizon. I knew someone that worked for the county next door( 32,000 people total population ) that got an 18% disocunt on Verizon. Verizon didn't do that to be nice. If Verion is negotiating with small towns and counties they can certainly negotiate with law enforcement organizations. 

[Ashnicall]

I do work for a local/county law enforcement agency and I also never received a discount after being approved. I'm actually very taken back at how many people are having this issue. I agree with you 100%, if you can't follow through with an offer then just don't have one.

[vzw_customer_support]

We certainly understand your concern regarding the discount, Ashnicall. Have you checked with the validation center here https://www.verizonwireless-employmentvalidation.com/contactus/ to inquire about the discount? 

TionnaB_VZW