Switching to Sprint..

[CMVuyovich]

I have been with Verizon Wireless somewhere in the realm of 8-9 yrs. I am a creature of habit and don't like change...so coming to this decision has been a big one.

I understand technology can be expensive. And having 3 smartphone lines for us on average has run about $250 per month. For years, I have shelled out the money because we're a busy family. My husband, my teenage son and I are constantly on the go. So having cell phones has always been a must. But I'm over the excess charges. My charges stay about the same, but unbeknownst to me and probably the lack of knowledge on behalf of my son, I was hit with a whopping $350 bill next month. That would be, $150 in overage charges. I was floored. I'm tired of being taken advantage of. That is more than my CAR payment..let me repeat that...that is MORE THAN MY CAR PAYMENT. In what world, is my phone, my monthly charge, MORE than my vehicle of which I bought for $18k. Attn Verizon: You are robbing people. I understand that businesses are in the business to make money...but my loyalty to Verizon officially ended today. I have never, ever had a problem with them, have paid my bill on time...but this...this is just wrong. Verizon..Why can't you give family's a break?? What's your problem??? I just got off the phone with Sprint, and T-Mobile..I haven't looked at AT&T yet...but guess what? T-Mobile AND Sprint have these wonderful, up to 10 lines, unlimited EVERYTHING (and yes...that's data too...I asked!) for a flat $100. No surprises. None. Do you know what a breath of fresh air paying about $100-$150 LESS a month will be for me?! And that's $100 less than my typical, no surprise monthly bill. And yes...that would also be 4G. I checked on that too. I had my notebook full of questions, looked at the coverage, the cost of switching my numbers, what options would work for my family, etc. You're no good for me Verizon. You have robbed me all this time...you have taken advantage of me and overcharged me at every opportunity. I have been a loyal customer for years...YEARS. And this is how I'm repaid?? Adios Verizon!!

[vzw_customer_support · Accepted solution]

CMVuyovich,

I can understand the need to have a working phone, espeically with a family on the go. I totally get that. I am surprised to hear that you are thinking of leaving us after 8-9 years. What caused the overage? Did someone's usage change? We can look into this for sure though. Please provide us with some additional details. We would love to continue to have you for the next 8-9 years. Keep in mind, while other carriers may offer a less expensive plan, you'll want to be sure to read all the fine print. I know some carriers offer "unlimited" features while on their network, which is minimal compared to ours, and then would charge more for "roaming" fees. I would love to be able to assist further.

ErinW_VZW
Follow us on Twitter @VZWSupport

[whocares9999]

Right there with you CMV been a customer for some time now.  Wanted to upgrade my devices, but for some reason I have to pay and renew a contract, when i personally know of three other people that did not pay a cent to upgrade to new iPhone6's and did not have to renew a contract.

[CMVuyovich]

I appreciate the response. I'm sure that there is some fine print, and that there might be some questions I have yet to ask, which is why I have requested Sprint to contact me on Tuesday to give me some time to dig and to give this more thought. As for the surprise overage charges...that would be my son not realizing that watching sports clips while not at home (where we have internet so he is on our wi-fi at the house) and watching his football games while not at home, has cost us data. It was a fluke thing, as he would usually be at home watching these things. I had to explain to him what had happened and what it has done to our bill. What I don't understand, is why Verizon doesn't have a cap. Why don't you have an unlimited data plan? or say, once you breach this amount of data, you are charged a flat fee regardless. As I mentioned, with Sprint, for 4G, unlimited data, the most I would be paying with everything I have on my plan now, before tax, is $142.92. I had them break down all the charges, and was told over and over, no surprises. The bottom line...when 3 phones cost a family, $200 to actually USE them...that's just for 1 little GB of data. to actually add more data the price gets worse. I pay in the realm, on average, $200-$250..for the whole 3-4 GB of data my family uses combined. That is expensive. And unnecessary. I would love to stay with Verizon..I hate to have to mess with transferring numbers and getting new phones..I really don't want to do it. But I cannot justify a $351 surprise bill. There are no words. That is outrageous. And I can't afford to have another surprise bill like that.

[#5]

First off your son used the data, how has Verizon been ridiculous?

It was used and they have it in your terms you agreed to to charge X amount per GB in overages. That is your fault.

Now on to Sprint, you will not get 4G anything with them. They sell it as 3/4 G data. However their vision and spark upgrades are not everywhere. So they are lying to you. Go to the site and read the fine print. Additionally if you roam off their unlimited network they will cancel your account. Doubt me look it up on Google. And you pay $36 activation fees per line of service. Terrible coverage.

Now T-Mobile is another matter. They have the least coverage of any carrier however they have so called 4G via HSPA+ penetration in buildings is not that good but depending on the device has WiFi calling. Its unlimited everything  but you have to pay full price for all three devices and three activation fees of $40 per line and they charge $10 per Sim card where other carriers do not charge for. Their coverage is terrible but no contracts or overages. And they keep messing with your bill closing date, and there are phampton charges that appear on your account. Customer service is inept and you will get angry. I used them to try out had service for 3-4 months and they kept billing me for seven months more with a .02¢ credit balance.

Now AT&T has pretty good coverage and almost equip to Verizon.

You can use their payment plan like Verizon's edge, or get contract phones and pay $40 activation fees per lines. But they have no unlimited data and if your child goes over on data, are you going to look for yet another provider?

The fact is it will cost you much more to leave than to stay. Occasionally going over on data is far cheaper when you can purchase more data for your devices. 1 GB is not a lot of data for three phones to share.

Good Luck

[CMVuyovich]

Say what you want, I have friends on Sprints family plan..it is exactly what they quoted me. My next door neighbor shared their bill last night. They pay $107.29, (that's that unlimited data, talk text...for $100...with tax..in case you didn't figure that out) for 5 lines...and they travel. Stop talking Elector...stop defending. You can stop waiving the Verizon banner...I get it..your a loyal fan regardless of facts. Good for you..now move on. Many businesses in my area use Sprint. My husband's work phone is through Sprint. Now I know why.

And my point was, I don't ever run a bill that high. There shouldn't BE the capability to run a bill that high. When a phone can cost you hundreds each month..THAT is rediculous. I'm not upset because I run bills high...as I stated..I have been with the for almost 10 years. I'm not irresponsible. So you need to also keep your ignorant comments to yourself Elector. When a fluke happens...when I have never used so much data, ever...ever....there should be something to prevent billing people so much money. Especially when other businesses can.

[CMVuyovich]

And, I'd like to add, that paying $120 in access charges...no plan..just access charges...is awful. Three phones, at $40 each. Guess what...Sprint's access charges are $15 each...AND if I have my own number already, they said that the access charges get waived. Explain to me the $120 of access charges, Verizon. If I paid just the $120 each month, just to HAVE my phone...what can I do with that and still not have to pay anymore than $120. Because if you say "nothing, you can do nothing with your phone for $120 every month..that that $120 simply allows you to have a working phone"...if that's the response I"m going to get...you're even worse than I thought. Verizon needs to re-evaluate their customers...their loyal customers. They need to look at how much they are charging and consider, that you will only have loyalty for so long. It's not your new customers that keep you business...you can throw all those great, new promotions at the idea of getting new customers. But that's not what keeps you in business. Those new customers are typically plan hoppers...meaning they are only out for the best deal. When the next awesome deal comes out with one of the other phone companies, they drop you and move on. No, it's your customers who don't leave that keep you in business. But when they see they they are paying you more than 2 x what they should be...I promise...you won't keep them much longer. I have been looking at my bill and have been asking Sprint a lot of questions...so far, they are still looking good. I don't see anyone from Verizon addressing these issues and fixing your ridiculous charges.

[flutterfly8497]

By your own admission,  there is nothing to fix. Your son used the data, Verizon's plans clearly state the charges for data overage, and they do provide several ways to monitor use. There is nothing dishonest or nefarious going on. It's actually pretty simple...you go over your allotted data, you pay overage.

You can set up controls to limit data use on your son's phone,  but there is a cost for that. Verizon provides the service, and the terms are clear. It doesn't matter if you pay your bill on time or if you never had overage before. Obviously, for the month in question, you did.

Threatening to cancel service if Verizon refuses to grant your demands negates your claim of being a loyal customer; and regardless of what another company tells you to get you to switch, they won't cater to your every demand either.

[CMVuyovich]

And no Elector...it wont cost me to leave. Again..your ignorant comments. I will pay $0 to leave. Sprint will buy out my contract, send me a new phone without charging me (but that is based on my credit and payment history...so maybe that's not available for you) and no access charges. My first bill, will be $100..minus tax. As quoted, and as proven last night as I mentioned. Again, please keep quiet about things you know not of. And I'd like to add, after I looked into AT&T and called them and asked my questions..no..they aren't as good as Sprint....so, not sure what type of investigating skills you have...maybe for you they are better, but not for a family. There were some hidden charges in their plans that I found after talking to the rep.

[#10]

Let me tell you something since my wife had sprint. That $100 does not include the costs of the devices.

Yes they have free phones (has nothing to do with your credit) mine is triple A way above your limit.

Nice try though.

Sprint now has lease of devices, not free, they have pay full price (which I always do) and a few free devices which you are going after. I don't care if your husband or neighbors or men from mars has service in your area, the proof is in the web portal. You really don't know what you are talking about. You will get reimbursed by gift card for early termination fees after you pay off Verizon. And there are gotchas on that one as well. And a time limit.

I personally don't care if you go to any other carrier. Ignorance is not on my end, its on yours.

And I don't care if you pay your bill or not. The bottom line here is there was an overage fee but you balk that Verizon would charge you. Why wouldn't they. Your child used more data.

Good luck at Sprint

[B33]

I'll add:  promotions might sound good but the after thought is what gets ya.. my cousin a 10 year customer with sprint was recently let go because of too much Data roaming he called for an answer and the rep replied with the reason, said by midnight of this night your service will end.. sorry

[#12]

And they dont have a load of 4G coverage. My wife can attest to that. When in Miami they said they had full 4G however she was luck to get 1x terrible speed and coverage. They only thing they do right is bill you monthly.

go figure

[flutterfly8497]

You will have to pay your ETFs, then submit the request and wait for a prepaid card with the amount of your charges to Sprint. I don't know how long that takes,  but you might want to find out.

[CMVuyovich]

Elector...for someone who could care less...you sure care a lot!

And sorry for your experience. Again..having been a member with Verizon for 10 years....10 YEARS...I think that proves I'm not a person who flip flops because I'm upset one day. Stop acting as if I am. And say what you will about your lone wife's experience. I don't make decisions off of 1 incident. That being yours. Sorry your experience has been bad. But I don't think business...like my husband's..who travels...all over the US and internationally...would use Sprint if their coverage was so bad and their plans. I don't think all the friends I have would do the same. I don't think they'd lie to me just to be right. And they certainly would not have been with them for so long if it was such an awful phone company. Your wife's experience...while unfortunate...is not going to make me think you certainly know what your talking about. Every company..has complainers. You being Sprints. Yes...I'm complaining. It just so happens that I was urged last month by Verizon to up my data plan...when I had no reason to...because I never went over my whole 3 gb. NOW I get this bill..I have never paid so much for phones in my life. Do you see where I might really be upset with Verizon...just out of the blue? My son didn't realize it would cost so much data..because he has used his phone to watch sports before. I'm having a really hard time believing he used almost 10 GB of data...but I"m going to accept blame and say he did. I just find it ironic is all. And to the other ignoramus comment about setting alerts and limits. I have. That is another battle I"m fighting. Because supposedly the alerts I chose, would shut off the phone service when it exceeded our plan. I did this earlier this year Where was that cushion, Verizon???. Again...how ironic after I just had a conversation with Verizon last month about NOT upping my plan unnecessarily...I got hit with a whopping bill. Again..stop waiving your Verizon banner. You have millions more people to hound I"m sure about their lack of happiness with Verizon...better get a move on.

[#15]

I Move on for no one. You have 10 years with them however I was with them even before their name change to Verizon in 2000. I have been a customer when they were Bell Atlantic NYNEX Mobile so around 26+ years.

i Have great coverage with them, my bill has always been correct, I have unlimited data but use less than 50 Megabytes per month with two iphone 5s.

MY wife and I own their stock, we don't always get 4G LTE every where but we don't expect to. We tried Sprint for her tablet it was terrible in a major city (Miami) and we used T-Mobile for our spare phone and it was terrible also.

i Am typing from an iPad mini on AT&T data network and it's blazing fast. So I know much more about cellular than you do. I was a former telecommunications director in the government. Not all carriers are going to give 100% service coverages or fast data.

but that is not your issue. You are throwing a tantrum over data overages your child used. It happens unless you were grandfathered in for unlimited data.

and I used cell phones when you carried them in a brief case or had the 3Watt bag phone in your car.

so you are not dealing with just some person making a comment.

again nice try.

[flutterfly8497]

The only way to disable data on a phone when it reaches a certain limit is to use Family base, and that has a monthly cost. You are quick to call people ignorant and make nasty comments attacking things you "know not of." 

Again with the "I never went over before" argument. That doesn't matter...and for a customer of Verizon for such a long time,  you surely understand how the plans work. You can't roll over minutes, texts, or data. If you go over, you pay overage. Claiming ignorance won't get you out of that.

[CMVuyovich]

And Elector...that load of 4G crap goes for Verizon. I live in a big city...cull of coverage...always a full bar no matter where I go. We have Verizon stores all over the place where I live, boasting their wonderful coverage and their wonderful 4G.  I have 4G phones.  I have it set in my phone for 4G reception when possible. You want to know how often I actually get 4G???  Like, hardly ever. It's usually 3G. I have no idea what Sprint's 4G coverage is like...but if I'm paying for 4G and getting 3G like 75% of the time...the 4G argument is a useless one. At this point...it's not even a factor.

[CMVuyovich]

I have family base..and it was on. I know how to set up a phone. You're quick to assume you're right.

[rcschnoor]

IF you have Family Base AND a data limit set for the line which used the overage data, you have a slam dunk case for small claims court. File the case and you will get the overage charge back from Verizon along with whatever costs you submit with that claim. Of course, you would have to have the proof that you were actually charged for the Family Base service and had the data limit settings in place for the line which was charged for the overage.

[flutterfly8497]

If you have family base and it is set up properly, why are you here? IF Family base is the problem, you should address that with customer service, not in a customer-to-customer forum. I'm not assuming I'm right, I made a statement of FACT about how one would set usage limits.

As rcschnoor said, IF the failure of the family base is responsible for the overage, take Verizon to court.

[CMVuyovich]

I am throwing a fit because it wasn't just a little over...like "whoops..you accidentally went over this month"...it was more than triple. My son goes to school and comes home. He doesn't take his phone to school because its not allowed. I have our phones set to our wifi at home. He uses it on occasion. I'm throwing a fit...because no one, in our house...has ever used that much. I"m throwing a fit...because it doesn't' add up. It didn't go over 1-2 GB of data...it went over like 7!! I know how it works, I know what I agreed to...I set up the options to prevent overage charges...I am no idiot either and even though I don't work in Telecommunications as you do, I'm smart enough with electronics to work as someone who troubleshoots and sets up communication devices. I may not know all the ins and outs....but I certainly know how to operate a cell phone and how to understand a plan! I'm frustrated because people like you troll community forums picking fights...this is between me and Verizon. There's a reason they haven't responded publicly. It's all in my account info..which they are privy to...not you. And they have reached out to me quietly trying to fix this...because once again...they know I"m right. Not because I got hit with a bill that I made...because I got hit with a bill that I'm positive I didn't make. Keep your comments to yourself. I posted this on the forum because the customer service I got on the phone was horrendous and I wouldn't be patched through to a manager. However, I knew if I posted on a forum, I would be taken seriously and finally have someone take a look at our bill and our usage...and it's already been acknowledged that it doesn't add up. So, again, yes..you are ignorant. In the fact that you comment on situations you know not of. I did what I had to do, to finally get a real response from Verizon. So again...I say this for the LAST time...go away and top trying to find ways for everyone to appreciate your mad telecommunication knowledge and expertise.