Early Upgrade for Fascinate Owners

[nickjr]

Since so many of us are having difficulty with our fascinate phones, and some of Verizon users have been able to exchange their phone for another phone, you would hope Verizon would at least provide the current fascinate users with a one time option of an early upgrade for those who are ineligible at this time for an upgrade. What Say you Verizon!!!!!

[SFObrien]

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nickjr wrote:
Since so many of us are having difficulty with our fascinate phones, and some of Verizon users have been able to exchange their phone for another phone, you would hope Verizon would at least provide the current fascinate users with a one time option of an early upgrade for those who are ineligible at this time for an upgrade. What Say you Verizon!!!!!

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Never happen.  I remember when some of us bought the Storm 1 after being told by VZW it was going to blow away the Iphone and it was pretty much a failure.  The Storm 2 came out while most were still under contract and Verizon wouldn't budge on early upgrades.

Bottom line is like all companies, we got your money sorry for your luck.

[mdram4x4]

nope, sorry, never happen

how many threads like this have there been for free phones?

how many times has it ever been done?

[nickjr]

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mdram4x4 wrote:

nope, sorry, never happen

how many threads like this have there been for free phones?

how many times has it ever been done?

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I am not asking for a FREE phone, only the ability to upgrade and at upgrade price since I am not elegible at this time for an upgrade. Verizon in the past has offered early upgrade for those on 2 year contracts and suspended this service early 2011

[redskinredtaco]

I am randomly not recieving phone calls. Called tech support and they did a factory reset. the next day the same thing happened. Called tech support and they sent me a new phone(Same {word filter avoidance} fascinate). It just happened again. Called tech support. **bleep** wanted to to a reset again. I told them I only had like 4 extra apps installed and wasnt going to play this game. I want a new phone or out of my contract. I've been with VZW for over 8 years, This is the **bleep** the offered me 1) send me another POS Fascinate 2) give me a $50 credit and let me pick another phone 3) send me a droid X free. What kind of **bleep** is that. My phone is less than 8 months old. I think we need to join together and get a class action lawsuit going. ANy takers? Paul ......

[TimSnyder]

My options were another CPO Fascinate or the Droid X as a replacment. I took the Droid X. No regrets! Awesome phone, get my calls and texts, and factory Gingerbread. If they are offering, take it IMO. An early upgrade will NOT happen.

[SFObrien]

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TimSnyder wrote:

My options were another CPO Fascinate or the Droid X as a replacment. I took the Droid X. No regrets! Awesome phone, get my calls and texts, and factory Gingerbread. If they are offering, take it IMO. An early upgrade will NOT happen.

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The X is a good phone and a better deal for them.  It is a third generation device.  The 2 is out and the 3 has already surfaced on the web.  And chances are it is a refurb like the Fascinate they try to pawn off on you.

Refurbs are refurbs for a reason...................

[NRR]

Count us in on the class action suit.  We're on the phone with them again and that is exactly what I'm telling them.  They are passing the buck to Samsung and I keep going back to the fact that we are paying VERIZON and NOT Samsung for service that we are no longer receiving since the last OS update! 

[tamiowhit]

Am experieincing exactly the same problems plus more.  Not receiving all my texts either.  I count on this phone as a vital link between my 17 year old daughter and myself in emergency situations.  My son was in the emergency room a couple of weeks ago and tried to call me twice but I never received the calls!!  Other times, I'll be literally holding my phone and will get a voicemail notofication even though the phone never rang!  Really unsure of how oftern this is happening.  I mean really...how are you supposed to know what texts and calls you're not receiving when you don't receive them?  The only way of gauging the severity is when someone says "I called/texted you, why didn't you call/text back?"  The old "I didn't get it" starts to sound hollow after a while!!!

I'm in on the class action lawsuit...or maybe I should just switch carriers!! 

[thornbe]

Based on the issues that Fascinate users are experiencing, it looks like there could be a common cause.  Dropped/not received calls, slow network performance, lost network connectivity and poor battery life could all be linked back to the radio/antenna.  I have also seen threads stating that the antenna in the Fascinate is of a poor design.  If this can be proven, then there might be a legal recourse for the Fascinate owners.

Turn off 3G data and the phone's battery life improves dramatically.  Turn on Wifi, connect to an AP and again, the battery life improves dramatically.  Stand next to another Verizon Wireless user with another manufacture's phone and the notice the difference in cell strength between the two phones.  The Fascinate usually will have less or no "Bars".

If this can be attributed to a "design flaw", then it should fall under electronics lemon laws.

- Tim

[tarheels38]

tim,

i never thought of what you said until it dawned on me! sounds like vzw knows the flaws,etc,but wont do the right thing,ex.fess up and say,yea,its the antenna,etc,we are going to refund,exchange,upgrade at no cost to you.they are too worried about the almighty dollar! count me in.....i had even thought about buying the stupid network extender for 250.00.but i aint.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TominqueBo_VZW]

Hello thornbe, 

Samsung is aware of the call and battery opportunities and are currently in the midst of validating a permanent solution to assist. We appreciate you patience and will keep you all updated.  Thank you. 

[randallg]

Unfortunately, it will never happen.  Verizon  truly doesn't care about it's customers....we are merely a source of monthly income in their wireless empire.  I have been with V for 15 years and I have never..I repeat never received any competent assistance with any problems I have had with ANY phone...just do what I am going to do when the iPhone 5 comes out in the Fall...head down and just buy the iPhone 5.  I'm saving $50 per month in a separate bank account so that I can just hand them cash and walk out with the iPhone...should havve bought that in the first place.  Good luck and keep smiling...

[nickjr]

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randallg wrote:

Unfortunately, it will never happen.  Verizon  truly doesn't care about it's customers....we are merely a source of monthly income in their wireless empire.  I have been with V for 15 years and I have never..I repeat never received any competent assistance with any problems I have had with ANY phone...just do what I am going to do when the iPhone 5 comes out in the Fall...head down and just buy the iPhone 5.  I'm saving $50 per month in a separate bank account so that I can just hand them cash and walk out with the iPhone...should havve bought that in the first place.  Good luck and keep smiling...

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You might be one of the fortunate users whose contract will expire then and receive an upgrade price, however I hope you know once your upgrade your phone or contract after July 7th, and if you have an unlimited data plan, as far as what the forums are currently saying, you will end up on a tiered plan, no more unlimited plan. The only ones who will have an unlimited data plan is when they have a contract by July 7th. After that any changes to your plan, no more unlimited data plan

[NuDroidUsrr]

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nickjr wrote:

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randallg wrote:

Unfortunately, it will never happen.  Verizon  truly doesn't care about it's customers....we are merely a source of monthly income in their wireless empire.  I have been with V for 15 years and I have never..I repeat never received any competent assistance with any problems I have had with ANY phone...just do what I am going to do when the iPhone 5 comes out in the Fall...head down and just buy the iPhone 5.  I'm saving $50 per month in a separate bank account so that I can just hand them cash and walk out with the iPhone...should havve bought that in the first place.  Good luck and keep smiling...

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You might be one of the fortunate users whose contract will expire then and receive an upgrade price, however I hope you know once your upgrade your phone or contract after July 7th, and if you have an unlimited data plan, as far as what the forums are currently saying, you will end up on a tiered plan, no more unlimited plan. The only ones who will have an unlimited data plan is when they have a contract by July 7th. After that any changes to your plan, no more unlimited data plan

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  That is not entirely true. From what I am seeing, if you have a smartphone with unlimited data, and upgrade to another smart phone, regardless of when, you will not be required to move to the new tiered plan "at this time". If you have anything else, and move to a smartphone, you will be required to choose a tiered plan. The key words are "at this time". That means at some point, they will end the unlimited plan, but they will decide when, much like the "new every two" plan.

[nickjr]

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NuDroidUsrr wrote:

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nickjr wrote:

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randallg wrote:

Unfortunately, it will never happen.  Verizon  truly doesn't care about it's customers....we are merely a source of monthly income in their wireless empire.  I have been with V for 15 years and I have never..I repeat never received any competent assistance with any problems I have had with ANY phone...just do what I am going to do when the iPhone 5 comes out in the Fall...head down and just buy the iPhone 5.  I'm saving $50 per month in a separate bank account so that I can just hand them cash and walk out with the iPhone...should havve bought that in the first place.  Good luck and keep smiling...

---

You might be one of the fortunate users whose contract will expire then and receive an upgrade price, however I hope you know once your upgrade your phone or contract after July 7th, and if you have an unlimited data plan, as far as what the forums are currently saying, you will end up on a tiered plan, no more unlimited plan. The only ones who will have an unlimited data plan is when they have a contract by July 7th. After that any changes to your plan, no more unlimited data plan

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  That is not entirely true. From what I am seeing, if you have a smartphone with unlimited data, and upgrade to another smart phone, regardless of when, you will not be required to move to the new tiered plan "at this time". If you have anything else, and move to a smartphone, you will be required to choose a tiered plan. The key words are "at this time". That means at some point, they will end the unlimited plan, but they will decide when, much like the "new every two" plan.

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I guess we will have to see when July 7 rolls around and this issue is put to the test...

[EdW_VZW · Accepted solution]

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randallg wrote:

Unfortunately, it will never happen.  Verizon  truly doesn't care about it's customers....we are merely a source of monthly income in their wireless empire.  I have been with V for 15 years and I have never..I repeat never received any competent assistance with any problems I have had with ANY phone...just do what I am going to do when the iPhone 5 comes out in the Fall...head down and just buy the iPhone 5.  I'm saving $50 per month in a separate bank account so that I can just hand them cash and walk out with the iPhone...should havve bought that in the first place.  Good luck and keep smiling...

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Thank you for your feedback randallg. In addressing your post, we respect your response and appreciate your loyalty. However, in 15 years many phones have changed, technology developed over the years to make the needed improvements to help better communication. The issue with the device is being addressed on a case by case basis when the customer contacts us directly for assistance. We provided the option to some customers to replace their Fascinate with a different device after discussion. Also, we have been working with the Samsung to address these concerns. Lastly, I extend to you my personal care to assist you further. Please send me a to send me a private message if you want me to address any further concerns or any device issues.  

[NRR]

edw@vzwsupport:

I have a few questions, just to clarify re: Verizon's committment to customer service.  Why then does Verizon not just replace each phone that has this issue?  It's clear by now that there is a known problem but only certain customers seem to have the "luck of the draw" by getting a particular CS agent that will actually allow for this to occur.  Of the 10 or so CS agents we've spoke to in the past 2 months, only one actually listened without blaming us.  We've been told it was our fault because we must have downloaded something to interfere with the phone's performance.  We've also been told that we should power off  and/or remove battery daily, weekly or whenever....it changes with each agent.  We've also been told that it's a Samsung issue....but why are you continuing to sell a phone with known issues and why are you not providing your customers with a phone free from issues.  WE PAY YOU, VERIZON FOR SERVICE (calls that go through, texts that show up, a device that doesn't freeze, a battery that isn't shot in 4-6 hours, etc.)!!  We've also been told that they are not aware of any issues with this phone and in fact the/family member/friend has this phone and has no issues.  Not exactly what you want to hear when your phone won't even work.  I've had dropped calls with Verizon CS agents even and I get the feeling that they think I'm making all of this up.

I've never in my life experienced such poor customer service than that I've had from Verizon....whether it be from a phone company, utility company, bank, store, health care center, etc. etc. etc!!!!  My husband and I are on our 3rd certified preowned phone EACH!  And each one comes with issues.  No it may not be the exact same issue but each one has had a significant issue that interferes with the service that WE PAY VERIZON for! 

We were Alltel customers for years. We elected to change service to Verizon and got these Samsung Fascinates in November. These phones were great until the update at which time, any acceptable and reputable company would "make it right" for the customer so they can have uninterrupted service.  Not with Verizon......they just take your $ and if you don't have proper service....oh well, we'll send you another problematic phone!  Pathetic! 

[NuDroidUsrr]

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NRR wrote:

edw@vzwsupport:

I have a few questions, just to clarify re: Verizon's committment to customer service.  Why then does Verizon not just replace each phone that has this issue?  It's clear by now that there is a known problem but only certain customers seem to have the "luck of the draw" by getting a particular CS agent that will actually allow for this to occur.  Of the 10 or so CS agents we've spoke to in the past 2 months, only one actually listened without blaming us.  We've been told it was our fault because we must have downloaded something to interfere with the phone's performance.  We've also been told that we should power off  and/or remove battery daily, weekly or whenever....it changes with each agent.  We've also been told that it's a Samsung issue....but why are you continuing to sell a phone with known issues and why are you not providing your customers with a phone free from issues.  WE PAY YOU, VERIZON FOR SERVICE (calls that go through, texts that show up, a device that doesn't freeze, a battery that isn't shot in 4-6 hours, etc.)!!  We've also been told that they are not aware of any issues with this phone and in fact the/family member/friend has this phone and has no issues.  Not exactly what you want to hear when your phone won't even work.  I've had dropped calls with Verizon CS agents even and I get the feeling that they think I'm making all of this up.

I've never in my life experienced such poor customer service than that I've had from Verizon....whether it be from a phone company, utility company, bank, store, health care center, etc. etc. etc!!!!  My husband and I are on our 3rd certified preowned phone EACH!  And each one comes with issues.  No it may not be the exact same issue but each one has had a significant issue that interferes with the service that WE PAY VERIZON for! 

We were Alltel customers for years. We elected to change service to Verizon and got these Samsung Fascinates in November. These phones were great until the update at which time, any acceptable and reputable company would "make it right" for the customer so they can have uninterrupted service.  Not with Verizon......they just take your $ and if you don't have proper service....oh well, we'll send you another problematic phone!  Pathetic! 

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  It's not the hardware that is to blame, it is the software that was written for the OS, and the drivers. I would rather them just fix the software, and not replace the phone. Everything with the exception of poor signal is the result of the software. Why else would there be so many problems since the 2.2 upgrade?

[NRR]

Software or not, the fact remains that we still are not getting the services we are paying for. . And paying dearly, might I add!

[NuDroidUsrr]

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NRR wrote:

Software or not, the fact remains that we still are not getting the services we are paying for. . And paying dearly, might I add!

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  I agree 100%, but the thread was about replacing the phone, when it is not the phone hardware that is the issue, it is the software. I love the hardware, but I am less than thrilled with Verizon and Samsung with their software for it. But I am also not looking at replacing the phone, I just want Verizon to fix it. When I contact them (which is pretty regular these days), it is not to complain about the phone, but just the OS/drivers, etc. I just want it fixed and fixed the right way.