Verizon – America’s Most Reliable Network As Long As You Are Outside
Just had an interesting conversation with a customer service representative at Verizon. You know, America’s most reliable network. It turns out that “the network,” famously represented by a hoard of Verizon employees in their advertisements, are more outdoor cats than indoor cats, so to speak.
Let me explain.
I made a call to Verizon today because, since we moved to this apartment a few months back, we’ve not been able to have any clear conversations on our mobiles without having to stand next to a window or going outside on the balcony. If we don’t, our conversations cut out and sometimes our calls drop. Also, strangely, Verizon to Verizon calls seem to be the worst, and with both of our families exclusively on Verizon, that’s an issue.
Obviously, the reception here isn’t good, and conversations with others in the building confirm that this is a bad spot for Verizon, and a number of people have dropped Verizon when they got here.
No biggie, I thought. If there isn’t reliable service here, Verizon will understand, apologize and let us out of our contract without fees. I mean, if you can’t service a customer properly, you’re not going to force them to keep your service or pay a fee, right?
Wrong.
After quickly getting through to a customer service representative and explaining my problem (including the part about this being my only phone and that I work from home) I was told that not getting reception was not really their problem and that they don’t guarantee that any of their customers will actually get service inside any building.
Let me say that again, because it bears repeating, Verizon, America’s most reliable network, does not guarantee any service once you are inside of a structure.
I was a bit shocked by this statement, and strangely, the customer service rep went from nice to defensive. I’m guessing she gets to have this conversation a lot, and was not looking forward to another customer getting unhappy when they find out that they have the choice to either stick with a service that doesn’t work or pay a hefty cancellation fee.
So, now I have to pay $245 to Verizon to get out of Kristi and my contract, just so we can get a carrier who actually will have reception in our area. Seems pretty stupid, huh?
I might try to call Lisa Williams of Verizon Executive Customer Relations and see if she can do anything. In case you have a similar problem, the number for Lisa is (as found on The Consumerist) is 910-794-6232 or call the main Executive Office at 908-306-6750.
Whatever the outcome, this did make me think of one thing…are all of the Verizon ads shot outside? I think they may be. Now I know why.
Comments
Cell phone companies, Comcast, and Qwest seem to be fighting a never-ending war in the minds of the public for the title of worst company to deal with. And in today's world, you MUST deal with 2 or 3 of them if you want any modern services (Internet, cell phone, etc.) But the REALLY bad news is that you probably won't do any better by paying Verizon's massive cancellation fee and switching companies. You may pay upwards of 500 bucks to switch and find yourself in the same crappy situation as before. Unfortunately, it's the result of our modern economy and capitalist system that consumers are left with no good choices for these increasingly important services. But believe it or not, there's an even worse option, that may or may not happen some day - government regulation. (Think baby bells.)
Dismal.
Posted by: pfountain | September 11, 2008 01:09 PM
Welcome to cell phone contract hell. AT&T sucks down here in Pueblo, but they didn't care about that when I canceled my iPhone account.
Actually, there's a new series of VZW commercials that feature some inside stuff. In particular the one with the two kids near the laundry room warning the guy about the "dead zone".
Let me know if you want the email/employee ID combo to sign up for Sprint's new employee referral stuff.
Posted by: jb. | September 11, 2008 03:09 PM
Asbestos is the typical cause of cell phone interference in buildings.
Posted by: Mini Freak | September 11, 2008 05:58 PM
I actually saw a verizon commercial where it they show the entourage inside- it's the one where the guy is going to do his laundry and the two ghost "twins" tell him the laundry room is a "dead zone." There you go!
Posted by: Stephanie Auld | September 16, 2008 09:23 AM
I can think of so many other reasons to blast Verizon. But I actually forgive their issues with reception indoors. Out of their control mostly. For example, our building at work seems to deflect any signal. They like to keep us in a plastic bubble and monitor our conversations. They're reading this I guess.
Posted by: nalts | September 18, 2008 03:53 AM
Nalts is partially correct. The government blocks reception inside buildings cuz they can't get good enough reception to monitor all your calls. They especially target degenerates such as M. Punk cuz they are afraid of free thinkers.
Posted by: Mini Freak | September 19, 2008 06:32 AM