Verizon

When I switched to Verizon FIOS from DSL, the installing technician plugged the "box" into a fluorescent light in my basement. When I turned off the light (and every light in my basement that he left on), FIOS no longer worked and I had no idea why. After spending an hour trying to get a technician, I found out what the problem was, and plugged the "box" into an outlet, using an extension cord. The outlet was not readily visible, but the technician did not ask me to find an outlet or mention that FIOS would not work as he installed it.

I asked if my laptop could be configured to FIOS and he volunteered to do it without mentioning that the charge would be A$54.99 for a one minute operation I could have done myself.

When the bill came, I found the $54.99 charge and discovered that the six-month promotion discount had not been applied for the period of time I had FIOS. I was owed an $89.00 credit. I called to get the correction made and was promised that the credit would be applied. It was not, and I had to call again.

My DSL service was not discontinued, and I was billed for that, even though I was not using it, resulting in double billing. I called to correct that, but not only was it not corrected, but I was charged for DSL the following month. One agent said that the service was canceled but no credit was applied; another said that the DSL service was not canceled. I spent an hour speaking to three people who put me on hold for fifteen minutes each before I was disconnected each time. Several times other people came on the line. I am a pretty patient person, but by this time I was livid. I finally got someone who said that a refund check would be sent and my DSL would be canceled. This would take two weeks, I was told. I don't have a lot of faith that Verizon will be sending me a check.

This company needs to get its act together. What with dishonest technicians, terrible customer service and inept billing, it's a wonder anyone uses its services. I have a two year contract for FIOS, and I am very sorry I signed up for it. FIOS really isn't that much faster than DSL, and the expense and aggravation associated with FIOS are not worth the dubious benefits.