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Since the start of 2013, Verizon has been adding a "shortfall charge" of anywhere from $1.19 to $3.99 per month. This is in addition to [a] $6.00 a month for the "5-cents" long distance plan, [g] 5-cents for each long distance call made and toll charges for calls where I have to dial 1 but it's not theoretically a long-distance call (the DC metro area is complicated).
i have been trying to find somewhere on the Verizon web site (which ought to win a prize for most user hostile) that explains this charge. On non-Verizon web sites, I discovered that the company line is apparently that if you have "access" to make long-distance calls, you have to pay to maintain the network even if you don't make any calls. That would be reasonable if I weren't already paying a $6 monthly fee for long-distance access.
Is it worth trying to get through to some person at Verizton to dispute this? (I can't get E-Mail on the web site to work, and I'm not eager to spend hours holding on the phone only to be told: "we can charge you anything we bloody like".
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I was never able to find anywhere on the Verizon web site where it explains the 'shortfall' charge, and it has been going on for a lot longer than you think. Basically there is a minimum monthly billing for any Verizon Charges, and if you don't reach that using your 5 cents per minute long distance, you are going to be billed for the 'shortfall'. I got fed up with Verizon when they wanted $5 a month on top of my regular bill for the honor of being able to make long distance calls (the calls were extra).
Long distane service is unregulated, so Verizon is free to charge whatever they want. You as a customer are also free to choose whoever you want for Long Distance Service. If you have FiOS or Cable Internet, my suggestion is you simply kiss Verizon Goodbye. Transfer your phone number toa VOIP service like Vonage, cut your phone bill in half, and be rid of the headache and expense
If you want to communicate with Verizon, don't bother with calling them. You will spend your life either navigating voice menu hell,or on hold. In addition, as a consumer, calling provides no protection and preserves no rights, It is a complete waste of time.
Buried on your bill somewhere is an address for Correspondence. On mine it is Verizon, PO Box 33078, St. Petersburg, FL 33733. Only by actually writing to Verizon are you likely to get any answer.
Express your displeasure in wriring, and state clearly that the letter is as required by the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act/Fair billing act. As a matter of law, Verizon has to answer these letters.
I was never able to find anywhere on the Verizon web site where it explains the 'shortfall' charge, and it has been going on for a lot longer than you think. Basically there is a minimum monthly billing for any Verizon Charges, and if you don't reach that using your 5 cents per minute long distance, you are going to be billed for the 'shortfall'. I got fed up with Verizon when they wanted $5 a month on top of my regular bill for the honor of being able to make long distance calls (the calls were extra).
Long distane service is unregulated, so Verizon is free to charge whatever they want. You as a customer are also free to choose whoever you want for Long Distance Service. If you have FiOS or Cable Internet, my suggestion is you simply kiss Verizon Goodbye. Transfer your phone number toa VOIP service like Vonage, cut your phone bill in half, and be rid of the headache and expense
If you want to communicate with Verizon, don't bother with calling them. You will spend your life either navigating voice menu hell,or on hold. In addition, as a consumer, calling provides no protection and preserves no rights, It is a complete waste of time.
Buried on your bill somewhere is an address for Correspondence. On mine it is Verizon, PO Box 33078, St. Petersburg, FL 33733. Only by actually writing to Verizon are you likely to get any answer.
Express your displeasure in wriring, and state clearly that the letter is as required by the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act/Fair billing act. As a matter of law, Verizon has to answer these letters.
Yes forget calling they will only lie to you any way it truly is a waste of time
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