My New Bundle Blues

[egrande25]

Hi all,

I was recently switched to the Verizon Double Play Bundle with TV and Internet (no home phone) after I was informed that my previous bundle, which I was satisfied with, had expired (I was left with the impression that it was an 'introductory' type bundle - by the way, I first signed on with FIOS in September 2008). I paid around $90-$95/month before. The customer service representative told me that the Double Play bundle is currently the cheapest bundle available for my situation. I just got my first bill under the new bundle ($117, plus $18 for the privilege of having PART of last month under the wonderful new bundle). I can't afford this increase.

The FIOS website would not display any alternative bundles, but there must be something. For example, I do not need the "ULTIMATE HD" TV programming that the Double Play Bundle includes, nor do I need the fastest internet option. I would be satisfied with the lesser "EXTREME HD" TV lineup and a lesser inernet speed.

Bottom line: I was satisfied with my original bundle. The price increase that has been placed on me is unacceptable, and I do not need some of the options the Double Play bundle includes. If anyone has information on the prices and channels included in alternative (cheaper) TV/internet bundles, please let me know. I am also awaiting response from an email to customer service on the matter. Also, was my initial bundle just bait-and-switch? Is everyone else going through this too?

E

[Jaime_Lee]

Hi, I reached out to some people in customer service...I was told that once your bundle expires, the new bundle you select will be at the current market rate for existing customers which might be why you are seeing a price difference.

On the website currently, there are no options to "downgrade" your bundle to lesser packages than what you have on your account. This may be added in the future.

It would be best to contact a customer service rep (which you have currently and are waiting for a response) that can pull up your account and tell you what options are available to you.

Live Chat is also an option at:

http://www22.verizon.com/content/ContactUs/

[DanceRat]

Good Luck,

I too am in the same situation, and renewed with an associate, and suffered some financial issues over the last six months. I was told I cannot choose anything cheaper or I am liable for a 179.00 break contract charge.  So I don't know what I'm going to do.

[jorgelm]

Yes, I am going through somewhat the same thing. The sales man {edited for privacy} told me I was going to pay $100.00 for the first 6 months (equip fees and taxes included). Got my first bill the other day - $115.00 dollars. Got the bill on the weekend after the

free cancellation period.  Verizon is a scamming corporation.

[undertow]

That sounds familiar. I ordered the FIOS triple-bundle, and when I ordered the price was $95/mo. for the first 6 months, and $125/mo. for the remaining 18 months. Well, so far I've been paying $110 per month (not including taxes) and I'm in month 3.

What's with the extra $15/month? Good question. I've tried calling and emailing about it, and haven't gotten an answer that makes sense. I'm planning on putting it all in writing and sending it to Verizon via certified mail. That way all my bases will be covered when I file a complaint with the Consumer Protection Division of the Maryland AD's office. They won't listen to me now, maybe they'll listen to me then. Maybe...

I love the service, but their customer service and billing transparency, in my experience, is pretty terrible, worse than Dish Network and on par with Comcast.