manchild said: How is there customer service compared to comast?
Hardware up-time is great , probably had only 3-4 downtimes in 7yrs (mostly due to heavy system upgrades or really bad weather) . Customer service , weeeell not bad , but sometimes its hard to get to the correct dept for any questions/answers or problems ; but over all better than most .
My contract is up again , so I'll be trying to get abit more service for the same $$$ for being a loyal customer . May or may not happen , but Iam going to try non-the-less .
littletemple
Member
posted: Feb. 27, 2010 @ 12:35p
If you get Fios, can you go back to using basic DSL and phone service after the 2yr period? I hear they rip out the existing copper wire and you are stuck with Verizon Fios forever.
BigHeinzer
Member
posted: Feb. 27, 2010 @ 12:37p
Another neat feature is if you have an android phone you can stream remotely from dvr to your phone and also download a remote control app. (but that's worthless)
littletemple said: If you get Fios, can you go back to using basic DSL and phone service after the 2yr period? I hear they rip out the existing copper wire and you are stuck with Verizon Fios forever.
you have to tell them YOU DO NOT WANT THE COPPER REMOVED prior to install. you have every right to refuse the work and keep the exisiting copper wire. If you don't insist, they will rip it out.
MISTERCHEAP said: littletemple said: If you get Fios, can you go back to using basic DSL and phone service after the 2yr period? I hear they rip out the existing copper wire and you are stuck with Verizon Fios forever.
you have to tell them YOU DO NOT WANT THE COPPER REMOVED prior to install. you have every right to refuse the work and keep the exisiting copper wire. If you don't insist, they will rip it out.
That's pretty sneaking. This is a great rate for 2 years. I'm just waiting on the details of the new TiVo HD box, then I'll get the FIOS. It should be next week.
vanlinemover
New Member
posted: Feb. 27, 2010 @ 1:36p
the problem with all of them deals is that you have to have a fios box in every room now and that drives up the cost of the service so much that it cost more then regular cable
I did tell the guy I want to leave the copper there, he said they are trashing the copper and right now it is also not reliable. I told him to leave it there anyway... he did leave it but he kinda careless with it too. If i want to go back to copper, it have to be fix a bit before putting back.
Anyway, I just learn that Verizon.net and Verizon.com are two different thing. I sign up for email on verizon.net but I cannot access all my bills, I have to sign up for another Verizon.com account to view and pay all my bills. Weird but oh well.
BTW, they charge about $3 to pay bill over on an automated phone. Weird but now a day feels like everyone want to charge for every little thing.
My package don't have TV and Verizon constantly called my house 2 or 3 times a day about adding TV. I called them and they said they'll take my name off the promotion notice.
Guess what! if u guys have FIOS equipment already installed ( in ur apt) like the one I do, your rate goes down by $10 more..making it $79.99 (1-12 mo) and there after 89.99... also u may be eligible for Home DVR for 6 mo free...+ of course 3 months of HBO/Cinemax...Cmon guys!
On my install, I didn't ask, and they didn't remove any copper. However, they did bypass the old NID for a new one, since the installer wasn't happy with the quality of the wiring coming in. No coax cable was removed either.
If I wanted to go back, Verizon's my only option for POTS anyway, so they'd have to show up and fix it. If I wanted to go back to Comcast, cable is still coming in, so I'd just be replacing the Fios appliance with theirs.
I will say this about my Fios installer: She was thorough. She replaced a couple of the coax runs because she thought the connections looked bad. Definitely didn't have to do that. Plus, the installation was done very neatly. I was asked where I wanted everything to go, how I wanted the fiber to come in, etc. All wiring was bundled, including power cables and the like.
Now, the price does keep going up on me, but they do give me a new bundle every time I ask. I've never gotten pushback because I was an existing customer, so I think they're aware that Comcast loses customers because of that. In fact, I called in once to get the NHL package, and the CSR told me she could also save me 10 bucks a month with the latest bundle. That's good service, considering I didn't even ask.
I've got Verizon FIOS Triple play for $89 per month, plus $250 Cash Back (got it already, two prepaid VISA cards 100 and 150 arrived). If you are interested in the review: 1. Technical quality is very good. No any issues, except their cable modem / router hangs if you download lots of movies. 2. Customer service is the worst one ever. I am serious. It is that bad I cannot describe.
Verizon's business model is to make mistakes in the bill. No jokes here. And don't think that you are smart and you can add 2 plus 2 and get it right. They are good, this is their job.
Every month you will discover some extra items on you 8-page bill. It is so confusing that it will take you an hour to understand why you have to pay $165 instead of expected 89+tax+fees. Then you call them, stay on the phone for 1/2 hr, they will tell you it is fixed. Next time you get a new bill with old amount pending. I have this service for 3 month, was on the phone with Verizon 6 times and really sick of it. Waiting till the end of my contract to say good bye. I regret switching to Verizon and want my Warner Cable back.
goubar said: I've got Verizon FIOS Triple play for $89 per month, plus $250 Cash Back (got it already, two prepaid VISA cards 100 and 150 arrived). How did you get the $250 CashBack?
vanlinemover said: the problem with all of them deals is that you have to have a fios box in every room now and that drives up the cost of the service so much that it cost more then regular cable According to a FIOS rep I spoke with (who checked with one of their support centers) you don't need a box to receive network channels (this it the same as with cable) if you have a TV with a digital tuner.
Can anyone who has the service confirm or deny?
NetComrade
Member
posted: Feb. 27, 2010 @ 4:01p
Does anyone know what to do if you have 'just fios' internet, and you want this deal?
Also, for those that have FIOS a) can you customize the guide like on DirecTV to get rid of all the channels you don't watch? b) can FIOS DVR prioritize, like DirecTV in case of conflicts? c) will FIOS ever have Chiller.. my wife is very fond of it
Best deal I've seen in a while, but it is not $89.99. They don't include the cost of a receiver in that price. If you want an HD receiver (no DVR), that's another $10. If you want the HD DVR, that's another $16. Shady not to include the HD receiver price in the advertisement.
Verizon technicians are very good. But the customer service is the worst ever. They make mistakes a lot and won't admit if you don't have the reference number. Not even to mention their worst online system.
tobano
Member
posted: Feb. 27, 2010 @ 5:33p
sdds14 said: Guess what! if u guys have FIOS equipment already installed ( in ur apt) like the one I do, your rate goes down by $10 more..making it $79.99 (1-12 mo) and there after 89.99... also u may be eligible for Home DVR for 6 mo free...+ of course 3 months of HBO/Cinemax...Cmon guys!
That's not true, my contract ended couple months ago, no good offer available, and finally last month they sent me a letter to increase the fees $15.00. Well, you can guess, I bought an ooma hub at Costco, and will say goodbye to Verizon in couple week. I will keep the Fios internet though but let's see what they charge for, if not good I will go back to Cox, it's 45.00/month without any contract. It sounds good to me.
vanlinemover said: the problem with all of them deals is that you have to have a fios box in every room now and that drives up the cost of the service so much that it cost more then regular cable What do you mean by FIOS box? If you mean the converter, I needed that with cablevision also. I have FIOS and LOVE it, even my SD is way better than b4. I get 35/35 MBS upload and download.
littletemple said: If you get Fios, can you go back to using basic DSL and phone service after the 2yr period? I hear they rip out the existing copper wire and you are stuck with Verizon Fios forever. They did NOT RIP out anything...that is BS. They will remove the copper DROP from the side of your house simply because it looks like carp, and it is just one more wire hanging on the side of the hse you do not want. THAT drop IS VZ property anyway, and you DO NOT pay for it. YOU ONLY pay for what is on YOUR side of the interface.
smw said: goubar said: I've got Verizon FIOS Triple play for $89 per month, plus $250 Cash Back (got it already, two prepaid VISA cards 100 and 150 arrived). How did you get the $250 CashBack?
The $89.99 is a standard price, I see it all the time, not sure why everyone is so exited. Once in a while they through in "cash-back" deals. At the time I was subscribing, the price was $84.99 and there were $150 Cash Back (prepaid VISA card). The agent told me that if I get the regular price $89.99, he puts in the "FIOS friends", that is when someone brings a new customer. That is $100 extra. You have a choice of different store cards. I picked two 50 Amazon cards. (I forgot these details already, that was end of November. I said "two VISA cards" - actually that was one VISA and two Amazon gift cards). Anyway, the total back was $250 and they actually arrived.
Edit: I just realized this deal does not include DVR rental. And it is 2-year (!!!) contract. Not sure it this is such a good deal.
Yea I wanted to jump on this deal but to add the tv boxes(5) its just way to much. I tried to get some discount or maybe a free box or 2 but no go. The person wouldnt even budge for me telling me that paying for the boxes are common. No discount for 6 months just full price plus boxes and fees. I havent really had problem with time warner cable but just wanted the boost in speed. Guess Im still going to be a time warner cable house still.
bugmeplease said: What happens if you are in an apartment and move before the 2 years are up? Do they charge the ETF?
if you move to a new location that has FIOS, you must continue it.
if you move and there is no FIOS available at your new location, they cannot charge you the ETF if you cancel due to lack of service availability. be sure to read the fine print of the contract so you know the rules.
wendyt
Senior Member
posted: Feb. 27, 2010 @ 8:16p
Does the TiVo HD box work with Verizon FIOS? Does FIOS TV supply "cable card" to the TiVo HD "cable card slot" ?
That's pretty sneaking. This is a great rate for 2 years. I'm just waiting on the details of the new TiVo HD box, then I'll get the FIOS. It should be next week.
BigHeinzer said: Another neat feature is if you have an android phone you can stream remotely from dvr to your phone and also download a remote control app. (but that's worthless)How do you stream remotely from dvr? All I see is the capability to remotely schedule the dvr from a Droid?
goubar said: ... Every month you will discover some extra items on you 8-page bill. It is so confusing that it will take you an hour to understand why you have to pay $165 instead of expected 89+tax+fees. Then you call them, stay on the phone for 1/2 hr, they will tell you it is fixed. Next time you get a new bill with old amount pending. I have this service for 3 month, was on the phone with Verizon 6 times and really sick of it. Waiting till the end of my contract to say good bye. I regret switching to Verizon and want my Warner Cable back.
Hey, this sounds exactly like my experience in the past 6 months. Have to call every single month to get my bill adjusted, they do it, but then new incorrect charges again appear a few bills later. What's worse, I spoke with some folks who work for Verizon (fairly high up, but on tech side) and they themselves have the same billing issues with their Verizon home accounts.
I absolutely hate all those class action lawsuits (because lawyers are the only ones who benefit in the end), but Verizon does seem a prime candidate for one.
If it were not for the abysmal CS, I would love what Verizon FIOS service (signal quality, reliability and bandwidth) has to offer.
"We're sorry. The bundle you are interested in is not available online. Select "Shop all services" to see available options. Bundles with High Speed Internet service are not available at your location at this time. Find out when High Speed Internet is available by signing up for our notification list. Bundles with Verizon FiOS service are not available at your location at this time. Find out when FiOS is available by signing up for our notification list. Bundles with Verizon FiOS TV service are not available at your location at this time. Find out when FiOS TV is available by signing up for our notification list."
RCN Boston has triple play for $69 and internet/television double play for $49/mo for 12 months. RCN Boston is very good. No rebates to deal with, and good reliability.
Comcast was $79/mo for 12 months double play and verizon fios was $84/month for twelve months double play.
aroundzw said: Verizon technicians are very good. But the customer service is the worst ever. They make mistakes a lot and won't admit if you don't have the reference number. Not even to mention their worst online system.
I totally agree with technicians and the product (FIOS) are very good. As for customer service, you will regret the day when you have them for billing issues. There are so many ways the transfer you off to other departments and they all state your problem will be resolved but you can never get anything in writing from them. It is a "just look out for it in your next bill" mentality. I've lost countless hours calling them to get billing problems resolved.
Phantomstranger
Happy Member
posted: Feb. 28, 2010 @ 12:44p
The quality of the Internet and television packages are awesome. But woe to anyone that has a billing problem or something goes wrong. Customer service is the worst I have ever encountered anywhere, from any business. You wait hours on hold to correct a problem, to have a rep lie to you over the phone about helping you and solving your problem. Never ever believe a thing they tell you over the phone. A little tip if you have a real problem with Verizon FiOS. File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, as Verizon will have an actual person contact you with the power to resolve any issues. Their billing system is purposely obtuse to nickel-and-dime you on fees, where representatives of the company can't even interpret every charge.
The level of incompetence is not exaggerated, it really is much worse than the customer service from cable and satellite providers. Tech support is very good though.
wendyt said: Does the TiVo HD box work with Verizon FIOS? Does FIOS TV supply "cable card" to the TiVo HD "cable card slot" ?
That's pretty sneaking. This is a great rate for 2 years. I'm just waiting on the details of the new TiVo HD box, then I'll get the FIOS. It should be next week.
You can use TiVo or Moxie with FIOS. They'll charge you a small fee for the cable card. You'll need one card per TiVo unit. I'm hoping you can stream from TiVo to TiVo instead of downloading from one box to another like it is now, though its pretty close to streaming if you have a wired network in the house.
Couldn't agree more about the fees. Every month some $15-$25 in internet add-ons appear on my bill. Starz play, online storage and backup, some internet games package. Because I only have internet and TV, they are never able to locate my account since there's no phone number attached to my account.
Every month I call and they tell me it was removed from my account. Yet I remind them it is still there and my bill was not adjusted. They tell me the problem is fixed.
Wash, rinse, repeat every month. My contract is up in 2 months, and given the constant billing hassles and the competition with cable, I may switch back.
sfarr
Addicted Member
posted: Feb. 28, 2010 @ 2:59p
I got the VZ TV/internet package a few months ago and -- without all the phone fees -- there are very few taxes and fees. Service is excellent, especially the TV quality: compared to Comcast the HD is better (especially on non-networks) and SD is much better. I miss having my own router, but other than that it was ALL upside versus Comcast: better price, fewer fees, better TV picture, more channels, more HD channels, internet about equal (I had a high-end Comcast internet package). I do agree that customer service can be very questionable, so hope that nothing goes wrong with your bill.
littletemple said: If you get Fios, can you go back to using basic DSL and phone service after the 2yr period? I hear they rip out the existing copper wire and you are stuck with Verizon Fios forever.
Not sure what are other's experience. But I got my Fios installed on Jan and he wasn't gonna touch my coxial cables as it's not theirs to remove. Actually I had the tech ran a new coxial out to the side of my house in the event that I want to go back to cable and tidy up my cabling mess that I had made myself. I always watch the techs when they do the work so that it's done to a certain degree of my satisfaction.
It's not necessary to use their router, though it's needed if you use their set top boxes. Still I disabled the antenna on theirs and use my router for all my pc.
The problem is that Verizon employees (some, not all are disreputable) get commissioned for "add ons" like internet storage, internet protection, starzplay etc. They will put it on your account even if you don't ask for it in hopes, I assume, that you wont question it. I have a coworker that signed up through a reseller but when he called in to change the install date the person tried to sell him on the add on nonsense and sure enough when his first bill came he was being charged for internet security.
If you have a billing problem you should check twitter ( I think it is @verizonsupport) because there is a group that monitors issues and tries to resolve them if you cant with the normal cust. serv. people. Or you can do what some people do and send a certified letter to Ivan Seidenburg who is the president of Verizon and verizon wireless ( my father did this when his wireless bill got completely screwed up and he could not get it fixed). The next day after his letter arrived he got a call from an executive support level person who cleared things up within a day.
Also, Watch out for door to door salesmen as well. I have heard several horror stories about them. A friend who was working with steve the myfiosguy.com rep had a door to door rep visit and say that he would sign them up and he would still get the additional offers that steve was giving - NOT TRUE! guy lied to his face knowing that he was stealing a sale and that steve could not offer his promotions because he was not getting paid by verizon.
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