Can You Hear Me Now?
So I went to the Verizon wireless store the other night and deactivated a 4th wireless number that belonged to an aircard we keep as an internet access backup. I had to pay a one-time deactivation fee, but over the long haul we will save $60/month on our phone bill. (Our primary ISP seemed to be having major problems a few months ago, and we were considering dumping them, but their service has since improved--I think they finally got around to correcting whatever wiring problems they had in my building. I do know that my internet speed is now double what it was a few months ago.)
This morning I got a voicemail from someone at Verizon, saying they were sorry to have lost me as a customer (!). I immediately called back and reminded them that, while I had deactivated the aircard (the equivalent of one phone line), I still had 3 wireless accounts (and a landline) with them. The person I spoke with confirmed that, and seemed overly concerned that I wanted to get rid of even one phone line. He immediately offered me a 2-month credit on my bill if I wished to reactivate the line I just discontinued, said I might be eligible for a phone upgrade with a one-year contract instead of two, etc. I explained I had no problems with my current service, I just didn't need the extra line. He even said he could give me a credit if I could recommend a friend who needed a new phone line (!). I guess even Verizon is suffering in this tanking economy, although most people need phone service. I did write down his name and extension for future.
After I hung up I realized I should have asked him for an explanation of why some apartments in my building can get Verizon DSL, and mine can't. The last person I spoke with at Verizon had no clue.