Another reason to hate phone companies.

[Dr.Phool]

I just got off the phone with Verizon in Tampa. I called to cancel my DSL service. I canceled, because our local cable company (Bright House) had a deal I couldn't refuse. I was paying $95 per month for bundled phone, free long distance, and 760 kbps DSL service. I was also paying around $100 per month for Dish Network.

Last night, I got an e-mail from Verizon stating that the DSL portion of my bill was going up $3 per month. I didn't care, because the new service was already installed and I was canceling today anyway.

The deal from the cable company was $99 for digital cable, digital phone service, and 7 mbps high speed internet. With my HBO, and DVR service, it came to about $120 per month.

Now when I called Verizon, and explained that I couldn't pass up that deal, they offered to quadruple my internet speed, same phone package, and give me DirecTV for the same price (after telling me that my phone bill was going up).

Why do they gouge current customers, and only offer a better price when you try to leave? What's all this talk of competition, when they are a virtual monopoly. I had their plan for 4 years, and never had a clue that I could get a better price from them.

I told them, I'd only reconsider once they get fiber optic laid in my neighborhood. And have a competitive price.

Anybody else who has Verizon (or another phone company) should check out a better deal.

[rpannier]

1. Because the assume most people don't pay that much attention

and/or are stupid.

For the most part they "nickle-and-dime" you to death and most people are none the wiser because the rate increase is usually small. I think people tend to assume this rate increase is necessary to pay for equipment upgrades, training and salary raises for employees.

[unhappycamper]

2. Another interesting fact is that it costs $0.009/minute to provide long distance

service anywhere in the continental US.

[Javaman]

3. because they can. but also, a lot of times when people sign up

for their offers to beat other companies, you maybe locking yourself into a multi-year contract that will go up with out notice. They may promise you the moon this time in their hurry to beat their competition, but watch out a year later when the jack up the prices to what they feel they should be charging you without warning.

When you complain, they will say did you read the fine print.

I happened to me. I now read the fine print.

[Rosemary2205]

4. The cable co here did the same thing.

the bundle was $99 a month for 6 months but they lock you in for a year. The last 6 months is $170 a month.

[CookCountyResident]

5. I can say a lot WORSE things

I can say a lot WORSE things about Vonage. We tried to use them at our work site and had TERRIBLE cutouts in service. They were useless to use for faxing - kept dropping calls, etc. - data transfer rates were NIL. I'll never use them for my personal service at home, etc. - they're worthless.

[newyawker99]

6. Hi CookCountyResident!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast: