On Monday I went to the local retails stores to change my phone to the new HTC from Verizon Wireless. After talking to the two retails stores (including the online Verizonwireless over the phone) I left with a weird feeling.
According to Verizon Wireless Sales Rep, they CANNOT sell a new smartphone without a data package (either $30 or $45). Whn I ask why everyone said that is the new policy that started from last year required by the phone OEM. Before only the "Blackberries" were mandated to have a data package. Starting last year, all new smartphones, has to have a data package in order to receive and make calls, EVEN when you don't use the internet. They say that is a requirement that the phone manufacturers are requesting for these type of phones.
I ask, "So, what happens if I get the plan and then I declined it?"
They answered: "Your phone won't work at all."
So, after leaving with this taste of displeasure from America's most trusted network (hmmm, a feeling of doubt increasing on me), I decided to ask HTC why they were doing that.
I got a direct call from the HTC Customer Service Department (I was very surprised), and they say that are not requesting ANY company to do ANYTHING with their phones. That is their decision what do with the phone.in addition, I was informed that other companies are selling the phone with no data package at all (Hint Hint Verizon) and that other companies provided the service you wanted with the phone. Furthermore, not even an employee from HTC could get a phone from Verizon without the Data Package.
So, IF HTC is not requesting Verizon Wireless to have a Data Package on their smartphones. Then WHY Sales Rep are saying that a customer needs to have a Data Package to work? If another company does it, why not Verizon?
Maybe is because the phone has Wi-Fi capability. You see, if they sell you the phone with no Data Package then you can use the Wi-Fi capability (pratically anywhere you go no you have Wi-Fi) and they will loose money on that monopoly.
After talking to the last Sales Rep (over the phone), the lady said that she understood my feelings but all she could do was to write down my concern and forwarded. And that "maybe" in the future there could be a chance of changing that bace on the Voice of the Customer.
Verizon, this is the Voice of a loyal customer for many years. And I say that if I don't have the need for a data package for a smartphone, then you should consider to seel me the phone without a Data Package (as your competitor does). I know and I understand that this is a service that you pay for and they can do whatever they want. However, if I'm paying, why should I be told what to pay and what to get?
To have that data package for a phone is literally throwing that amount of money to the trash. No wait, actually goes to the pockets of Verizon Wireles.
I'm not trying to boycott or avoid people form buying from Verizon Wireless, but rather to open their eyes and buy smart. If you don't need it, then why pay for it. That is the question that still rings on my mind.
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