Being a novice to international calling, I researched the various rates available online. As Verizon was my long distance carrier (at the time), of course I looked at them first. The information I found on their website indicated that the rate varied from. 10 -. 18 cents per minute. Considering that was a bit high, but thinking my options limited, I made several calls based on that assumption. Only to find out the actual rate was/is $2.97 a minute. To say I was shocked was an understatement when I opened by bill to a sum in excess of $2k!
Even prior to that I had located a "dial around" exchange that allowed me to accrue literally 5X as many minutes for less than 10% of that cost. It was after that point, that I discovered another rating resource (independant from Verizon, if my memory serves me) that explained the rate I believed as standard, was actually part of an "international calling plan" that had to be prearranged. Uncertain if I had that, I decided to be safe, and activated/re-activated it. Certain that if it had been offered, I would've accepted.
Immediately upon receiving this exorbitant bill, I called the billing dept, and inquired what, why, how? Explaining that there was NO way ANYone in their right mind would utilize that rate, when there were literally DOZENS far cheaper (as little as. 04 cents a minute). That indeed there had been a mistake. Only to be met rude treatment and a snide remark..."You made the calls now you have to pay for them" with NO options being discussed relative to remuneration. (So much for the "First Call Response guarantee").
I ended the call quite disgusted. Placing the matter on the back-burner until such time as I could address it from a financial standpoint (having been an unemployed Human Service Worker for over a year). Low and behold some 3 months later, Verizon "blocks" my local access to the long distance network, precluding my using my current long distance carrier.
BUT continues ALL of THEIR services to me. How does disallowing me access to the one venue that CAN'T cost them more money, over allowing me to continue to accrue a larger debt with them, in anyway logical?
I have tried, and tried, and tried and tried... But i'm just being run around to no avail. Speaking with representatives of varying courtesy (some genuinely pleasant to those i'd like too...) Only to be shuffled around and reap NO resolution, despite repeated promises.
Even when I TRY to set up a payment plan to address the cost, hoping that when the situation is resolved I'd have a credit - I'm discouraged from doing so, and shuffled off to someone else (this has happened more than once). To say I am BEYOND frustrated over the treatment I have received is grossly negligent. I'm outright appalled!
All I wanted was to make arrangements to resolve this issue, and remove the "block" and get on with my life. Only to be treated like a derelict or a crackhead, who's trying to defraud this poor whittle company. All I ask if for a little compassion with a sprinkling of commonsense.
I would NOT have taylored my calls as I did KNOWING the amount was so incredibly INSANE! Btw, their website's format has since changed (as of "the first of the year") to CLEARLY state the prerequisite plan eligibility for the more modest rate. I'm wondering now if I'm alone in this experience?
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