death to verizon

rjbs on 2004-09-30T21:02:28

I abandoned Verizon when MCI introduced The Neighborhood. I'd long wanted unlimited long distance. "Verizon," I said, "will you do that for me?" They said, "No."

Immediately after I switched, they started mailing me and calling me, asking how they could get me back. "Give me unlimited long distance for a flat fee," I said. They said, "Well, no."

So, I was happy with MCI. While the level of service I received declined, it was never anything less than Just Fine. Finally, though, I had to switch back to Verizon. Otherwise, Speakeasy couldn't give me faster DSL service. I'm not sure what the awful reasoning is, but whatever. I switched. Verizon now has unlimited long-distance, so that's good.

Today, I got my welcome package. It's addressed to "Richardo Signes." Let me tell you something: nobody is named Richardo. Every occurance of that name ever is a typographical error. Sure, some people go through life with it, but only because the typo occured at birth or christening. My name is not Richardo. I was very clear about this with the CSR who signed me up. "Oh, she said, I /had/ put an aich in there. I've fixed it."

Nonetheless, today I got a bill for Richardo. I called to report this, and navigated about five minutes of menus. Then I got hold for five minutes. Then I got a message, "We're too busy. Call back later. CLICK!" It is not an exaggeration to say that I flung the phone against the wall.

I hope I don't have to talk to them again. At least until it's to explain why I've switched back to some other provider with whom Speakeasy can now do business.