HELP! forced into new contract before mine expires

[rotorcat]

Customer since '03. 4 phones on America's Choice Family Share Plan 400 + New every 2
'06 upgraded phones and plan: America's Choice FSP 500.

My plan allows a max of 5 lines for add'l $9.99

My plan ends 12/08

Last sunday I went to add a line to my plan. I was told that my plan was to old and could not be accessed through their terminal. The clerk contacted Verizon and was instructed to open a new contract 'Nationwide Basic 450' only for the purpose of activating the phone. She was instructed to put in writing on the temporary contract; Verizon submitted the Rate Plan Change to be added onto the grandfathered plan. This would take up to 48 hrs.

Day 4, No change. Contacted V's CServ. Was told that they see the request still pending. Probably won't approve due to my plan is to 'old'. I will need to upgrade to the Nationwide 700 plan. This plan will cost me an additional $25 month ($300 a year) + the new line with tax $13 month ($156 a year). So my total cost will be $456 to add an extra phone.

How can Verizon not honor my 2 year written contract before it expires? If I don't honor their contract, I'll get slapped with a great big fine. But what happens when they don't honor their contract?

What can I do????

[Jay2TheRescue]

Verizon has a trial period... Not sure if its 15 or 30 days. Anyway, find out what Verizon's trial period is and cancel the line if it is not resolved by then.

-Jay

[rotorcat]

Thanks Jay2. I was informed by V'sCServ. that I did have 30 days. Wow that wasn't even on the contract or was I informed by the clerk. They said they would put my request through again and contact me by monday the 25th. If I don't hear from her, then I WILL cancel.

[spleck]

Originally Posted by rotorcat

How can Verizon not honor my 2 year written contract before it expires?

They see it as honoring the contract--I don't think there's any provision in the contract that guarantees you can add an additional line.

I think its pretty stupid on their part to consider a line still under contract too old to maintain in their system. You would think they'd maintain old plans in their system for at LEAST 2 years. Hopefully they can do something for you and you've just got some bad CS so far.

[Celloman]

[quote=rotorcat;517803]Customer since '03. 4 phones on America's Choice Family Share Plan 400 + New every 2
'06 upgraded phones and plan: America's Choice FSP 500.

My plan allows a max of 5 lines for add'l $9.99

My plan ends 12/08


Hi Rotorcat,

When did you sign up for this plan? I ask because the FSP 500 plan wasn't available in Oct 2006 (when I renewed) - the minimum then was the FSP 500 plan. The 500 plan is more than two years old, I'm pretty sure. Did you add another line well after signing up for the plan? If not, you may already be out of your contract, which may give you more options.

As spleck mentioned, I think VZW sees it as honoring the contract, but it's still pretty crappy. In my experience Verizon's customer service has declined in the last few years (I've been with them since '02). If you have the patience, you may consider going into the store. I usually get better results in person.

[Quint101]

Per their website, adding lines and or changing plans require a move to the Nationwide plans. The reps at a store should be able to help you keep your existing plan as well. Also, the selection of certain phones also require a migration as well. If you select one of the more higher end phones, like the Voyager, Dare, Glyde, you have to switch to the newer plans.
You do have a 30 day period to reverse any contract changes to your account; you should be able to go back to your previous plan and cancel the extra line without an exit fee.

[rotorcat]

Hello Celloman,

I have a letter dated dec. 18 2006 from V which states:

Thank you for your continued loyalty to Verizon Wireless. This letter confirms you request to upgrade your equipment for wireless number (xxx)xxx-xxxx on December 13, 2006. We have also listed the details concerning your wireless service below.
Calling plan name
America's Choice Family SharePlan 500

Contract end date:
12/13/08

I pay $50 for monthy access for the primary phone and 9.99 for the other 3 phones on the FSP500.

I upgraded the phones in dec 06 for bluetooth ability. That's when my plan was upgraded to the FSP500 from the FSP400 because it was no longer available which I paid 39.99 for primary.

My whole gripe about this is, why in the world does V offer 2 yr and even 3yr plans if they don't plan to honor the contract services. I can understand that if it was after 12/08 when my contract expired that I would be required to upgrade to another plan, but not during my existing 24 month period!

[Quint101]

They cannot force you into a contract plan change while the contract is still in force! This is known as an adverse material change and they'd have to let you out of your contract now with no fee. Only things that require a plan change are new lines, if done online, changes to the minute plans, getting discounted equipment, and/or buying specific phones like the Voyager.

[rotorcat]

Originally Posted by Quint101

Only things that require a plan change are new lines, if done online, changes to the minute plans, getting discounted equipment, and/or buying specific phones like the Voyager.

Then please explain why by adding a line to my existing plan would require me to a plan change? My existing contract which still has 4 months till expiration and allows for additional lines to be added. No where in the contract is there a set time frame for when that happens.

I just don't get it.

Oh and by the way Quint, thanks for your input.

[rotorcat]

Well what do you know?! I just recvd a call from V CServ. They just approved my request. I guess pointing out to them several times about my ending contract date worked.

So thank you everyone for the time you spent responding.