Today I called Verizon to address my issues with my ISP, Comcast. After talking to a robot for 5 minutes and deftly avoiding a Spanish-speaking robot I talked to an operator. Other than her lack of recalling my ZIP code (seriously, jot it down–I don’t wanna have to tell it to you three times) she informed me that I would have to purchase a phone line to get the DSL they advertise on their web site.
I replied to her offer of unnecessary services that it seemed to me that since Verizon was unable to offer DSL without a phone line and since I only wanted the DSL that Verizon should suck up the cost of the phone line.
They politely declined.
To me, Verizon falsely advertised their services. On their site they offer a reasonable price for DSL ($29.99/monthly) and don’t mention that you have to purchase an entirely extra (and costly) service to boot. This reeks of bait-and-switch.
Sadly due to the crazy rules governing ISPs, Verizon can afford to turn away my business. You see, DSL is a loosely regulated monopoly business, where there can be only one provider for a given region. If you live in the wrong neighborhood you simply can’t get a certain provider. Hence, Verizon’s only real competition is Comcast, which I’ve talked enough about at this point.
I wonder if there are any other options …
That’s unfortunate. You could always piggyback off a neighbor’s wireless, if you want to call that an option.
I actually haven’t had any trouble since the switch to Comcast. I wonder why it’s been so different for you. Maybe your section of the network is overloaded, what with all the college students and their warez and such. Have you talked to Comcast tech support? Maybe there is a real problem with your connection beyond Comcast’s corporate pigheadedness.
Incidentally, I had a bacon turkey sandwich from Panera for lunch.
Mmm, bacon and turkey…
Mine has been just as craptastic. I have to restart my modem/router almost every day in order to GET a connection. Maintaining it is touch and go. I got the same song and dance from Verizon, so now I’m REALLY pissed. This truly does suck.