Best service provider in the Seattle-Metro area.
Written: May 16 '03 (Updated Mar 17 '04)
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Pros: Absolutely outstanding service everywhere in comparison to other carriers.
Cons: Fairly frequent billing issues, not credited immediately.
The Bottom Line: Bottom line: get Verizon, and you will not be disappointed.
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| mburtis's Full Review: Verizon Mobile Phone Service in Seattle/Tacoma/Eve... |
Over the last several years, I have had the chance to experience many different cellular service carriers. I started with Airtouch (prior to Verizon merger), Voice Stream (prior to T-Mobile merger), AT&T (prior to Cingular merger), and finally Verizon Wireless. I have had approximately 10 different models of phones over that time period as well (many are rated on this site as well).
I have had Verizon for about 2 years now, and use a rather large amount of minutes each month. As a high-level user, with multiple lines on my account, I am consistently treated very well. I was actually told by a Verizon representative that once my number is brought up in their computer, a window appears that says that this customer is a "Gold Level Customer" for high usage and up-to date payments.
I must say that with the service, I have had no major problems to speak of. Once every couple of months, I will get a message that "all circuits are busy" or mobile internet will experience problems, things of this nature. However, these are just momentary problems that are resolved within the next 5 minutes or so. The reception and call clarity is very impressive. With other service providers, I found many dead spots, but none with Verizon. There are only a couple of areas that I don't have very good service in, and those areas are deep in the University District in Seattle, in some buildings where no one has cell service. In marginal areas, however, Verizon will work where most others are in and out of digital service, provided you have a phone with good reception.
Customer service has been pretty impressive as well. Whenever I have had to call the customer service number, I have never waited longer than 5 minutes. In most cases, however, there is no wait or a 1-2 minute wait. The only complaint that I have is that if there is a billing mistake, it is not fixed immediately with your current billing cycle, but you must pay the higher amount and receive a credit a month later. Credits are usually hassle free, and quite simple to adjust, but the credit showing up the next month is an inconvenience to say the least. This is highly frustrating when the mistake is their fault and a fairly expensive one, and you don't have the extra money to shell out that month, it can be frustrating. I have experienced billing mistakes (such as dropped packages, mainly text messaging packages that I requested disappearing) every couple of months. I'm not certain why this happens, but after about a 5 minute phone conversation, the problem is fixed and my next month's bill is cheaper. The only other issue is that when one changes their calling plan or gets a new plan, there is a proration for that month and the next month is paid in advance. Should you change your plan or get a new plan, the first bill is considerably more expensive.
Verizon's "Worry Free Guarantee" is also a very nice feature that most carriers don't offer. This guarantee entails many aspects of good customer service; first of all, it states that the customer's problem becomes their problem the first time you call (first call resolution). Secondly, the customer has the right and ability to change to any calling plan at any time they wish. Third, the customer can get a new phone (up to $100 in value or a discount on a more expensive phone) every two years.
When looking at cellular service, especially in the Seattle area, Verizon is the best bet. The plans are moderately priced, but the quality makes it the best deal of any carrier. My current plan is for 2 lines, National plan with 1600 anytime minutes, unlimited night & weekend minutes, unlimited in network (Verizon to Verizon) mobile to mobile minutes all for $130 a month. Like I said, high volume user. However, there are plans that are much better. My old plan was $45 a month which included 700 anytime minutes with long distance and unlimited nights and weekends.
One recommendation: if you are going to get a cellular phone, get this service, but make sure you talk to the representatives about which phones will allow you to use all of the features that are included in the network, and get the best reception. Reception and call clarity is not only about the service, much if it is based on the phone, too.
I started out on Verizon with a Motorola StarTac, then went to an Audiovox 9155, then to a Motorola T720, then the Motorola V60i, the LG VX6000, and now the LG VX4400B. Most were great phones, so talk to the salespeople, they will know which ones will give you the best overall calling quality.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 130/month
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Epinions.com ID:
mburtis
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Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 0 members
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