Verizon Thinks Asia Is A Country

Slate’s Seth Stevenson shares this verbatim chat his girlfriend had with a Verizon rep:

A Verizon Wireless online pre-sales specialist has joined the chat. You are now chatting with chelsea.

chelsea: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?

You: I am interested in the international BlackBerry and am looking for detailed information for rates on data and voice when making calls from different countries in Asia.

chelsea: Please hold on while I check that information.
chelsea: Unfortunately you will not be able to use the phone in Asia.
chelsea: I do apologize.

You: Hmm. OK. Actually [I] am nearly certain the international BlackBerry can be used everywhere but Japan.

chelsea: I’m sorry for the delay. I’ll be right with you.
chelsea: I will be right with you.
chelsea: I just tried to look for Asia in the countries list, and it was unavailable.

You: Yeah. Asia is more of a continent than a country (like Europe–not a country, France–a country). I’ll stop by a store I guess and try to figure it out.

chelsea: Ok.
chelsea: Thank you for visiting Verizon Wireless, I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great day!

Your chat session has been ended by your Verizon Wireless online agent.

We wonder if Seth’s girlfriend really did have a great day.

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