After achieving “clarity,” Verizon has decided to not charge the widow of a Marine who died in Afghanistan a $350 early termination fee. The woman had moved back home following her husband’s death so as to be closer to family, and in the new area she had no cellphone reception. In announcing the situation’s resolution, Verizon Wireless also took the opportunity to take a jab at the media for sensationalizing their incompetence.

While Verizon told CBS 13 this…:

Verizon Wireless has long supported our troops and worked with members of the armed services with flexibility. Once we understood this Marine’s widow’s circumstances, we quickly resolved the situation. We regret any undue frustration we may have caused the Brummunds. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Brummund and her family.

…they told Consumerist something slightly different:

Verizon Wireless has long supported our troops and worked with members of the armed services with flexibility. Once we understood this Marine’s widow’s circumstances, we resolved the situation quickly. The media turned a moment that needed clarity into a sensational story, and one that’s just not accurate. The situation is resolved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the widow and her family.

Aw, is that a “If you prick us, do we not bleed?” Guess Verizon felt more comfortable being more barbed when dealing with online media.

I disagree that her being a war widow is irrelevant to the story. In both their statements Verizon acknowledges an internal policy of being “flexible” with the armed services, ergo, it’s germane. I’ve asked Verizon to clarify what inaccuracies they saw in media reports.

PREVIOUSLY: Verizon: Die Fighting In Afghanistan, Pay $350 Early Termination Fee

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