Are you a a FiOS customer with your Verizon-supplied Actiontec MI424-WR router that keeps rebooting itself? Apparently a recent firmware upgrade, the software that runs the router, is buggy, but there is a solution. You can get it if you call and complain, that is, if you’re able to make it through the phone lines that are all bogged up from other customers calling about the same issue. Reader Jarrod writes, “My entire neighborhood is experiencing this issue and the only resolution I can find online says to call them and complain and then they will fix it. Too bad the support lines are jammed and after I did get through I have been on hold for over 1 1/2 hours.”
verizon
Verizon Loses Your Order, Tries To Install FiOS Without Permission, And Disconnects Your Phone
By 12.20.07
It has now been 72 hours since Verizon took control of reader Matt’s phone, according to his new website www.verizon-fios-sucks.com. He originally tried to order FiOS way back in November, but when no one called to schedule an installation, he was told that his order didn’t exist and would need to reorder.
By 12.19.07
../../../..//2007/12/19/the-official-list-of-bidders/
The official list of bidders for the 700 mhz spectrum is out. Google Airwaves, LLC joins Verizon, Cox and AT&T in the ultimate spectrum battle. Get your popcorn ready. [Ars Technica]
"Why I Never Want Anything To Do With Verizon Ever Ever Again"
By 12.11.07
Verizon is finally installing FiOS in my area. But I’ll never use it. I’ll never sign up for another Verizon account in my life, and I’m encouraging my parents to change to a different service when their Verizon cell contracts end soon. Over the course of eight months, I’ve become completely appalled at the horrible customer service I’ve gotten from that company.
Comcast Encourages Employees To Stuff Comcast vs FiOs Poll
By 12.7.07
Comcast told its employees to vote in the Consumerist reader poll asking readers what they thought was better, Comcast, or FiOs. Above is the employee email blast they sent, provided to us by several different Comcast employees: Now, we’re definitely more amused than this than anything else, but it certainly was odd. Why would Comcast want to interfere with the torrents of peer to peer opinion sharing? In any event, Fios won, 784 to 277.
POLL RESULTS: Verizon FiOS Is Better Than Comcast!
By 12.6.07
We asked the readers to solve one of the great mysteries of life: Which is better Verizon FiOS or Comcast?
POLL: Which Is Better, Verizon FiOS Or Comcast?
By 12.5.07
Sometimes we get questions we just can’t answer, and this is one of them.
UPDATE: Make That 3 Months And 3 Techs Later And Your Verizon FiOS Might Get Installed
By 12.5.07
When I pulled into my apartment complex last night I remember that I had a package waiting for me at my office. I passed a guy in a red coat who was exiting the office and didn’t think anything of it. I got my package (a great little xmas tree my mother sent my gf and I) and walked over to my building to see the man in the red coat standing at the door to the building. I approached and asked him if he needed to be let in and he said “Yeah, I can’t figure out how to call apartment 211 on this thing. I’m with Verizon, I need to fix her fiber line.”
Two Techs and Two Months Later, Your FiOS Still Isn't Installed
By 12.4.07
One day after work I pull into my apartment complex and notice that there are quite a few Verizon trucks and vans parked outside of our apartment office accompanied with “SIGN UP FOR FiOS TODAY” signs plastered just about everywhere you can see. At first I shrugged this off because I am not, and have never been, a fan of Verizon. Then my girlfriend gets home and suggests we at least check it out. So we go over to the little reception they are having and talked to a nice girl about the speeds of their FiOS internet (which is what I was interested in) and the HD TV (what my girlfriend was interested in).
Verizon To Go GSM
By 12.2.07
Verizon’s next generation of devices will run on the GSM network that will be used by AT&T and T-Mobile, meaning that in a few years, customers with unlocked phones will be able to move between the three providers without purchasing new equipment. Verizon currently uses a CDMA network along with Sprint, but last week announced that it would use the GSM-protocol LTE (Long Term Evolution) for their fourth-generation data services. Note, Verizon’s LTE phones will not be backwards-compatible with the current GSM networks run by AT&T and T-Mobile. Both are expected to support LTE. And don’t expect to see the new phones anytime soon…
Google Will Bid In The 700Mhz Auction
By 11.30.07
Google announced today that they will be bidding in the 700mhz auction! For real.
Verizon Ad Appears Next To Story About Death By Exploding Cellphone
By 11.30.07
This ad for Verizon cellphones is placed right next to an AP story about a South Korean man who may or may not have been killed by a cellphone exploding in his shirt pocket. Someone should invent a fancy technology that excludes advertisers from appearing next to articles when the name of their core product appears in editorial proximity with “death” or “exploding.”
Verizon To Open Its Network To Any Compatible Device
By 11.27.07
Verzon Wireless announced today that it will be opening its network to any compatible device. Verizon uses the CDMA network, a technology it shares with Sprint. According to Verizon Wireless Chief Executive Lowell McAdam, Sprint phones could work on Verizon’s network “if they pass Verizon’s testing procedure.” Sadly, GSM phones used by AT&T and T-Mobile, including the iPhone, can not work on Verizon’s network.
Dialing 911 Could Be Dangerous
By 11.25.07
Dialing 911 sets off a loud alarm on newer Verizon phones, potentially putting customers in danger. Imagine dashing under your bed at the sound of an intruder breaking through the front door, only to wonder if you should call 911 from your cellphone because it would reveal your location. A Texas woman was forced to make a similar decision when she discovered that the security chain guarding her vacant property was missing.
She grabbed her new Casio G’zOne phone from Verizon Wireless, which to her horror made an audible alarm when she called 911.
FiOS TV Prices Are Going Up
By 11.21.07
Verizon is rasing prices on its standalone TV FiOS service, says BusinessWeek.
Verizon Will Waive Late Fee Only If You Pay Through The Automated Phone System
By 11.17.07
Verizon was willing to refund the late fee on reader Steve’s bill, but only if he paid through Verizon’s automated phone system. Steve instead offered to give his billing information to the Verizon CSR to whom he was speaking, an offer that was refused. Steve writes:
I used to work at a call center for a certain mobile provider. I understand exactly what reps deal with. I’ve had my manager tell me I need to cut back on bathroom time. I’ve had them tell me I need to get my calls shorter. I’ve had them tell me I can’ waive reconnection fees. I’ve been there. I know.
Appeal Rejected, Vonage Must Pay $117 .5 Million To Verizon
By 11.16.07
Vonage’s appeal was rejected by a U.S. appeals court, and so troubled VOIP provider Vonage will have to pay $117.5 million to Verizon as punishment for infringing their patents. In addition, Vonage will be required to donate 2.5 million to charity. Ouch, ouch, ouch.
