 
WileEC
mindtaker, macky cat, etc.
join:2002-02-07
Yonkers, NY
 ·Verizon FIOS
edit:
May 4th, @04:04PM
| insanity and they wonder why people are going to voip?
you would think they would NOT be initiating new fees since the whole issue of fees is big right now in their competitor's advertising.
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Experience one of the most beautiful women on earth at PetraCentral! | |
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jinjimbob
Troy Mcclure
join:2001-11-13
Enumclaw, WA
 ·Qwest.net
| Re: insanity All the people have to do it change their long distance provider to another company, then the $2 fee goes away.
Or just get rid of the long distance ont he line, like I have, no fees each month. Just use onesuite for all long distance.
Besides, you'd have to be crazy to dial a long distance number when you have no plan, costs an arm and a leg. | |
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joako
Premium
join:2000-09-07
Gainesville, FL
| Re: insanity said by MxxCon  :said by jinjimbob :Or just get rid of the long distance ont he line, like I have, no fees each month. no! that's the $2 fee this story is talking about! if you have no long-distance provider on your line, you will be charged $2. No. Look at the bill posted. "VERIZON LONG DISTANCE" implies that the customer has some sort of relationship with VERIZON LONG DISTANCE which you are not obligated to have.
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Am Heimcomputer sitz' ich hier, und programmier' die Zukunft mir | |
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Homer J
Mmmm, Free Goo
join:2000-10-05
Springfield | Seems I remember them charging a fee for not having a LD provider a while back when they were Bell Atlantic. I think this is a fee for having Verizon LD, but not using it. | |
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| | lesopp
join:2001-06-27
Land O Lakes, FL
| This is double dipping. I have a long distance provider pretty much 4.5 cents per minute to anywhere in the US, Canada, South Korea and a few other places I've never called. There is no monthly plan charge. If this charge appears on my bill, then bye-bye Verizon. After all, quality alternatives do exist. | |
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| | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: Cable does it too said by King P :Charter charges me an extra 10 bucks a month on my internet service, because I don't get their cable TV service too. That's an argument that goes back and forth. The other day, someone said that "U-verse gives me a discount for bundling" meaning the same thing... services are higher than the bundle rate. A bundle rate is a discount from a provider, and it's not a penalty. Some places may word it that way.. but still.. it's a different argument.
What you are talking about here is a bundle discount. This is a "fee" for a service in which you don't have. In your case, your HSI is the normal fee with out the bundle charge and your HSI is higher than if you bundle. Here, they are charging a "fee" for a service in which you refused.
It's different.
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"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy..." | |
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| | | | | Ahrenl
join:2004-10-26
North Andover, MA | Re: Cable does it too Of course the difference is semantics.
If you drop your cable service the HSI portion just goes up $10's instead of adding a seperate line to the bill that says "$10 fee because we can". | |
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| | | | | | tmc8080
join:2004-04-24
Floral Park, NY
| Well, you get charged $10 extra, but look at it this way.. you can go with $17 Sunrocket voip and save at LEAST $13 over the cheapest cable voip service.. (cablevision's $35 voip or $29.95 in their 1st year bundle)
NO telco/cableco voip service is below much below $24.95 for unlimited. | |
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| | | | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: Cable does it too ok.. that's one way of looking at it, but in your case, ATT BB is a company that no longer exists. When Comcast purchased ATT BB, you became a comcast customer. They are under no obligation to honor the rates or the former owner, which is what happened. So, your rates went in line with Comcast pricing.
As in your argument, the One-Way theory, Comcast is a CableTV company. Their main line service is television. You're right.. they don't bundle discount cable tv. So? They DO, however, offer a bundle discount on HSI and Telephone services, their second line products.
Phone does the same thing.
It's funny - discounts used to be a 'good thing' until too many people got them. Once they did, they forgot the real price of services and only saw their promotional or bundle rates.
Sorry, I don't agree they are all whores. This is a capitalistic society.. it's supply and demand. If people want to purchase a product or service - so be it. You have the option not to have something.
Prices may be going up, but in case no one noticed, they're going up everywhere. I don't see anything in life or reality that states that "..while everything else goes up, phone, tv, and internet must remain low."
I'd love to see things like Gas, electric, dining out, movies, TAXES, car prices, lawn care, home prices, groceries, health care, air line tickets, .. get it? go down.
What has become the norm, today, is that people know they have to buy certain things in life. What you hear people wanting to go lower are the 'extras' in life.. the luxuries.. and they are usually the most expensive.
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"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy..." | |
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| | | | | | | rradina
join:2000-08-08
Chesterfield, MO
 ·Charter Pipeline
| Re: Cable does it too I agree everything goes up but usually technology products get better and cheaper. Although salaries always rise, the cost of equipment used to provide HSI probably isn't rising. At worst, it's getting faster, smaller, cooler and staying the same price. This should enable the company to provide more for less cost -- meaning as they expand their network to service more customers, they can buy less equipment because each new device is faster and can serve more customers.
As an example, think about trying to provide today's typical free e-mail service ten years ago. The prevailing Intel processor was probably something like a Pentium 133mhz. Disks were probably 10GB. Imagine building a server farm to service 1GB e-mail accounts with that hardware! Contrast this with today's quad-core multi-gigahertz processors and terabyte disk drives. Same cost, 100 times the capability.
Of course video services is a different matter. The providers raise costs and those costs must be passed through to the customer. | |
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| | | | | | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: Cable does it too You've got it right, in many cases, however it's not always right in what you speak of.
In this case, the line equipment is being updated both in the field and in the head ends. So there are still capitol investments going on. Millions of dollars go into upgrades per system.
Using your own example, labor costs go up and it takes labor to install these upgrades. Also, the cost of this new equipment isn't really getting cheaper. Fiber is still expensive and the new equipment is as well. (Example, the RSU house equipment that cable used for digital telephone, cost several hundred dollars.)
Could they lower the costs and keep the speeds where they are? Sure!! Look at AT&T. They keep their DSL priced so low that they don't have the margin to compete, innovate, and bring the fiber to the home like they should. Now, look at Verizon, while they are dropping the price of DSL, their other costs are generally rising and getting higher. But, they are deploying fiber. Same with cable.. cable has made many improvements over the last 20 years alone that are obvious. (Telephone fanboys and cable haters can jump in here if they choose - I will ignore)
Basically, if you take the cheap route to undercut the competition, which DSL providers are doing, you don't get as much innovation and "new" stuff. Those companies that are raising rates, cable/verizon and some other smaller companies, you see the new toys. The way I look at it, I'd pay the extra $15 to have cable or that extra on, ugh, Verizon, KNOWING that they are both pushing hard to deploy new services... unlike AT&T.
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"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy..." | |
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Meridion
@comcast.net
| Actually if you paid attention when they first came out with the "bundle" you would have noticed that before the bundle the normal price for HSI was approx $42. After they came out with their bundling scheme the price was $42 with the bundle and a lot more without it, some places were as much as $60 or $70. Now how can it be a discount for the bundle when it's the same damn price as it was before? | |
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| | | | | | | | fiberguy
My views are my own.
Premium
join:2005-05-20
| Re: Cable does it too Actually, I'm quite familiar with the prices. In the MN region, the prices were as I explained them. ATT BB, when they took over Media One, had a price for HSI, which was actually about $50 a month for what ever the node would allow. Speeds were ALL OVER THE PLACE. (To old McDonald) "With a 5 Meg here, a 1 meg there, he a K there a meg all over the place your speeds were.. " Then, ATT finally set it to 1.5 when they ditched Road Runner and went to @home. When Comcast took over, it was $52.00 stand alone and discounted to $42.00 as a bundle.
This is one system that specifically states "Included bundle discount for cable tv customers" - Some systems state a $10 charge for NOT having cable which is why some people state it's a penalty.
And for the record, HSI was ALWAYS discounted in a bundle in the hsd1.mn.comcast.net area even when it was a one way modem service. 
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"Complaining is the least path of resistance for the self-reitchous and lazy..." | |
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Notallrises
@charter.com
| The problem is that all the corporations are raising their rates while the customers aren't seeing an increase in their salaries. Many people I know are making LESS than they did 5 years ago doing the same or similiar things, yet they're paying MORE for goods and services. Is that how capitalism is supposed to work?  | |
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| | | | | | | axus
join:2001-06-18
Washington, DC | Actually they still have to follow the terms of the contract until it expires. The contract probably says they can raise prices at any time for no reason, of course. | |
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ColorBASIC
8-bit Fun
Premium
join:2006-12-29
Corona, CA | All people have to do is switch to VoIP and ALL of the Verizon whore junk fees go away. | |
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CylonRed
Premium,MVM
join:2000-07-06
Bloom County | I believe SBC did that years ago - charged a person $5/month if they did not have a long distance carrier or if long distance was not used at all in the month. | |
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| NYC Girl
Premium
join:2007-02-04
Bronx, NY | They are losing their GD minds!!!!!!!!!! So glad I am gone.....  | |
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Loker
Premium
join:2004-07-11
Fargo, ND
clubs:
edit:
May 4th, @03:26PM
| but how? How can this be? Verizon cares for its customers. We must give them ultimate power in the franchise arena so they can prove their love. They would never do this they brought us fiber!
If they keep it up they will continue to bleed customers...they need to realize they actually have competition in the phone market now...
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"While preceding your entrance with a grenade is a good tactic in
Quake, it can lead to problems if attempted at work." -- C Hacking | |
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dodgetech2
join:2002-01-01
Gouldsboro, PA
 ·Vonage
| Re: but how? quote:
Verizon justifies the charge by telling the AP that people paying the fee "are supporting the network they would use if their cousin Tillie is critically ill in California and they need to arrange a critical-care nurse."
You have GOT to be kidding me...Do they think people are really this FU###NG stupid!!!!!!
Call it what it is...its the WE WANT TO RAPE you fee.......
I guess I should start sending money to my local cab company, in case my car breaks down and MIGHT need a cab one day.... | |
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DaveNJ
No Fear
join:1999-09-01
New Jersey
·Patriot Media
 ·Cingular Wireless
·Verizon Online DSL
| Re: but how? said by dodgetech2 : quote:
Verizon justifies the charge by telling the AP that people paying the fee "are supporting the network they would use if their cousin Tillie is critically ill in California and they need to arrange a critical-care nurse."
You have GOT to be kidding me...Do they think people are really this FU###NG stupid!!!!!! Call it what it is...its the WE WANT TO RAPE you fee....... I guess I should start sending money to my local cab company, in case my car breaks down and MIGHT need a cab one day.... I think he was kidding, However the way people give Verizon whatever they want with the mention of fios, this just proves how lame people are. We need franchise agreements across the board for all types of service. Verizon included.
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Go courageously to do whatever you are called to do. fear nothing. - St. Francis de Sales
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JSRoman
Premium
join:2005-03-10
Callahan, FL
| Say it ain't so. The almighty FIOS king is screwing their customers. Verizon would never do that. This is an obviosly biased story planted by Comcast via the AP.
Kidding aside this will just expedite the transition from landlines to cell phones and voip. Comcast employees send their thanks.
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www.seabee.org | |
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pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD
|  Long Distance Service
I suppose an even worse concept is the intra-LATA toll calls for which Verizon loves to charge an arm and a leg (even more expensive than old "long distance service").
How long has it been since most cell phone providers removed the distinction between local, intra-LATA and long distance calls? Wow... we've sure come a long way.
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Only SHATNER is Kirk. | |
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| Kearnstd
Elf Wizard
join:2002-01-22
Mullica Hill, NJ | Re: Long Distance Service an even bigger crime is in-state long distance, its all about making money and thats it.
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[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports | |
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Eric Martin
join:2005-06-19
66308
edit:
May 4th, @04:14PM
| Lies Lies.
We need a lowcost alternative phone/internet service with integrity.
Phone companies=white collar criminals. | |
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Nezmo
The name's Bond. James Bond.
Premium,MVM
join:2004-11-10
Coppell, TX
·Verizon FIOS
| Sheesh It's a joke right? So last month they got me by making an adjustment to billing periods and getting more than a month's worth of fees from me and now this. What next, are they going to lobby for fees when I don't watch certain channels on FIOS TV? I don't personally have a big issue with VZ but a few things lately have ticked me off.
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My Gallery
Formerly Nezmo | |
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| patcat88
join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY
| Re: Sheesh said by Nezmo :It's a joke right? So last month they got me by making an adjustment to billing periods and getting more than a month's worth of fees from me and now this. What next, are they going to lobby for fees when I don't watch certain channels on FIOS TV? I don't personally have a big issue with VZ but a few things lately have ticked me off. VZ can make the "FIOS Fund Fee" (catchy isnt it?), to support costs and regulatory fees and expenses related to FIOS deployment, and the funds may or may not ever be targeted to your area!!!!!! So your now subsidizing FIOS in Beltway Baronial-Vile. | |
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Karl Bode
News Guy
join:2000-03-02 | That's it... I'm switching to Vonage.... | |
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See 10 replies to this post |
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tim_k
Buttons, Bows, Beamer, Shadow
Premium
join:2002-02-02
Stewartstown, PA | another fee? First I just noticed they started charging me a $2 "statement fee". Now this? They keep it up and I'll drop them, even with the employee discount.
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RIP my baby Buttons 1/15/94-2/9/07 | |
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Homer J
Mmmm, Free Goo
join:2000-10-05
Springfield | I used to work for a Verizon Wireless call center. They charged new customers a fee of $1.99 for detailed billing. Their excuse was you could see the charges online. Looks like Verizon is now charging the fee. | |
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Loker
Premium
join:2004-07-11
Fargo, ND
clubs:
| said by tim_k :First I just noticed they started charging me a $2 "statement fee". Now this? They keep it up and I'll drop them, even with the employee discount. really a statement fee? That is a rather silly way to get people to switch to online billing...
I remember for the longest time Comcast would give you a $5 discount for switching to online bills...
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"While preceding your entrance with a grenade is a good tactic inQuake, it can lead to problems if attempted at work." -- C Hacking | |
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RIRWIN1983
join:2005-08-30
Columbus, OH | Nothing new most telco owned ld operations offer a 10 cent or something like that plan, that gives you a flat/low rate for people that hardly use ld, all for a 2.00 fee. at&t has been doing it for about a year. | |
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Maxo
Your tax dollars at work.
Premium,VIP
join:2002-11-04
Tallahassee, FL
clubs: | Is this April 1st? You can't make this stuff up. | |
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See 6 replies to this post |
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ninjatutle
You can keep the "change"
join:2006-01-02
San Ramon, CA | FIOS They must cover the cost of bringing fibre to the few somehow. | |
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| MrBentor
join:2003-02-18
Seattle, WA | The charge may be taxable AND if you really look closely, the charge may be applied before the government taxes are applied.
Everyone should call your State Utilities and Communications Commissions (or whatever it is called where you live.) | |
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rickonline
join:2005-11-15
North Bergen, NJ | Only applies if you have a Verizon plan This $2.00 charge only applies to customers who use Verizon Long Distance Service. If you have another long distance provider then it does not apply to you.
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Rick | |
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See 7 replies to this post |
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batterup
I Can Not Tell A Lie.
Premium
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ
clubs:
·Verizon Online DSL
| Whaaaa, whaaaaa. quote:
The price of long-distance service is not regulated at the state or federal level, a policy intended to spur competition. Phone companies can charge customers a minimum fee for not using long-distance service.
You people demanded deregulation and you got it.
Ma Bell is dead and yet the people bitch.
Switch long-distance companies and quit your bitching. | |
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See 13 replies to this post |
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ColorBASIC
8-bit Fun
Premium
join:2006-12-29
Corona, CA
·RoadRunner Cable
·Covad Wireless
| F-Verizon I'm so glad I dropped them for ViaTalk. Verizon's junk fees are getting more and more obtuse and lame. What's next? Water cooler fee, parking lot striping fee?
F Verizon and their lameass fees.
Note to the Verizon whores...THIS is why you are bleeding POTS customers by the tens of thousands! | |
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en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA | Re: Way To Go Verizon! I was skeptical at first with Skype, so I use 'Skypeout' for my work calls... and at $15/year, its _really_ cheap. Only downside... no phone number (its for outbound calls anyways). | |
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| | axus
join:2001-06-18
Washington, DC
·Verizon Online DSL
·Cox HSI
| SkypeIn You can get a SkypeIn phone number for about $3 a month. My only issue is that you can't check your voice mail without the Skype program. The main benefit is that phone number works wherever you have a computer, and you can get a phone number anywhere in the country. | |
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| NYC Girl
Premium
join:2007-02-04
Bronx, NY | Digital Phone has a similar commercial with a older Brit guy named "Sir Charge", LOL, with money falling out of the sky and into his pockets and literally has money to burn. | |
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Vig
Thread-safe since 1997
Premium
join:2004-03-23
San Diego, CA
| just rename it This fee is just like the federal alternative minimum tax. It's a parallel charge structure to ensure that a minimum amount of money is made off of each customer. VZ should just rename it the Alternative Minimum Fee and direct all questions about its legitimacy to the IRS to hear the AMT justification and apply it accordingly to VZ's fee concept.
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Visit the land of the never-setting sun | |
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radam
join:2004-02-13
Fairfax Station, VA | Hmmm.. lack of oversight.. monopolistic business practices.. why am i not surprised. | |
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| spdickey
join:2002-11-17
Pacific Palisades, CA | Re: Hmmm.. Another way to get out of the charge is to select another carrier for you long distance. In my case Worldcom is my carrier (though I never use them) and they don't charge me a dime! | |
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| | radam
join:2004-02-13
Fairfax Station, VA | Re: Hmmm.. I use Vonage and don't pay for long distance. | |
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| | | PARADOX_SEV
join:2005-02-08
Salt Lake City, UT | Re: Hmmm.. Vonage all the way! | |
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| | xsiddalx
join:2005-03-11
Chicago, IL
·AT&T Yahoo
·AT&T DSL Service
| said by spdickey :Another way to get out of the charge is to select another carrier for you long distance. In my case Worldcom is my carrier (though I never use them) and they don't charge me a dime! Worldcom = "the new MCI" = Verizon
Have a nice day. | |
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New Verizon Fee For Not Using Long Distance
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