Verizon Wireless user review

Pros: Reliable, IN-network calling/messaging, straightforward plans, excellent customer service, good phone selection

Cons: can get pricey if you exceed plan limitations

Summary: Verizon Wireless is the only mobile carrier that I have ever used. Recently, when my last contract lapsed, I considered other options, including Sprint, AT&T, and prepaid plans such as Virgin Mobile or Tracfone. However, I decided to stick with a good thing. I have heard horror stories about some of the other carriers and did not want to take any chances on them. Also, there are often complaints about the high cost of Verizon Wireless service as compared to alternative plans. In truth, those costs are generally only realized when one exceeds their plan limits. If you exceed your anytime minutes or text message limits, then that can add up quickly. Make sure you choose the type of plan that best suits your needs. If you are a talker or texter, it will be cheaper to pay a little more for more minutes and texts per month than to pay for them per use. In the long run, the price of the plans are not exactly any pricier than the other carriers when you control for similar features. If you want unlimited minutes and texting, you will pay a lot for that no matter which carrier you choose. Also, if you are looking to save money, consider making changes to other services to reduce costs. In fact, Verizon offers cable, home phone, and Internet services for far cheaper than many competitors. Swapping out some of your current services for Verizon utilities could save you in the long run, too.

I have never had a problem with Verizon. Any questions or concerns have been courteously addressed by customer service representatives, and I don't even need two fingers to count how many problems I have had to work out (in over 8 years). Once in a long while, I will get a dropped call, but sometimes it is not even my phone. Often, it is the phone of the person I am talking to whose phone cuts out and hence gets me disconnected. I don't get great service on the subway but that's to be expected.

Verizon also offers discounts on monthly plans for many employees, so check with your employer to see if you get an employee discount.

Verizon is a large company and yet it retains a personal touch. There are many branches available to your local area, so it is quite easy to just pop into a Verizon store with any question. Their website and phone support is great, too. Multiple cell phone carriers will likely go the way of the dinosaur and eventually there may be only one wireless provider left standing, and it would be a good bet that Verizon would be that provider.