Expert: DebiN - 10/10/2009

Question
I had a contract with Alltell for two phone lines for more than two years. Apparently, Verizon bought out Alltell. I didn't like Verizon so I switched to Sprint. Now I have gotten a bill from Verizon for $600 for early termination! Verizon says that they can't get any records from Alltell because the company doesn't exist any more. Verizon doesn't have any documentation that I signed a Verizon contract. They just extended my contract when they bought out AllTell without asking me. I don't want to pay the $600. Do I have any recourse? Any advice?

Answer
I can assure you that when Verizon bought Alltel, that they did not re-up your contract for an additional two years. There are tens of thousands of formerly Alltel customers out there today and their contracts are the same as what they originally signed. Verizon buying Alltel did not change anything. The only thing that would change your contract is if you purchased a new phone from Alltel before Verizon bought them (and therefore extended your contract by another two years) or you changed your rate plan (after Verizon bought Alltel) to a Verizon rate plan. This would potentially sign you up for a new two year agreement. Verizon can't and doesn't extend Alltel customer's contracts without asking them. You had to have done something (either bought a new phone or changed your rate plan) to get your contract extended. What you were told about not having records is a complete lie. Verizon has all the records for the Alltel customers because when they bought the company, they got all the records as well. I don't know who you talked to aboutthis, but they were completely pulling your leg. When you ported your number to Sprint, the records showed that you were still under contract with Alltel, therefore, you had to do something to extend your contract (like I said, bought a new phone or changed your rate plan such that it extended your contract). And one thing that perhaps you didn't realize is that the $200.00 Early Termination Fee is an Alltel fee (Verizon only charges $175.00 per line and that reduces by $5.00 a month for every month you have the phone). Even if you had the Alltel phones for 21 months, you would still be charged $200.00 a line for early termination. What you thought may have been 24 months of service with Alltel, may have been less and perhaps you switched to the family plan less than 24 months ago or bought a new phone and didn't remember when it was, but either way, you can be 100% positive that Verizon didn't do anything. If they are reupped your contract, the charges would have been $175.00 or less a line, not the $200.00 that Alltel charged for early termination. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN