<marinabob60@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1162094968.970832.178910@m7g2000cwm.googlegro ups.com...
>I have the family plan paying $59 for two numbers and 400 minutes. My
> three year old phone just broke, so now I am shopping not only for a
> new phone but maybe a new provider also. For the same price we can get
> 550 minutes with rollover with Cingular. Can you negotiate with
> Verizon to get more minutes? I though I was told by someone that you
> can, but when I tried it in a store tonight, they said "NO." I don't
> really feel like paying another $10 plus taxes to go to 700 minutes. I
> figure if I can get another 100 minutes for the same price I would stay
> with Verizon. I live in the L.A. area.
>

There's no way to get more minutes without signing up for a plan with them--
unless they'll make you a one-time accommodation. But you are a low use/low
fee customer and they have no incentive to do that. You have little if any
negotiating power.

As for changing carriers-- VZW generally has the best and most reliable
coverage in most markets. They know that-- and they know everyone else knows
it too. That's why they stick it to us on price and policies-- because they
can.

As for changing providers, check objective review sources (like Consumer
Reports) for network quality in the LA area-- and wherever you regularly
travel to. I suspect VZW will be the best there too-- but another carrier
may good enough to give you a decent signal. You don't need the best-- only
good enough!

The other carriers definitely have sweeter deals-- more minutes, features,
freebies, lower cost, etc. If you can find one that will give you decent
coverage where you live and travel-- go for it.

Doug