Douglas, you make an excellent point that I overlooked. You don't need the
best, you just need good enough for you. Thanks for reminding me... If the
term "best" means paying for some features that you don't need or want; then
better to get good-enough, or "just right" for you.

Marinabob60: If the coverage from any carrier is good enough to meet your
needs; then get the lowest price, best deal. Tells us what you found. dr
--
dr.news //stores.ebay.com/better-price-wireless (not better than you
deserve, just more than you're used to) //free.better-price.biz (for new
lines of wireless service; all carriers; the phones are almost always a
better-price)

"Douglas C. Neidermeyer" <doug@faber.edu> wrote in message
news:v4Cdndf7QeFADtnYnZ2dnUVZ_q6dnZ2d@comcast.com. ..
> <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
>