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Highlights
- Verizon hiked fees and reduced discounts, increasing costs for loyal customers.
- Older plans were discontinued, forcing users onto pricier options.
- Hidden fees, limited trade-in values, and mandatory add-ons further hurt customers.
- Reduced customer service availability made resolving issues even harder.
Verizon's 2024 policy changes and their impact on customers
In 2024, Verizon implemented a series of changes that left many of its customers feeling frustrated and betrayed.
From fee hikes to reduced discounts, these moves have pushed users to rethink their loyalty to the carrier.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the 12 most impactful changes Verizon made this year.
1. Administrative fee increase
In December 2024, Verizon raised its administrative fee to $3.50 per voice line, adding $0.20 per line to monthly bills. Customers were frustrated, pointing to Verizon's repeated fee increases as yet another way the carrier nickel-and-dimed users.
2. Price hike on older unlimited plans
Verizon raised rates by $4 per line for older unlimited plans like 5G Get More and 5G Play More, frustrating long-time users. Many felt pressured to switch to newer, costlier options, with Verizon positioning its current plans as the only alternative.
3. Reduced autopay discount
The autopay discount for customers paying with credit cards or digital wallets was cut from $10 to $5, a decision that upset many who valued payment flexibility. For these users, Verizon's reduced rewards for autopay felt like a penalty for not using direct bank payments.
4. In-store data transfer fees
Verizon customers have reported being charged $30 to $40 for in-store data transfer services when upgrading to a new phone. Many users expressed frustration as they were unaware of these unexpected fees, particularly if they had not explicitly requested the service. This issue highlighted concerns over transparency in Verizon's billing practices.
5. Increased business plan costs
Verizon increased prices for business lines, including Business Unlimited Smartphone plans, by $5 per month. For small business owners, this price hike on essential services added pressure to already tight budgets.
6. Settlement over hidden fees
In March 2024, Verizon paid a $100 million settlement after customers alleged the company failed to disclose certain fees. This legal battle revealed long-standing issues with Verizon's billing practices that affected millions of users.
7. Billing disputes and poor resolutions
Verizon faced numerous customer service complaints throughout 2024, with billing issues and unresolved disputes being among the most common grievances. Long-time customers expressed growing frustration over the company's inability to address their concerns effectively, further eroding trust in the carrier.
My take
Verizon's changes in 2024 feel like a series of hits to customers' wallets. As someone who believes in fair pricing and clear policies, I find it disappointing to see so many fee hikes, reduced discounts, and forced plan changes.
Customers shouldn't have to constantly fight to avoid paying more for the same services.
If Verizon wants to keep customers happy, they should focus on being more transparent about fees and offering real value without all the strings attached.
Summary
Verizon's fee increases, pricing changes, and policy updates in 2024 have frustrated many loyal customers. If these changes are affecting your wallet, it might be time to shop around or renegotiate your plan to find something that fits your needs and budget better.
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