VZW 30-day ‘test drive:’ We’ll foot the bill

Verizon Wireless is making new moves toward customer friendliness with an expanded “test drive” period of 30 days, during which customers can opt to leave the carrier and essentially have Verizon Wireless foot their usage bill-so long as they port their number elsewhere.
Typically, carriers require that customers at least pay for their usage if they decide to leave at some point during an initial trial period.
Verizon Wireless said that, beginning Monday, new customers who sign up can leave at any point during the first 30 days and get the perks of the test drive program.
If, the operator said, “customers are not satisfied with their experience and take their number to another carrier, Verizon Wireless will refund their money for their calls, equipment, activation fee and taxes, as well as release them from their contract without an early termination fee when they return their phone within the test drive period.”
The change would not affect the $15-per-month Vcast package, which Verizon Wireless already offers free for the first month.
Customers also must port their number and activate it with another carrier within the 30-day period in order to qualify for having Verizon Wireless foot their bill for the month.
Concurrently, Verizon Wireless is expanding its “Worry Free Guarantee”-the 15-day period during which a customer can return or exchange equipment and exit a service agreement without paying a termination fee-to 30 days. All customers receive the guarantee as part of signing up with Verizon Wireless.
“So many people say, ‘We have the best network,'” said Verizon Wireless spokeswoman Brenda Raney. “This is Verizon Wireless saying, ‘Come and test ours.'”
The move seems to fit into a larger strategy of Verizon Wireless attempting a customer-friendly face; the carrier decided last year to pro-rate early termination fees.