spc3rd
Williamsburg,#2Consumer Comment
Thu, May 19, 2011
Your situation is one which is mirrored in the more than 2000 complaints against Verizon on the ROR website alone.
I do have a few comments. I clicked on the website link provided in your report to review what Verizon has shown there. (I am presuming this link is the one which advertises the bundled package deal your friend signed you up for). In the section regarding the PHONE service, I can find no place where it is stated that UNLIMITED LONG DISTANCE service is part of the package. It states that unlimited LOCAL calling and REGIONAL TOLL CALLING service are provided.
In researching DIRECT TV's Better Business Bureau rating (as of June 2010), they give it an "F" rating. You may also do a little researching about both "consumer & professional reviews" of DIRECT TV. There are a sizable number of unfavorable reviews out there. Aside from seeking an attorney's counsel, the only other things I would suggest are filing formal complaints with the BBB, your state attorney general's office, and the Federal trade Commission via Certified Mail.
You might also consider reading through other complaints here on the ROR site against Verizon as well. Frequently, businesses such as Verizon, AT&T, etc have some type of partnerships with 3rd party vendors. Usually the actual billing for the 3rd party services may be done by Verizon, AT&T or other primary business, but if you have a dispute regarding that 3rd party's charge(s), you almost always have to contact that 3rd party about it.
I hope you are able to obtain a satisfactory resolution!