I don't know if you went through Verizon, or a Verizon authorized agent, or ordered the phone online. But I hear more problems from the authorized agents than from the Verizon Wireless agents. I always found the Verizon agent more helpful, and more likely to have phones in stock, at least at the corporate store and mall kiosk than at the authorized agents. Also from my experience, the authorized agents don't keep up with the newest phones as quickly as Verizon Wireless does. But don't expect the other carriers to be any better, and you may actually have reduced coverage with other carriers. As for going online, I'll only do so much stuff online, and purchasing a phone won't be one of them.
I have been with AT&T for the past two years and I HATE IT WITH A PASSION. My contract expires soon and I'm looking at either Verizon or T-Mobile. I've heard great things about Verizon's coverage in my area (Portland, OR), but T-Mobile's plans are closer to what I want. I'm also looking at moving in the next year and wondering how difficult it may be to change service areas with both carriers.
Any advice is most appreciated!

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