The Verizon Exodus

Why Millions Are Switching Carriers

1.8 Million

Customers lost in the last 2 years

The 7 Real Reasons People Are Leaving Verizon

1. Price Hikes & Hidden Fees

Verizon has raised prices 3 times since 2022. The average bill increased by $12/month.

Examples:

$10/month "admin fee" increase
$5/month "network access fee"
Plan prices increased 5-15%
Equipment fees creeping up

Result: Verizon is now 20-30% more expensive than competitors for similar plans.

2. 5G Performance Issues

Verizon's 5G rollout has been problematic:

Ultra Wideband: Incredibly fast but limited to small areas
Nationwide 5G: Often slower than 4G LTE
Battery drain: 5G chips use more power
Spotty coverage: Drops to 4G frequently

User report: "My 5G is slower than my old 4G. What's the point?"

3. Customer Service Decline

Multiple surveys show Verizon's customer service ranking dropping:

Longer wait times (45+ minutes common)
Store closures and reduced hours
Offshore support with language barriers
Automated systems that can't solve problems

J.D. Power 2023: Verizon ranked 3rd behind AT&T and T-Mobile.

4. Aggressive Competitor Promotions

T-Mobile and AT&T are offering incredible switch deals:

T-Mobile: "Switch & Get $800 per line"
AT&T: $500 gift cards + free phones
Visible (Verizon's own MVNO): $25/month unlimited
Google Fi: Flexible plans starting at $20

Verizon's response: Weak promotions with many restrictions.

5. Better Alternatives Available

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) using Verizon's network but cheaper:

Visible: $25/month (Verizon-owned)
US Mobile: $25/month (uses Verizon)
Xfinity Mobile: $45/month (Verizon network)
Spectrum Mobile: $29.99/month

Why pay more for the same network?

6. Network Congestion Problems

Verizon's network is slowing in urban areas:

Peak hour speeds dropping 40-60%
Prioritization affecting heavy data users
5G not relieving congestion as promised
Rural coverage gaps still not fixed

Speedtest.net data: Verizon's average download speed dropped 15% since 2021.

7. Billing & Account Problems

Common complaints from former customers:

Incorrect charges that are hard to remove
Promotional credits not applying
Early termination fee disputes
Device payment plan confusion
Autopay discount requirements (must use debit/bank)

BBB complaints: 5,000+ in 2023 alone.

Price Comparison: Verizon vs Competitors

Plan Type	Verizon	T-Mobile	AT&T	Savings
Single Line Unlimited	$80/month	$60/month	$65/month	Save $240/year
Family Plan (4 lines)	$180/month	$120/month	$140/month	Save $720/year
55+ Senior Plan	$60/line (2 lines)	$55/line (2 lines)	$70/line (2 lines)	Save $120/year
Military Discount	25% off	50% off	25% off	T-Mobile wins
Autopay Required	Yes (+$10 without)	Yes (+$5 without)	Yes (+$10 without)	All require it

Note: Prices include autopay discounts. Verizon requires debit/bank for discount, others allow credit cards.

Should YOU Leave Verizon?

Stay With Verizon If:

You live in rural areas with only Verizon coverage
Your employer pays for your plan
You have multiple device payments that would be expensive to pay off
You travel internationally frequently (good roaming deals)
You need the most reliable voice network
You're in a contract with early termination fees

Switch to T-Mobile If:

Price is your #1 concern
You live in urban/suburban areas
You want Netflix/Apple TV+ included
International travel includes free data
You use lots of mobile hotspot data
You want 5G that's consistently fast

Switch to AT&T If:

You want HBO Max included
You need good rural + urban balance
You bundle with AT&T Internet
You're over 55 (good senior plans)
You want decent customer service
You need reliable coverage nationwide

Before You Switch: Test Your Network

Step 1: Check your actual Verizon performance

Download Speedtest.net app
Test at home, work, and frequent locations
Note download/upload speeds and latency
Check for dropped calls in call log

Step 2: Test competitor networks

T-Mobile Test Drive: Free 30-day trial (eSIM)
AT&T Test Drive: Free 30-day trial available
Ask friends with other carriers to test at your locations

Step 3: Calculate true costs

Device payoff amounts
Switch promotion requirements
Plan costs after promotions end
Any hidden fees

Real Customer Stories: Why They Left

Sarah, 34, New York: "My Verizon bill went from $180 to $220 for 4 lines. No explanation. Switched to T-Mobile for $120 total. Same service quality in the city."

Michael, 52, Texas: "Verizon's 5G was actually slower than 4G in my area. Customer service told me to 'wait for network improvements.' Switched to AT&T and get real 5G speeds."

Priya, 28, California: "I was with Verizon for 10 years. They wouldn't match T-Mobile's switch offer. Loyalty means nothing anymore. Saved $600/year switching."

Robert, 65, Florida: "Verizon's senior plan was $60 per line. Consumer Cellular gave me the same coverage for $30. Why was I paying double?"

Verizon's Retention Offers (If You Want to Stay)

What to ask for when calling to cancel:

Loyalty discount: Up to $20/month per line
Plan downgrade: Cheaper unlimited plan (Welcome Unlimited)
Free perks: Ask for Disney+, Apple Music, or cloud storage
Bill credit: One-time $50-100 credit for inconvenience
Waived fees: Request activation/upgrade fees waived
Price lock: Ask for 2-3 year price guarantee

Pro tip: Call and say "I want to cancel due to price." Retention department has the best offers.

How to Switch Carriers (Step-by-Step)

Preparation (Week Before)

• Backup your phone (photos, contacts, messages)

• Note your account number and PIN (My Verizon app)

• Check device compatibility with new carrier

• Pay off devices if necessary

Order New Service

• Take advantage of switch promotions

• Order SIM cards or eSIM activation

• Choose your new plan carefully

• Port your number during signup

Activation Day

• Activate new service first

• Test everything before canceling Verizon

• Keep Verizon active until new service works perfectly

• Don't cancel Verizon - porting cancels automatically

Final Steps

• Get final bill from Verizon (may have prorated charges)

• Return any Verizon equipment (modems, routers)

• Cancel automatic payments from Verizon

• Keep records for tax purposes

Alternatives to Consider (Beyond Big 3)

MVNOs (Using Verizon Network but Cheaper):

Visible: $25/month unlimited (Verizon-owned)
US Mobile: $25/month (choose Verizon or T-Mobile network)
Xfinity Mobile: $45/month (requires Xfinity Internet)
Spectrum Mobile: $29.99/month (requires Spectrum Internet)

Other Carriers:

Google Fi: $20-80/month (uses T-Mobile + US Cellular)
Mint Mobile: $15-30/month (T-Mobile network, prepaid)
Consumer Cellular: $20-50/month (great for seniors)
Cricket Wireless: $30-60/month (AT&T network)

Final Verdict: Should You Leave Verizon?

Leave Verizon if:

You're paying over $40/line and want to save money
5G performance is poor in your area
Customer service has failed you multiple times
Competitors offer better coverage in your locations
You don't need the absolute most reliable voice network

Stay with Verizon if:

You live/work in areas where only Verizon works
Voice call reliability is critical for your work/life
You travel to remote areas frequently
You get a good discount (employer, military, first responder)
You're under contract with high termination fees

"The wireless market has changed. Verizon is no longer the undisputed king. For many people, switching can save hundreds per year with little to no service difference. But don't switch blindly - test first, then decide."