How to get out of Verizon Contract

Question

I've been a faithful Verizon customer for a long long time. I use to recommend Verizon to all of my friends. However, I have become really disenchanted with this company. It used to be very customer oriented but things have changed. My husband and I have 6 phones on our two accounts. Between the two accounts - it's been one problem after another. The last issues was that we lost one phone and the cost of replacing it is more than an entirely new contract at Sprint! Looking around it seems to make more financial sense to switch to another carrier. The coverage may not be quite as good, but the service is likely to be a lot better. I have a few questions for all of you....
(1) What carriers have the best service?
(2) I am worried about getting the unlock code from Verizon - I understand that carriers try to prevent customers from getting this. Is this legal? How do I go about doing this?
(3) Is there a way to get the ETF reduced if I start another line with Verizon? I mean I am just trying to replace a darn phone!!
(4) Has anyone filed a complaint with the FCC? I understand that they are quite concerned about Early Termination Fees and are beginning to consider various options as this is believed to be coercive. I'd like to find out how to file such a complaint.
It's too bad - I wish Verizon would go back to the way they use to be!!

Answer 1

Best coverage is really subjective based on your location. For example, Verizon is the best in my area, but 20 miles up the road, a local carrier is better.
There was a law recently passed that requires Verizon to unlock a phone when it's out of contract. I'm not sure whether that includes a contract that was terminated.
The ETF is signed on a per line/per phone basis. If you open another line, you're simply going to add to your headache. They typically don't budge on the ETF.
In a sense, you are blaming Verizon for the high cost of cellular devices. They offered insurance when you signed up, and apparently chose not to accept it. That makes you responsible for replacing your device, if you choose to.
Lastly, the FCC has already addressed the ETF issue. It used to be a base ETF no matter how far you were into your contract. Now, you can reduce your $350 ETF by $10 for each completed month. The FCC isn't going to consider another ETF complaint.
I agree, Verizon has really taken a step down when it comes to customer service. That said, I don't feel this is a customer service issue. You chose not to insure your device without doing the research on the actual cost of a device, first.