I signed up for the Neighborhood plan several weeks ago.

The initial switch over wasn't particularly smooth (the Caller ID didn't work, though the Call Waiting Caller ID did work). I wasted so much time with the support people on this, and they even sent someone to my place to make sure it wasn't my phone (btw, it was a Verizon person who showed up). Still unresolved, I called MCI again and said it isn't working peoperly. They basically said they checked all the settings on their end, nothing was wrong, and that it was my phone, as if I don't know how to use a phone. I finally got a supervisor who actually knew what was wrong, I forget the details, but something really obscure. He put in the work order, and the next day it worked fine. Someone actually called to confirm (again a Verizon person), and it's been fine ever since.

Last week, the moment of truth...the bill.

Sure enough, the bill reads as advertised, $50 flat fee plus a boat load of taxes and fees courtesy any government body which needs some income.

Many years ago I wished Bernie Ebbers certain pain for the screwups in billing which they constantly committed. All I can say is that so far it has been a great service, voice quality and all just fine.

Still waiting for the UA bonus and miles to hit my account, though.

Nitin