Alltel to Verizon Merger - Tons of Fun, NOT!

I have about had it with Verizon Wireless, I can't take this anymore!

Let me start from the beginning...over 2 years ago, after moving back to the United States from serving our country with the military in England, we signed up for service with Alltel. Great service, never had any problems whatsoever. We knew the merger with Verizon was coming and were actually looking forward to it. A few months before the merger, we upgraded our phones and were told that there wouldn't be any problems with them once the merger took effect, thus extending our contracts.

July 2009 - enter Verizon.

Nothing but problems since the take over.
1. dropped calls
2. calls breaking up
3. poor signal strength
4. calls going straight to voicemail
5. texts not going or coming through
6. slow to non-existent internet speeds

I have called repeatedly, been shuffled from department to department, person to person. Everyone has an answer, too bad none of them are right. Do you have any idea how many times I have removed the battery from my phone to "reset" it or dialed *228 to "reprogram" it? Neither do I, lost count a month ago. Trouble tickets have been opened, one lasting over 2 weeks and still no resolution. Although Verizon has said the trouble tickets are showing fixed, I am still having the same issues. I have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau in New Jersey where they are based. A woman from the "Verizon executive division" called on 8/21 and said she would look into the matter and get back with me. Still nothing after 10 days. Today I filed a complaint with the FCC; we'll see if that gets us anywhere, somehow I'm doubting it.

My next step is going to be switching cell phone providers and dealing with fighting the early termination fees later.

I need service, let me rephrase that, I NEED RELIABLE SERVICE!! I have a child with asthma who needs to be able to contact me at ALL TIMES, not when Verizon feels like giving me phone service. Plus, what the hell are we paying over $200.00 a month for?!