Argh, Verizon is filled with IDIOTS and TWITS, with stupid and unnecessary restrictions and impediments for customers.

Huh? You ask.

I'm thinking of jumping on their currently advertised FiOS Triple Play offer, but they can't find my home phone number.  The phone number that is currently served by Verizon's VoiceWing (VOIP) service.  VoiceWing service is a bastard step child of Verizon, unacknowledged as actually being part of Verizon when you try to access services through Verizon's website or by calling in to talk to their sales agents.

I don't want the Triple Play if they make me change phone numbers.  Actually, I should clarify and say that I guess I could live with a phone number change, but my wife on the other hand doesn't want to deal with any more number changes, and I really would prefer to keep the number I have to.  Either way, changing phone numbers would be a total deal breaker.

Why am I that interested in Verizon FiOS triple play options?  Because I don't think I could leave Verizon VoiceWing service quick enough to satisfy me over the next several weeks.  Their service is pathetic compared to Vonage.  Nearly worthless service.  It actually works almost 'ok' for voice, but no where near as good as Vonage, with a nasty echo chamber effect on the line for most voice calls, and calls where people calling us (my in-laws mostly) can't hear the people talking and think that no one answered the phone here.  It (VoiceWing service) doesn't work at all for TiVos to dial over (traditional modem equipment/cheap modems in the TiVos, I know, but still they work just fine over Vonage service)

When I do the math, I can get triple play from Verizon for about $15 - $20 more than my current Verizon VoiceWing + FiOS + FiOS analog TV service.  Close enough that I don't mind paying more for the better quality phone service but.... they tell me (when I call their 800 number) that I can't keep same phone number!!!!!

ARGH!! NO SALE, or at least No Sale on try #1.

I'm told I can try calling their local Business Office.  I try calling it, get a recording that I need to call during regular business hours which goes further to tell me the regular business hours include the time that I have called at.  Ooops, sorry, office closed.  WHICH IS IT?  Did I call during regular business hours or not?!  Never mind, I'll call back on Monday, but again, Verizon sure isn't making this easy at all. I'm ->.<- that close to calling back up Vonage and porting my number back to them.  Since Verizon didn't kill them entirely, I might be best served to just take service back to them and let Verizon kiss my rosey red...