Qwest switches providers

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Story Published: Jan 2, 2009 at 6:12 PM MST

Story Updated: Jan 5, 2009 at 10:35 PM MST

By Jennifer McGraw

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IDAHO FALLS - Imagine signing a contract with Qwest, buying the phone and paying your bill. Then the next month, your bill comes, but now you're under a new contract, terms, and conditions.

That's exactly what's happened to a Qwest customer. Not even a year later and his cellular service was cancelled.

"There was no notice on this. There was no six month advance. No nothing. It just came with the bill and they sent two bills instead of one," says Robert Eickmann, frustrated Qwest customer.

Two bills, one with the original contract with Qwest and another with a new format.

"They told me Verizon Wireless is taking over Qwest Cellular," says Eickmann.

Not to mention the added charges.

"To my house from my cell it's free. Now you see three minutes is $1.35," he adds.

Changing plans would not give him the same benefits.

"I called them up and asked about it. They said basically it's going to end up costing me more money," says Eickmann.

And as of February...

"The Qwest phone that I have in my hand right here, that they gave me, would be no good," he says.

The original contract with Qwest is void, therefore he has to switch providers and follow their rules.

"If I go with Verizon I can't call my home for free, or my home can't call my phone for free, which was part of the original plan," he says.

Qwest wasn't able to return my phone calls this afternoon, but Robert did get a refund for those added charges.

If this happened to you, make sure you try and do the same and ask for a refund for your hassle. And know that you aren't forced to sign a new contract with Verizon and you do have the option of switching carriers.

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