FIL phone

mekasmom · #1 09/12/12, 11:24 PM

We have supplied FIL cell for 15yrs. We had him on our Verizon Family Plan, so it wasn't that expensive. Plus he wanted one for MIL, so we got it, but she wasn't able to understand it due to AD, so it sat on the desk until the contract was up, and we had it turned off. And that is fine. We don't mind that we did this.

The problem comes now that Verizon has changed, and become a money hog. We are switching to US Cellular or else just using prepaid phones. And we are willing to get FIL one and pay for it. That is not the issue. But FIL is angry because we can't import his old number due to a dispute with Verizon. He is 75, and just won't listen to logic. He doesn't adapt to change well because, "The doctor has this number. Everyone has this number. What am I going to do......" It's all very dramatic to FIL who has been saying mean things to his son, my husband.

So now dh is upset with his dad because "who does he think has paid for all this for all these years? Doesn't he appreciate anything? How can he talk about me that way?...."

Husband doesn't want to pay for FIL to just have one line with Verizon because that is going to cost over a hundred dollars a month. And, of course, FIL won't pay for his own phone willingly. And now they aren't even calling each other because FIL yells over the stupid phone over and over. It's just a mess.

I don't know if there is a good answer to this problem or not? FIL is older, set in his ways, and dramatic. Husband feels used. Are any of you Solomon with an answer that will please both of them? We tried talking to Verizon about importing the number, but they won't let us unless we pay for some fee or something that husband refuses to pay for. And FIL is upset about his phone having to be changed too, which is another issue because Verizon phones don't work on US Cellular.

Is there anyway to keep FIL calm and happy without having to pay a fortune to do it?

Travis in Louisiana · #2 09/12/12, 11:40 PM

My father-in-law just moved 6 weeks ago to our house. He is in our appartment. We HAD to get DIRECT TV!!! He is set in his ways on a lot of things. He does not like change. He is 93 years old though. My wife worries herself over him here, but he is also demanding on certain issues. It is tough at times, but it is getting better. He, though, does not understand all the electronic things. I don't think I do either at times!

farmrbrown · #3 09/12/12, 11:41 PM

I thought they had to allow a number to be transferred according to law?
See if this helps.

Portability: Keeping Your Phone Number When Changing Service Providers | FCC.gov

mekasmom · #4 09/12/12, 11:47 PM

So we talk to the new cell phone company about the number, not the old one? Maybe that is why we are having problems with importing the number.

farmrbrown · #5 09/13/12, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mekasmom

So we talk to the new cell phone company about the number, not the old one? Maybe that is why we are having problems with importing the number.

That's what it sounds like. I copied this from the link in case others want to see it.

If you want to change companies:

Do not terminate your service with your existing company before initiating service with the prospective new company.
Contact the new company, which will start the process of porting your number by contacting your current company. Be prepared to provide the new company with your 10-digit phone number, customer account number, and five-digit zip code. If you had created a passcode to protect your account, you may also need to provide that passcode.
Be aware that when terminating service with a wireless company, you may be obligated to pay any early termination fees under your existing contract. Also, when terminating service with any company, you are usually required to pay any outstanding balance owed. Review your bill or contract to determine what fees or charges apply. Once you request service from the new company, however, your old company may not refuse to port your number, even if you owe money for an outstanding balance or termination fee.
You may request service from a new company at any time.

Helena · #6 09/13/12, 06:34 AM

Hopefuly, someone in the family has power of attorney on your FIL money issues. Is it possible to pay for the phone service out of his own money monthly and he wouldn't even know about the cost. Sort of sneeky..but it will keep the peace. I understand what you are going throught...My Dad was the same way on things. I wish you the best...

Ohio dreamer · #7 09/13/12, 06:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mekasmom

So we talk to the new cell phone company about the number, not the old one? Maybe that is why we are having problems with importing the number.

correct

Kbellebear · #8 09/13/12, 07:13 AM

The other option is to try to talk to verizon. My grandparents sound very similar to your FIL last year they went into a verizon store to talk about terminating their contract because they weren't able to afford it. Verizon was able to help them switch to a much cheaper pay as you go plan through them that is only available to seniors. I am not sure if they are still doing it or if it is available in all areas but it worth a try.

sweetbabyjane · #9 09/13/12, 09:32 AM

Try working with US Cellular first. If they can't help maybe your FIL could pay the one time fee to have Verizon move his number to US Cellular, then you and your hubby pay the monthly bills as usual.

Hope it works out,
SBJ

Classof66 · #10 09/13/12, 11:14 AM

Are you able to get a prepaid month to month package from Verizon? I had one with AT&T for awhike and it was twenty something a month.

mekasmom · #11 09/13/12, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kbellebear

The other option is to try to talk to verizon. My grandparents sound very similar to your FIL last year they went into a verizon store to talk about terminating their contract because they weren't able to afford it. Verizon was able to help them switch to a much cheaper pay as you go plan through them that is only available to seniors.

We tried that a few months ago. But the guy at the Verizon place said that since the phone contract is in my husband's name, the only way they could import the number would be if the contract was in my husband's name because he owned the number. And, he can't get the discount just for one phone for FIL because he is only 54.

My husband is just irritated with his Dad now because he won't pay for his own cell, and he won't let us put him on a prepaid that we will pay for. And since he wants the same number that means we are going to have to pay $100 a month to keep him on that one phone under the new Verizon plans. Plus we are just unhappy with Verizon who won't just leave us on the same plan we have been on for 15 years.
And FIL is just mad because things have to change. It's like older people get to the point that they have no tolerance or patience or appreciation.
I have decided to just stay out of it, and let them work it out. I bought FIL a track phone and a card, if he wants it. I don't mind buying him cards and putting them on it just to keep him happy. But at this point nothing seems to make him happy. I think it is just part of aging.

Sanza · #12 09/13/12, 01:29 PM

I don't know about your phone plans in the US, but I can send a hug to you!
Hang on and remember this will soon be just a memory.

Maura · #13 09/13/12, 01:40 PM

Your FIL is scared. He figured out how to use his phone and he is worried that he won't be able to learn the new phone. I don't think he doesn't appreciate your DH, he just is finding it harder to learn new things.

Since he will be getting a new phone, stop talking to him about it. Have a nice visit. While visiting, one of you take his phone to the new phone company and have them download his chip into the new phone. Go back to his house. Slip the phone where it belongs. Go home. Later that day go have DH visit again and tell FIL that he must have turned his phone off because you've been trying to call him and are worried sick. The phone will not work. DH removes the battery and tries his own phone battery (make sure you have the right size battery). Now that FIL can see that the phone doesn't work, DH says he will take it into Verizon and have them fix it. He can leave his own phone with DD, or one of the kids phones, whatever. Continue to be deceitful and give him his new phone.

If this is the worst problem you have with FIL, you are blessed. Remember he loves you.

Cliff · #14 09/13/12, 01:41 PM

Well if he's going to act like a child you may have to treat him like one. Tell him the options and that's it. I would absolutely not cave and pay 100 dollars a month just to appease him, sorry.

Start the conversation "Dad, this is what we are able to do......"

Cliff · #15 09/13/12, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maura

Your FIL is scared. He figured out how to use his phone and he is worried that he won't be able to learn the new phone. I don't think he doesn't appreciate your DH, he just is finding it harder to learn new things.

Since he will be getting a new phone, stop talking to him about it. Have a nice visit. While visiting, one of you take his phone to the new phone company and have them download his chip into the new phone. Go back to his house. Slip the phone where it belongs. Go home. Later that day go have DH visit again and tell FIL that he must have turned his phone off because you've been trying to call him and are worried sick. The phone will not work. DH removes the battery and tries his own phone battery (make sure you have the right size battery). Now that FIL can see that the phone doesn't work, DH says he will take it into Verizon and have them fix it. He can leave his own phone with DD, or one of the kids phones, whatever. Continue to be deceitful and give him his new phone.

If this is the worst problem you have with FIL, you are blessed. Remember he loves you.

If he is scared make sure he knows you'll help him get the new phone all figured out before you leave him with it.

I would not lie or manipulate unless there is an actual cognitive dysfunction like alzheimers going on. Then you pretty much have no choice because they are no longer rational.

PNP Katahdins · #16 09/13/12, 01:47 PM

FIL needs to man up and pay the $100 a month to keep his special number. He'll get tired of that. I understand that he is 75 and set in his ways. This is only the tip of the iceberg and won't get any easier.

It sounds like he doesn't remember back to when his Verizon number was new and he had to give it to all his friends and his doctor.

We have been happy with US Cellular - so far. If FIL does switch, you may be able to find the same model phone on eBay or wherever that will work with the new carrier.

Peg

MDKatie · #17 09/13/12, 01:57 PM

Why is the only plan from Verizon $100/mo? They should have a MUCH cheaper plan than that!

HOTW · #18 09/13/12, 02:01 PM

Tslk tot he new company. Quite a few years ago when DH got a cell we were able to switch the landline to a cell phone because of some new law. A compnay is not going to give you the answer if you are leaving them! Go to th enew comonay and talk to them efore you make any changes.

vicker · #19 09/13/12, 02:34 PM

Several months ago, my lil sister put my dad on her phone account, changed his number and gave him a newer phone. It has been a complete NIGHTMARE!! She is living in NC and we are in SC, the new number has a Hawaii area code, and the new phone has too many features and tiny buttons. I transferred all of his contacts by hand, and he promptly deleted them all, by accident. It has just been on thing after another, and extremely frustrating for him. If there is anyway possible, please help him to keep his old number and phone. If a new phone, make sure he can operate it. And, just forget about adding any new feature that he is unfamiliar with.

ArkansasLady · #20 09/13/12, 02:36 PM

So get the new phone, call his doctors, and everyone with the new number, and leave it like that. Send the new number to everyone who needs it, write it down for fil and tell him this is his only option, that or no phone...

well there is the option of him paying for his own phone....