Clear Choice Mobile

If you thought you might do better to go to a local, no contract provider like Clear Choice Mobile on Haywood Road, you might find yourself in a world of trouble.

About a month ago I tried their "No Contract, No Commitment" plan thinking it would be nice to support a new, local upstart instead of shelling over big bucks and two years of my cell phone life to one of the big dogs.

Their sales pitch touts such great features and service because "we use the Verizon towers." While this may be true in part, don't expect your phone to work much past the Asheville area. Recently, while on a trip to Winston-Salem, the phone did not work, I received text messages one saying "thanks for topping up your account" and simultaneously one saying "your account balance has reached $0.00." So which was it? I went in today to work out the problem only to find out that "that's a problem with Alltel, not us." I had had enough and demanded my $60 activation fee back and the $40 monthly fee back, which I had just paid. Under duress and from being observed by other customers, the owner, relented and gave me only $60 back. And in doing so, berated me as I left.

So to all you out there looking for a deal and great customer service, this is not the place for you. If you go in anyway, good luck to you. Just tell Lenny you read about it here first.