Listen to Dollars and Cents by Verizon Math

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a video featuring a customer service interaction with Verizon regarding billing and rate calculations for data usage. Participants analyze the communication breakdown, focusing on the confusion surrounding the interpretation of rates in cents per kilobyte and the resulting charges. The conversation touches on themes of customer service, mathematical reasoning, and the implications of miscommunication in billing practices.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express frustration with the Verizon representatives, suggesting they were unable or unwilling to perform basic unit conversions and arithmetic related to the billing rates.
  • Others argue that the customer was complicating the situation unnecessarily, though they acknowledge that the representatives' responses were inadequate.
  • A participant suggests that the representatives should have calculated the bill based on the quoted rate of .002 cents per kilobyte, emphasizing the importance of clarity in communication.
  • There are multiple references to the confusion over whether the charges were in dollars or cents, with some participants noting that this confusion contributed to the overall misunderstanding.
  • Some participants provide calculations based on different interpretations of the data usage and rates, leading to varying conclusions about the correct billing amount.
  • Several comments highlight the perceived incompetence of the Verizon staff, with some participants questioning their mathematical abilities and customer service training.
  • There are mentions of the potential legal implications if the customer decided to pursue the issue further, indicating a concern about the broader impact of such billing practices.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express disagreement regarding the effectiveness of the Verizon representatives and the clarity of the billing process. There is no consensus on the best approach to resolve the billing confusion, and multiple competing views on the situation remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference various calculations and interpretations of data usage, but there are unresolved questions about the accuracy of the inputs and the definitions of the billing rates. The discussion reflects a broader concern about the importance of clear communication in technical and customer service contexts.

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  • #32
Moonbear said:
Where are you getting 3.5 GB from?
From DaveC426913's message #5 in this thread. I quoted his post in my first post in message #19 and I kept asking: Are these inputs correct? You are the first one to set me straight.
 

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