Tampa Bay Area Frontier Communications Complaints Linger

SARASOTA, FL — It’s been 11 days since Verizon FiOS pulled up stakes and transferred ownership of its Florida operations to Frontier Communications.

It’s also been 11 days since Sarasota resident Scotty Gresham says he’s had internet service, an issue that has him so frustrated he filed a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission on Monday.

“My service stopped on 1 April and hasn’t returned,” Gresham wrote in an email to Patch. “My dentist, local retailers, and others in Sarasota are in the same boat. We’re in 11 days and no end in sight.”

Gresham said he decided to file the complaint after hearing media reports that Frontier Communications is saying its transition in Florida and California is complete with the exception of a few problems.

“The country assumes Frontier is competent and has completed the FCC and SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) approved sale with minor issues,” Gresham said.

See Also:

• Frontier Communications' Florida Woes Continue
• Frontier Communications Verizon Takeover: Problems Persist
• Frontier's Verizon Takeover: What Tampa Bay Needs To Know

Patch reached out to the FCC on Monday to find out if other Frontier Communications customers from the Tampa Bay area have filed similar complaints. Lauren Wilson, legal advisor for the FCC, wouldn’t comment on specific complaints but said consumers with issues may file complaints with the agency online at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us or by calling the Consumer Center at 1-888-225-5322.

Complaints, Wilson noted, may also be submitted to the Florida Public Service Commission online.

Gresham isn’t the only person still reporting problems since the April 1 switch to Frontier in Tampa Bay and all of Florida.

“Frontier’s customer service is just horrible,” one person wrote in a previous story’s comments section on Monday. “I never thought there would be a day where I would be begging for Verizon’s customer service.”

“No DVR, no VOD, no HD, not yet sure what else I’m lacking in service other than customer service,” reader David wrote. “And, I’m one of the ‘lucky’ ones, at least I have television.”

Complaints continued to roll in on the Frontier Communications Facebook page Monday, as well.

“Frontier Communications is the worst,” wrote one woman. “It’s been over a week, still no TV. A technician came out today and basically told me they have no fix for it yet so I have to wait another 2 weeks. Worst company ever.”

“Over 50 minutes waiting for chat,” wrote another Facebook user, who also posting a screenshot to prove it.

Not all of the feedback has been bad.

“I have Triple Play and all services have remained solid,” Patch reader Scott wrote on the previous story. “My online account started working on the 8th just like the website said.”

A California Patch reader also chimed in reporting no major problems since the switchover there.

“My down and upload speeds are faster than ever and I like the website – easy to change info, unlike the old Verizon page.”

Frontier Communications has acknowledged some issues since the transfer. On its website, the company promises lingering concerns with on-demand channels should be resolved by mid-April. It also reports “there will be a temporary delay before you can assess your FiOS Digital Voice voicemail and calling features through your set-top box.”

Issues related to service outages, such as Gresham has reported, are not acknowledged on the company’s website.

How has your experience with Frontier Communications been so far? Let us know by commenting below!

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