1. Sprint - I tried repeatedly to get a phone from them (the only land line provider in my new town) when I moved here and they couldn't see around the protection on my credit reports due to an identity theft incident. When I told my story to locals, they laughed and said Sprint is notoriously bad around here.

I wonder if their name change (to Embark) is to get away from the bad reputation.


2. Virgin Mobile - Another cell phone company that puts your on hold and charges you for the minutes. Their prices are sky high, but I guess they thrive on people who can't get cell phones from other companies and are desperate.


3. Verizon - the source of so many headaches! When I left Boston, I cancelled my bundled phone & internet service...or so I thought. They kept billing me for the internet despite calls and emails. I almost flipped out when they sent my account to a collection agency. I had never had one of those calls before! Quite a shock.

Their DSL speeds are pathetic, too. Thank goodness I have a T1 line now.