Verizon service delayed since 22-June Sulphur Springs Texas

I recently moved from Carrollton, Texas to a rural address near Sulphur Springs called Sulphur Bluff. I was already a Verizon customer for many years in the Dallas, Texas area. I was told when I made initial call that telephone service could be supplied in three to four days. (telephone conversation)
After moving in I contacted Verizon to set up an installation date. An inspector was sent out and I was told by the inspector on our site that due to the long distance from the main county road to my house there would be a fee of $785.50. I agreed and was told that someone would be in touch shortly.

Shortly was two weeks later when I received in the mail an advice telling me that nothing would be started until I paid the $785.50. I was not told this by the inspector. I mailed the check for the full amount on 22-June-2008 and, again, heard nothing. I was finally able to make contact with a live person in customer service after several attempts and very long waits on hold. I was then told that my service was 'delayed' and that I had been scheduled for installation on "August 25th. or sooner". Those are the exact words.

Verizon has had my $785.50 for two months and I still have no service. While technically this may not qualify as a rip-off, I see it as such since they have the use of my money and I have nothing to show for it. I was contacted by telephone again this morning with a further follow-up just to tell me that I was still 'on schedule' for 25-August or sooner.

I cannot work from home until I get a telephone and I have been driving 206 miles per day round-trip since June because of this delay. If you want to add in the cost of gasoline, this may actually be a true-blue rip-off story.

The 888 nuimber I supplied for Verizon is to the Delayed Services Department as I have no other number with which to make contact.

Cathy
Sulphur Bluff, Texas
U.S.A.