Thank you for choosing Verizon. In this Customer Agreement (“Agreement”), you’ll find important information and terms and conditions about your Verizon Services. PLEASE READ THESE AGREEMENT TERMS CAREFULLY AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS, AND OURS. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, DO NOT USE THE SERVICES AND CONTACT US IMMEDIATELY AT 1-800-VERIZON TO TERMINATE THEM.
This Agreement establishes the terms and conditions under which you, the Subscriber (“you,” “your” or “Subscriber”) agree to use Fios Internet and/or Fios TV and/or Fios Home Phone (the “Services,” including Equipment, Content, and Verizon-branded and Third-Party software applications) and under which the Verizon Affiliates (“Verizon,” “us” or “we,”) identified in Exhibit A agree to provide the Services to you.
NOTICE OF ARBITRATION AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT CONTAINS A BINDING ARBITRATION CLAUSE AND A CLASS ACTION WAIVER. IT REQUIRES THAT DISPUTES BE RESOLVED BY ARBITRATION, RATHER THAN CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS OR JURY TRIALS (EXCEPT FOR MATTERS THAT MAY BE TAKEN TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT). PLEASE SEE SECTION 16 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
1. ACCEPTANCE OF AGREEMENT.
1.1 The Services terms and conditions are part of this Agreement. By accepting this Agreement, you or anyone accessing the Services are bound by these terms and conditions. Your acceptance of this Agreement begins when: (a) you accept this Agreement, either digitally or verbally, during the submission of your order; or (b) you commence the use of the Services. This Agreement will end when you or we terminate this Agreement as permitted in Section 10 below.
1.2 This Agreement includes specific elements of the Services or Term Services Offer plans, including the pricing, duration, any applicable Early Termination Fee (“ETF”), and Equipment pricing, all as described in the information made available to you when placing and confirming your order or activating your Services. This Agreement also includes Our Privacy Policy (https://www.verizon.com/about/privacy/) applicable to the Services and other policies and materials specifically referred to in this Agreement, all of which are incorporated into this Agreement by reference. Please retain a copy of this Agreement for your records.
2. DEFINITIONS. If a term is not defined in this Agreement, you agree that it shall be construed in accordance with customary usage in the telecommunications industry. The words “shall” and “will” are mandatory, and the word “should” expresses an expectation, but is not mandatory, and the word “may” is permissive. In addition, the following definitions shall apply:
2.1 Charges. Charges may include, without limitation, fees for Services, Equipment, Transactional Charges, taxes and other governmental fees, as well as charges such as video franchise fees, video franchise related costs, regional sports network fees, broadcast fees, account activation and installation charges, surcharges, reactivation fees, customized setup and installation fees, late payment fees on past-due balances, agent assistance fees for making payment arrangements through a Verizon call center representative, collection fees, returned payment fees, Early Termination Fees, Unreturned Equipment Charges, and other nonrecurring charges. Certain Charges such as taxes and other governmental fees, franchise fees, Public, Educational and Government (“PEG”) channel fees, video franchise related costs, regional sports network fees, and broadcast fees, may change one or more times during the term of your Services plan. Charges may also include fees, taxes and related costs for third-party services to which you subscribe and agree to have included on your Verizon bill.
2.2 Content. Content provided by Verizon, by its third party licensors or suppliers, by Public Education or Government Access Channel entities, or by Leased Access entities and accessible through the Services, including without limitation images, photographs, animations, video, audio, music, and text in any format. This includes over-the-top (“OTT”) or streaming video programming, gaming, and other online streaming Services from third-party providers that may be offered with Fios TV and Fios Internet Services. Content also includes free, purchased, rented and live-streamed On Demand and Pay-Per-View services which for which we may charge an additional fee.
2.3 Early Termination Fee (“ETF”). A fee Verizon may charge if you cancel your Service(s) under a services plans with a minimum term commitment, pursuant to Section 10.
2.4 Equipment. Equipment includes Verizon-provided digital adapters; television set top boxes, digital video recorders video media servers, IP client boxes; peripheral devices; routers; extenders; or optical network terminals. Equipment includes a router or extender you may purchase from Verizon or a third party. Equipment does not include any Other Devices that you attach to use with the Services, or Retired Equipment. The Equipment provided by Verizon for use with the Services may be new or refurbished.
2.5 Fios TV Content. Content provided as part of and included with the Services, including, without limitation, images, photographs, animations, video Content, information services, audio, music, and text, irrespective of the manner or format in which such content is delivered. Fios TV Content includes content provided by Verizon or its third-party licensors or suppliers and delivered over the managed Fios video network.
2.6 Force Majeure. Force majeure events are events that are beyond Verizon’s control, including but not limited to: acts of God, fire, flood, riot, extreme weather events, explosions or other catastrophes, epidemics or pandemics; any law, order, regulation, direction, action or request of the United States government or of any other government including state and local governments having or claiming jurisdiction over Verizon, or of any department, agency, commission, bureau, corporation or other instrumentality of any one or more of these federal, state, or local governments or of any military authority; preemption of existing Services in compliance with national emergencies, acts of terrorism, insurrections, riots, wars, unavailability of rights-of-way, supply chain and material shortages or unavailability, strikes, lockouts, or work stoppages. Force Majeure events may be a one-time occurrence or may be an event occurring for a continued period of duration.
2.7 Home Network. Interconnected electronic equipment or Other Devices, such as routers, Wi-Fi extenders, set-top boxes, Internet of Things (“IoT”) devices, or streaming boxes. Interconnected equipment or Other Devices may be connect via Ethernet cable, coax, or Wi-Fi and are able to connect to the Internet and transmit and/or receive data between them. Your Home Network can support:
2.7.1 Primary Network. The Primary Network is designed to provide internet connectivity and a Local Access Network to your devices and shared files with a connection via Ethernet cable, coax, or Wi-Fi.
2.7.2 Guest Network. The Guest Network is designed to provide internet connectivity to your guests via 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi but restricts access to your primary network and shared files. The primary network and the guest network are separated from each other through firewalls.
2.7.3 IoT Network. The IoT Network is designed to improve the onboarding experience of Internet of Things devices via the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and provide internet connectivity and has access to other devices on the Primary Network.
2.7.4 Self Organizing Network. Self-Organizing Networks (“SON”) significantly improve Wi-Fi performance by automatically identifying and fixing Wi-Fi problems. Connected devices can move seamlessly between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi signals, and between access points if a Wi-Fi Extender has been added to your Home Network.
2.8 Fios Internet Service. Fios or High Speed Internet (“HSI”)-based Internet Service (whichever service to which you subscribe).
2.9 Other Devices. Devices you may use with the Services which are not classified as Equipment. By way of example, this includes but is not limited to monitors, televisions, gaming consoles, keyboards, laptops, CPUs, IoT devices, remote controls, mobile devices, equipment supporting Over The Top (“OTT”) or streaming video devices (examples like Apple TV boxes, Roku devices, Verizon Stream TV devices, or Amazon Firestick or FireCube), virtual assistant devices, power supply and related cords and cables for connectivity.
2.10 Premises. The physical locations where the Services are installed or delivered, which may include interior and exterior points of access.
2.11 Retired Equipment. Equipment that may have originally been provided by Verizon, but may no longer be subject to return to us or to Unreturned Equipment Charges. A list of Retired devices and additional details can be found at https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/internet/equipment/routers/other-equipment. Verizon may modify this list at any time.
2.12 Services. Fios Internet Services, Fios TV Services, and/or Fios Home Phone Services, including, without limitation, all Content, Equipment, Verizon-branded and third-party software applications used in delivery or interaction with the Services, media or program guides, digital video recording capability and storage, software, technical support, and other features, products, and Services provided as part of and included with our television and internet Services, including Video On Demand Services and Pay-Per-View. The Services do not include regulated or copper-based voice telephony services, do not include non-Verizon branded streaming video or OTT video services, and do not include third-party smart device services. If you subscribe to Services, we may make Additional Services provided by Verizon or by third parties available to you as described in Exhibits C and E.
2.13 Software or Access Software. Verizon may provide software to run or access the Services or partner or Verizon apps in connection with the Services, which may be owned by Verizon or third party licensors, providers and suppliers. There may be an extra charge for some software supporting certain features.
2.14 Term Services Offer(s). A combination or “bundle” of Verizon Fios Services with one or more eligible video, voice or internet Services which may include a term commitment for a minimum amount of time. Term Service Offers do not include equipment protection plans or other add-on services or subscriptions that may be offered by Verizon’s third-party vendors or partners.
2.15 Third Party Charges. Charges separate and apart from Verizon Services Charges. These may include charges resulting from accessing internet-based services or purchasing products, services or subscriptions through interactive options available through the Services. Third party charges may include subscription fees, one-time fees, recurring monthly charges, and additional service and internet charges or fees from a wireless or internet service provider (which may be a third party or a Verizon Affiliate).
2.16 Transactional Charges. Charges incurred for options such as Equipment purchases, Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View Services.
2.17 Verizon Websites. Websites located at verizon.com and myverizon.com, which are comprised of various web pages, tools, information, software, content, and features operated by Verizon. (https://www.verizon.com/about/terms-conditions/terms-of-use)
3. NOTICE OF CHANGES TO THIS AGREEMENT.
3.1 Changes to Agreement. The Current version of the terms of this Agreement shall be available on https://www.verizon.com/terms. From time to time, we will make revisions to this Agreement and to the policies relating to the Services, including revisions to the provisions that govern the way that you and Verizon resolve disputes. We may provide notice of such revisions in a digital or paper format. Revisions to the terms and conditions shall be effective on the date specified in the notice. You accept the revisions and agree to abide by them by continuing to use the Services. We will provide you with at least thirty (30) days’ notice prior to the effective date of any increases to the monthly price of the Services or Term Services Offer plan (excluding other charges as detailed in Section 11).
3.2 Changes to Fios Internet and Fios Home Phone Services. We will provide notice of such revisions by posting revisions to the Website Announcements page [https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/announcements] sending an email to the email address that you provide to receive communications from us (your "Primary Email Address"), or such other method provided for in Section 14 of this Agreement. You agree to visit the Announcements page periodically and to check your email box to review any such revisions.
3.3 Changes to Fios Video Services. Notice will be available through the cable system on the Message Center located in the interactive media guide, on the Website Announcements page at https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/announcements, or on your bill. You agree to view the interactive media guide, the Verizon website or your bill periodically to review any such revisions.
4. SERVICE CHANGES.
4.1 Modification. Subject to applicable law, we reserve the right to offer, change, rearrange, add, delete or otherwise modify the Services at any time, with or without prior notice to you. This includes changing, rearranging or otherwise modifying Term Services Offer packages, TV packages, the selections available in those packages, the Equipment, any Other Devices, and any other features, products, software, and services that we offer.
4.2 Restriction and Limitations. Verizon or its suppliers may, without notice or liability, restrict the use of any Services or limit time of availability of Services. Not all Services may be available in all areas.
5. USE OF THE SERVICES AND VERIZON WEBSITES.
5.1 Residential Use. The Services provided under this Agreement are solely for Subscriber's personal, residential use and Subscriber shall not use Services for any commercial purpose. Verizon, in its sole discretion, shall have the right to determine what constitutes residential use and may require you to obtain a commercial account. Your use of the Service(s) and Equipment may not cause harm to our network, may not be used to commit fraud or constitute an abuse of the Service(s) or Equipment and must comply with our Acceptable Use Policy which is set forth in Exhibit B to this Agreement.
5.2 Responsibility for All Use. You are responsible for all use of the Services, whether by you or someone using the Services with or without your permission. You agree not to use the Services, directly or indirectly, for any unlawful purpose, including without limitation, violation of copyright laws.
5.3 Lawful Use. You further agree that your use of the Services is your sole responsibility, at your own risk, and subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations. We, in our sole discretion, or any vendor or partner, may prosecute you and other responsible parties under applicable federal, state and local laws in the event that the Services are used for an unlawful purpose. As described in more detail in Section 13 below, you agree to indemnify us in the event of any such violation by you or anyone using the Services at the Premises or at another location.
5.4 Managing Content. You understand and agree that not all Content may be suitable for all viewers, and users of the Services may have access to Content that may be sexually explicit, obscene, offensive, or otherwise unsuitable or objectionable, especially for children under the age of eighteen (18). You further understand and agree it is your responsibility to impose any restrictions you determine appropriate to limit access to objectionable material, and you agree to supervise usage of the Services. We strongly recommend the use of commercially available content filtering software. You agree that we are not responsible to you or anyone else viewing content or information provided on, or accessed through, the services for any content that you or others may deem to be objectionable for any reason and you waive any claims against us for any injury or harm relating to such content or the viewing of content. You further understand and agree that we are not responsible for the information or materials accessible via the internet or through use of the services.
5.4.1 Tools and Third-Party content. Verizon may provide tools for you to manage access to certain Content, however tools may not be available to control all content on unregulated platforms or in all circumstances. Verizon does not control and is not responsible for third-party platform content.
5.5 Authorized Devices Registration and Restrictions on Streaming Content.
5.5.1. Restrictions on Users. There are restrictions on the number of registered authorized devices and on the number of concurrent streams of content being simultaneously consumed. You will need to download a compatible app to access Content. In order to register and deregister Authorized Devices, you may need to register an Other Device through a Verizon-provided application. Verizon may impose restrictions on the number of times you may de-register and re-register the same Authorized Other Device within a calendar year.
5.5.2 Limitation on Concurrent Streams. Verizon may limit the number of concurrent streams (including any streams delivered to the TV via a Fios TV set-top box) that are available from the same account at any one time. The maximum number of concurrent streams, the number of additional streams that may be purchased, and the concurrent availability of the same content may vary. Streaming and downloading are available only in U.S. and U.S. territories.
5.6 Gaming Services-Ownership, Licenses, and Restrictions. Other Devices, Partner-provided gaming services and all software incorporated therein are protected by copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and other intellectual property and proprietary rights. You may be granted a limited personal, noncommercial, nonexclusive, non-assignable, non-sublicenseable, and revocable license to access and use Other Devices and partner-provided gaming services for their intended uses during the time that you are receiving Services. You may not sell, resell, reproduce, distribute, display, perform, record, sublicense, loan, lease, otherwise transfer, alter, modify, merge, adapt, copy, translate, publish, export, create derivative works of, make any commercial use of, reverse engineer, decompile, attempt to derive the source code of, disassemble any software therein, attempt to disable or circumvent any digital rights management mechanism or other content protection measures, or otherwise use and exploit any part of the Other Devices and partner-provided gaming services. All rights not expressly granted to you herein are reserved. We may revoke this license at any time without notice.
5.7 Screen Use. Screen capturing and screen recording may not be permitted and may be unavailable or blocked, depending on authorization by respective owners. Functionality to share through social media, to text message, or to download Content may be intentionally blocked or may not be available as a service feature.
5.8.1 Alternative Billing Formats. Verizon will provide bills in alternate media formats upon request at 1-800-974-6006, Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm. Additional accessibility information is available at https://www.verizon.com/about/privacy/accessibility/overview.
5.8.2 Viewing Content. Some scenes have a flashing effect that may trigger seizures or other symptoms for photosensitive viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
6. SOFTWARE LICENSES AND THIRD-PARTY SERVICES.
6.1 Software Use and Modifications. We reserve the right through remote or other means to periodically update, monitor, upgrade, change or discontinue the Software used to support Equipment or Services and to make related changes to the settings and software on the Equipment, or on Verizon applications running on your associated Other Devices. You agree to permit such changes and access to the Equipment and your associated Other Devices. You may use the Software only in connection with the Services and for no other purpose.
6.2 End User License Agreement. Certain Software may be accompanied by an end-user license agreement (“EULA”) from us or a third party. Your use of the Software is governed by the terms of that EULA and by this Agreement, where applicable. You may not install or use any Software that is accompanied by or includes a EULA unless you first agree to the terms of the EULA, including any updates to EULA terms. To the extent any terms of a given EULA directly conflict with the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the EULA will apply.
6.3 Software License. For Software provided in relation to the Services but not accompanied by a EULA, you are hereby granted a revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable license by us or our third-party licensor(s) to use the Software (and any corrections, updates and upgrades thereto) for the sole purpose of receiving the Services from us, and solely for as long as you are receiving Services from us. All Software licensed to you hereunder is protected by copyrights, patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and other intellectual property and proprietary rights. You may not sell, resell, reproduce, distribute, display, perform, record, sublicense, loan, lease, otherwise transfer, alter, modify, merge, adapt, copy, translate, publish, export, create derivative works of, make any commercial use of, reverse engineer, decompile, attempt to derive the source code of, disassemble any software therein, attempt to disable or circumvent any digital rights management mechanism or other content protection measures, or otherwise use and exploit any part of the Software. All rights not expressly granted to you herein are reserved. We may revoke this license at any time without notice. Additionally, you agree that the Software is confidential information of Verizon or its third-party licensors and that you will not disclose or use the Software except as expressly permitted herein.
6.4 Software Restrictions. You may not remove or alter any trademark, trade name, copyright or other proprietary notices, legends, symbols or labels appearing on or in copies of the Software. You are not granted any title or rights of ownership in the Software. You acknowledge that this license is not a sale of intellectual property and that we or our third-party licensors continue to own all right, title and interest, including but not limited to all copyright, patent, trademark, trade secret and moral rights, to the Software and related documentation, as well as any corrections, updates and upgrades to it. The Software may be used in the United States only, and any export of the Software is strictly prohibited.
6.5 License Termination. Your license to use the Software will remain in effect until terminated by Verizon or its third-party licensors, or until the Services are terminated. If any portion of the Services and/or Software is accessed after termination, you are bound by this Agreement and any terms and conditions incorporated by reference as they may be updated from time to time.
6.6 Third-Party Terms. If you subscribe to or otherwise use any third-party services offered by Verizon in connection with the Services, your use of such services may be subject to the separate service, EULA and privacy terms of that third-party provider. Violation of those terms may result in the termination of your Verizon Services. Such terms and conditions make Verizon (or all third parties) an intended third party beneficiary of the terms of service and include provisions in the terms of service stating, among other things and without limitation, that: (a) Customer is obtaining a license under copyright to the Services; and (b) Customer’s use of the Services must be in accordance with the Usage Rules. Guidelines, rules, or licenses from Content providers and third party licensors contain terms and conditions in addition to those set forth in this Agreement. Any rights granted under this and any third party term and conditions are non-transferable and shall terminate upon breach by you. Upon termination all included Content and Services will be inaccessible to you. Verizon and any third parties shall exercise reasonable efforts to administer and enforce the terms and conditions referenced herein.
6.7 Patents. Certain software or technical information is licensed from third parties and may be covered by one or more U.S. Patents, pending U.S. patent applications, and pending counterpart European and international patents. All intellectual property rights not expressly granted in this Agreement are reserved by Verizon.
7. AUTHORIZED USER; PREMISES.
7.1 Legal Authority. You acknowledge that you are eighteen (18) years of age or older, and that you have the legal authority to enter into this Agreement.
7.2 Premises Access. You agree to allow us and our representatives the right, at reasonable times, to enter the Premises for the purpose of installing, maintaining, servicing, inspecting, upgrading and/or removing the Services and any Equipment. Entry is subject to applicable law. We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate building access and homeowner or condominium association policies, but you agree to be responsible for violations of these policies related to access to the Premises.
7.3 Right to Access. You acknowledge and agree that you are either an owner of, or legal tenant in, your Premises, and as such have the right to allow us and our representatives to enter and make modifications to the Premises in connection with the delivery of the Services.
8. PERSONAL DATA AND PRIVACY POLICY.
8.1 Accepting this Agreement means that you also agree to our Privacy Policy, available at https://www.verizon.com/about/privacy/, which may be updated from time to time and describes the information we collect, how that information may be used and shared, and the choices you have about certain uses of information.
8.2 When you access and use third party services, including third party services which Verizon may make available as part of or in connection with your Services, you are subject to the terms of service and privacy policy issued by those third party providers when using their services. Verizon Terms of Service and Privacy Policies apply when you are using our Services and Equipment.
9. EQUIPMENT; MAINTENANCE AND OWNERSHIP AND RETURN OF EQUIPMENT.
9.1 Use of Other Equipment and Devices. We do not represent that the Services will work correctly, or that all features will be available, if you access the Services using your own equipment, Retired Equipment, or Other Devices. We have no responsibility for the installation, operation, support, maintenance, or repair of any Other Devices, Retired Equipment, software, or Services that you choose to use in connection with the Services.
9.2 Verizon Ownership. Unless you have purchased your Equipment or we have designated the Equipment as Retired, you acknowledge and agree that at all times ownership of Equipment shall remain with us and that this Agreement allows you to use Equipment only in connection with your lawful receipt and use of the Services. You are responsible for Equipment which is lost, damaged by fire, water, theft or events of Force Majeure.
9.3 Reconditioned Equipment. We may, at our option, supply new or reconditioned Equipment. We will repair and maintain Equipment owned by us at our expense, unless such repair or maintenance is made necessary due to misuse, abuse or intentional damage to the Equipment, in which case you will be financially responsible for the repair or replacement of the damaged Equipment. You also agree that Equipment will not be serviced by anyone other than our employees or our designated agents or representatives. You further agree not to tamper with or otherwise harm Equipment, and that you will not copy, modify, reverse compile or reverse engineer any Equipment or Other Devices, or software or firmware provided by Verizon in connection with the Services.
9.4 Equipment Pricing. Equipment may be priced separately from the price of the Services or Term Services Offer plan, and may not be subject to price protection applicable to the Services or Term Services Offer plan in a term agreement or promotional offer.
9.5 Software Updates. Verizon will from time to time push Software updates to Equipment, for example set top boxes and routers.
9.6 Equipment Return Policy. Equipment may be returned to Verizon as set forth below. These policies do not limit or supersede existing manufacturers’ warranties.
9.6.1 Our Return Commitment. You may return any Equipment or Other Devices you purchased from us for any reason within thirty (30) days of purchase.
9.6.2 Return after termination of services. Except as set forth below, upon termination of Services, or if the occupancy or ownership of your Premises changes, you are responsible for returning the Equipment to us in an undamaged condition, subject only to reasonable wear and tear. If Equipment is affixed with a label which includes the following (or similar) message, “PROPERTY OF VERIZON. DO NOT REMOVE FROM PREMISES,” then you must not remove the Equipment and you will not be assessed an Unreturned Equipment Charge as long as the Equipment is left in place in reasonable condition.
9.6.3 Return of Defective Equipment. Within one year of Equipment purchase or activation, whichever is earlier, you must contact us to return any defective equipment. If you return Equipment, we may replace it with a new or refurbished item, or we may refund payment for purchased Equipment.
9.6.3.1 Verizon’s sole obligation to you under its Return Policy https://www.verizon.com/return-policy.pdf shall be to replace or repair any qualifying Equipment, subject to the limitations set forth in this section and otherwise set forth below, the returning of defective equipment or requests for repair or replacement Equipment will not apply in the following circumstances:
9.6.3.1.1 The Equipment is sent, or otherwise taken, outside of the United States.
9.6.3.1.2 Equipment that is not connected to the Fios network, as applicable, so that remote diagnostics can be attempted.
9.6.3.1.3 With the exception of Reconditioned Equipment provided directly from Verizon, if you are not the original owner of the Equipment and the Equipment has either not yet been paid for in full or has been reported as stolen to Verizon by the original owner or a subsequent owner.
9.6.3.1.4 You are more than sixty (60) days past due on any of your payment obligations in connection with any Verizon service.
9.6.3.1.5 Where you alter, repair, or improperly handle the Equipment.
9.6.3.1.6 There is damage or other equipment failure where you do not maintain the Equipment according to the owner's manual; or you improperly store, ventilate, connect, or reconfigure, or place the Equipment. (Equipment must be placed in an area that complies with the manufacturers published space, electrical grounding, or environmental requirements).
9.6.3.1.7 Equipment is abused, vandalized, stolen, damaged by fire, water, wind, freezing, power failure, inadequate power supply, unusual atmospheric conditions, acts of war, acts of God or other Force Majeure events.
9.6.3.1.8 You use the Equipment in a manner inconsistent with its design, the owner’s manual, if any, or the way the manufacturer intended the equipment to be used.
9.6.3.1.9 You use the Equipment for any purpose other than your private non-commercial use.
9.6.3.1.10 The Equipment has cosmetic damage such as, but not limited to, scratches, dents, rust, or stains.
9.6.3.1.11 The Equipment is Retired subject to Section 9.6.5.
9.6.3.1.12 The Equipment runs any software not provided by Verizon or its immediate partners, including but not limited to, application programs, network programs, upgrades, formatting of any kind, databases, files, drivers, source code, object code or proprietary data, or any support, configuration, installation or reinstallation of any software or data.
9.6.4 Failure to Follow Return Policy. Failing to return Equipment owned by us within thirty (30) days as instructed by Verizon, or returning Equipment in a damaged condition (subject only to reasonable wear and tear), will result in the imposition of Unreturned Equipment Charge(s) for each piece of unreturned equipment. Unreturned Equipment Charges may be substantial. The list of Unreturned Equipment Charges is at https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/equipment-return which is updated from time to time. You are responsible for reviewing updates to the page. You also may be required to pay certain Equipment-related fees, such as restocking and/or exchange fees, upgrade fees, surcharges, and taxes.
9.6.5 Retired Equipment. With the exception of set top boxes and Optical Network Terminals (“ONTs”), ownership of Retired Equipment reverts to you when Verizon designates Equipment as Retired Equipment. Verizon may provide limited or no support for Retired Equipment. If you continue to use Equipment after Verizon designates it as Retired, you may not receive software-based equipment feature and security updates, which may impair the delivery of services.
10. TERMINATION OF SERVICE; TERMINATION FEES.
10.1 Termination with Notice. You or Verizon may terminate the Services at any time and for any reason by giving notice in accordance with the notice provisions set forth in this Agreement. Unless otherwise required by applicable law, termination will be effective on the last day of that month’s billing cycle, and you are responsible for all charges incurred through the date of termination. Installation or setup fees paid at the initiation of the Services, if any, are not refundable. In the event Verizon determines fraud, abuse or other violations of law or this Agreement, we may terminate your Service(s) immediately with no Notice.
10.2 Termination by Violation. If a termination is a result of violation by you of the terms of this Agreement, you may also be liable to pay an Early Termination Fee. We may, at our sole discretion, refuse to accept your subsequent request for Services following a termination or suspension of your use of the Services. If the Services are terminated for any reason, you may be required to pay a reconnection fee or additional deposit before the Services are reactivated.
10.3 Early Termination Fee. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT, IF YOU HAVE CHOSEN TO SUBSCRIBE TO A TERM SERVICES OFFER PLAN WITH A MINIMUM TERM COMMITMENT, VERIZON MAY ASSESS AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE IN THE EVENT YOU CANCEL ALL OR ANY COMPONENT OF THE TERM SERVICES OFFER OR IF VERIZON TERMINATES THE SERVICES UNDER SECTION 10.2. YOU AGREE TO PAY VERIZON THE EARLY TERMINATION FEE SET FORTH IN THE TERM SERVICES OFFER PLAN YOU HAVE CHOSEN.
11. PRICING AND PAYMENT.
You agree to pay us in consideration for your receipt or use of the Services, including any Third Party services which may be included as part of a Term Services Offer package or charges for Third Party services integrated into your Verizon bill, and any Equipment or Software.
11.1 Service Fees. Billing for Services will begin automatically:
11.1.1 Upon installation or activation of Services (i) if the Services are installed by Verizon or (ii) on the Due Date established by Verizon (after Equipment has been delivered) if the Services are self-installed by you. Billing will continue until the Services are terminated in accordance with Section 10 of this Agreement.
11.1.2 Certain products and Services or discounts on products and Services, including but not limited to Bundled products and Services, may require you to elect a paperless billing option and/or payment by a specific credit card or other payment option or may require you to link your Services with other Verizon-provided services. You will begin receiving any discount associated with a Term Services Offer plan once all the Term Services Offer have been installed.
11.1.3 Regular Services and Equipment charges are billed each month in advance. You agree to pay us in advance, at our rates in effect at the time, through all periods until the Services are terminated.
11.1.4 Transactional Charges are billed after the applicable Service or feature has been ordered or provided to you. You may also be required, based on your ordering and payment history, to provide pre-billing statement payment by credit card or such other payment method as we may designate for Transactional Services. If you want to use a credit card to purchase or rent On Demand titles or events, you are required to have a current and active credit card on file, and to have created an Account through https://www.verizon.com/home/myverizon/.
11.1.5 You agree to pay all applicable Charges for Services and Equipment by the due date set forth in your monthly invoice. Charges may be changed at any time. Changes to Charges for Verizon Services are subject to the provision of prior notice to you as required by law. The substantive laws of Pennsylvania shall be applied to disputes related to checks tendered as payment in full for less than the full balance due, consistent with Section 17.3 of this Agreement.
11.1.6 You agree that you are solely responsible for any purchases or other transactions made through, using, or in connection with the Services, including any on demand or pay-per-view purchases.
11.1.7 Your billing statement may also contain other Verizon Charges, taxes and fees as well as third-party Charges, and any applicable Termination Fees required in accordance with Section 10 of this Agreement and the specific terms of your service package. You agree to pay all Charges, taxes and fees by the due date set forth in your billing statement. The waiver of any fees or charges is at our discretion.
11.1.8 If you cancel any component of a Term Services Offer plan, the monthly charges for the remaining Services on your account may automatically convert to the applicable existing non-discounted monthly Services rate.
11.1.9 Plans with Minimum Terms. If you subscribe to a Term Services Offer plan with a term commitment, you agree to maintain such Services for the minimum term of that plan. At the end of your term, you may be given the option to select a new Term Services Offer plan. If you do not select a new Term Services Offer plan, your account will automatically convert to a month-to-month plan at a monthly fee that may be higher than your current rate. If you subscribe to a new Term Services Offer plan, the terms of that plan will apply.
11.1.10 Third-Party Charges. You acknowledge and agree that you may incur and are solely responsible for any Third-Party Charges, including all applicable taxes, regardless of whether such charges appear on your Verizon bill or a Third-Party bill. In addition, you are solely responsible for protecting the security of credit cards and other personal information provided to others in connection with such transactions.
11.1.11 Automatic Renewal of Services. Term Services Offer(s) and Third-Party Services may automatically renew at the end of the initial Term. Subject to applicable law, each Term shall automatically renew for subsequent periods of the same length as the initial term unless either you or Verizon gives the other written or electronic notice of termination at least thirty (30) days, but no more than sixty (60) days, prior to the expiration of the then current term. To cancel any Services or Term Service Offers, you may contact us by phone or mail as detailed at https://www.verizon.com/support/contact-us/. Certain Term Services Offers or Third-Party Services may include a trial period commencing at the beginning of the agreed upon Term. If you decide during the trial period that the Term Services or Third-Party Services are no longer needed or wanted, you must contact us and the provider of the Third-Party Services to cancel the Services at least twenty (24) hours before the free trial ends.
11.1.12 Late Fees. If Verizon does not receive your payment on time, we may charge you a late fee of up to 1.5 percent per month (18 percent per year) on the unpaid balance, or a flat $9 per month, whichever is greater, if allowed by law in the state of your billing address. Late fees for Third-Party Services are or may be subject to Third-Party Service(s) terms and conditions.
11.1.13 Nonpayment. You will be billed monthly for your Verizon Services. If any portion of your bill is not paid by the due date, Verizon may terminate or suspend the Services without notice. If Verizon uses a collection agency or commences legal action to recover monies due, you agree to reimburse us for all expenses we incur to recover such monies, including attorneys' fees. If you fail to pay on time and Verizon refers your account(s) to a third party for collection, a collection fee will be assessed and will be due at the time of the referral to the third party. There will be calculated at the maximum percentage permitted by applicable law, not to exceed eighteen (18) percent.
11.1.14 If Verizon suspends your account for non-payment, we may also suspend your access to subscribed Value-Added Services and third-party Content, apps, and services.
11.2 Customer Deposits. We may require that you provide us with a refundable deposit (“Customer Deposit”) prior to or upon the activation or reactivation of the Services. We may also require an additional Customer Deposit after activation of the Services if you fail to pay any amounts when due hereunder or seek to upgrade the Services. We may apply Customer Deposits against any unpaid amounts at any time. Within ninety (90) days of termination of Services, we shall return a sum equal to the Customer Deposit, without interest unless otherwise required by law, minus any amounts due on your account including, without limitation, any amounts owed to us for unreturned or damaged Equipment.
11.3 Questions about Your Billing Statement. You will automatically receive an online bill, which you should access through your My Fios account. You may request a paper version (non-digital) of your bill. Verizon may charge a fee for paper bills as may be permitted by applicable laws. It is important to review your bill carefully each month, as it may contain important messages regarding your Services, as well as your current charges and any past-due amounts. Subject to applicable law, if you intend to dispute a charge on your billing statement, you must contact us within sixty (60) days of your billing date if you receive the bill in question. The undisputed portion of your billing statement must be paid by the due date to avoid a late fee and possible suspension or termination of the Services.
11.4 Payments. Except as otherwise permitted under applicable law, you agree that you will pay your bill by check, credit or debit card, electronic funds transfer payments, or other recognized form of payment method we may designate. The outstanding balance is due in full each month. If any bank or other financial institution refuses to honor any payment, draft or instrument submitted for payment to your account, we may charge you a fee in accordance with applicable law. Based on your election and subject to our approval, Verizon or its agent will bill you directly, or charge your credit card or Verizon Services bill (where available). If you elect to be billed on your Verizon bill, by using the Services, you agree to have all Services charges included on your bill. If you subscribe to a Term Services Offer plan, then all of the Term Services Offer must be billed on your Verizon Services bill.
11.5 Consents Regarding Credit. We may evaluate your credit history before modifying or providing you Services, or to review your account to ensure you continue to meet the terms of the account. In order to establish and maintain an account with us and/or obtain or modify the Services, you hereby authorize us to obtain a report from a consumer credit agency and to exchange information with others in connection with determining your creditworthiness. We may report information about your account to credit bureaus. Your payment history – such as late payments, missed payments, or other defaults on your account -- may be reflected in your credit report.
11.6 Complaint Procedures. If you have any concerns regarding customer service, billing, or service quality, please contact us via the methods set forth in your monthly invoice or in the “Contact Us” section of verizon.com. When you contact us, please explain the nature and history of the problem. We will try to promptly resolve your concern. If we are unable to resolve your concern, we will notify you that we are unable to do so and explain the reason why.
12. WARRANTIES AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY.
12.1 Disclaimer of Warranties. We make no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, about your Service(s). We do not warrant that your Equipment will work perfectly, will not need occasional upgrades or modifications, or that it will not be negatively affected by network–related modifications, upgrades or similar activity.
12.2 Waivers and Limitations of Liability. You and Verizon both agree to limit claims against each other solely to direct damages. That means neither of us will claim any damages that are indirect, special, consequential, incidental, treble, or punitive. For example, disallowed damages include those arising out of a Service or Equipment failure, unauthorized access or changes to your account or Services or Equipment, or the use of your account or Equipment by others to authenticate, access or make changes to a third-party account, such as a financial account or Third-Party Service account, including changing passwords. This limitation and waiver will apply regardless of the theory of liability. It also applies if you bring a claim against one of our vendor partners, content partners, or Third-Party Services partners, to the extent we would be required to indemnify the supplier for the claim. You agree we are not responsible for problems caused by you or others, or by any act of God. You also agree we are not liable for missed or deleted voice mails or other messages, or for any information (like pictures) lost or deleted.
13. INDEMNIFICATION.
13.1 You agree to defend, indemnify and hold harmless all Verizon Parties from and against all liabilities, costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees, related to or arising from your use of the Services, the Equipment, and any Other Devices used in connection with the Services (or the use of the Services or any such Equipment or Other Devices by anyone else), (i) in violation of applicable laws, regulations or this Agreement including, without limitation, infringement of copyrights or other proprietary rights; or (ii) in any manner that harms any person or results in the personal injury or death of any person or in damage to or loss of any tangible or intangible (including data) property.
14. NOTICES AND CONTACT.
14.1 Notice of Arbitration Claim. If either your or Verizon intends to seek arbitration under this Agreement, the party seeking arbitration must first notify the other party of the dispute in writing at least 60 days in advance of initiating the arbitration. Notice to Verizon of either arbitration or mediation should be sent to the Verizon Dispute Resolution Manager using the form available here: https://www.verizon.com/about/nod/notice-of-dispute-wireline-form. Other notices required under this Agreement shall be provided by you by contacting us via the methods set forth in your monthly invoice or in the Contact Us section of verizon.com.
14.2 Notice of a Billing Dispute. You must notify us within thirty (30) days of receipt of your bill if you disagree with any Charges on your Verizon bill. Please call 1 800 VERIZON.
14.3 Other Notices. Our notices to you shall be deemed given: (i) when sent by email to your Primary Email Address pursuant to Section 3; (ii) when delivered over the cable system; (iii) when deposited in the United States mail addressed to you at your last-provided mailing address; (iv) when hand-delivered to your Premises, as applicable or (v) when included in or with your billing statements to you, regardless of whether billing statements are mailed to you or you have elected a paperless billing option. We will provide thirty (30) calendar days advance notice of changes to your Service(s).
14.4 Additional Contact. Verizon, its affiliates, agents and service providers may at times contact you (i) by email including emails sent to your Primary Email Address, (ii) by telephone call, made to a number you provide to us or to a number we provide to you for service (collectively, “Contact Number”), using automatic telephone dialing systems or other dialing systems (collectively, “dialers”), (iii) by prerecorded or artificial voice message calls using dialers to Contact Numbers, and/or (iv) by text messages sent to Contact Numbers, including a number for a cellular phone or other wireless device. You agree to notify us immediately whenever your personal or billing information changes (including, for example, your name, home address, email address, debit/credit card, other banking information, or Contact Number(s)) at https://www.verizon.com/home/myverizon/. We may place such calls or texts to Contact Numbers using dialers on matters related to the service we provide to you, including to (i) provide notices regarding your Account or Account activity, (ii) investigate or prevent fraud, (iii) provide you with technical assistance relating to products you have ordered or plan to order; (iv) determine your satisfaction with our products and services; or (v) collect a debt owed to us. You agree to be contacted using dialers, or artificial/prerecorded message calls, emails and text messages to carry out the purposes identified above, regardless of whether you incur charges as a result. You further agree that we may share your Primary Email Address and Contact Number(s) with service providers with whom we contract to assist us in pursuing these interests. We and our service providers will not use autodialed or artificial/prerecorded message calls or texts to contact you for marketing purposes at the Contact Number(s) unless we receive your prior express written consent to do so. You agree that we may send you emails for marketing purposes, unless you inform us that you do not want to receive those types of emails. You may change the method by which you receive service communications, and fully or partially opt-out of marketing communications by accessing your online account preferences at https://www.verizon.com/home/myverizon/.
14.4.1 Communicating with You. By providing your email and/or telephone number(s) to us as a means of contacting you, you consent to receive emails or calls from us or our representatives to those landline and cellular telephone numbers or to the email address provided. You also consent to receive calls, using dialers and/or prerecorded or artificial voice messages, at the number we provide to you for your service. We reserve the right to contact you at any of your Contact Numbers or email address(s), in compliance with applicable federal and state laws. If you do not want to be contacted at a telephone number that you have provided, you agree to notify us.
15. VOLUNTARY MEDIATION.
15.1 Verizon offers customers the option of participating in a free internal mediation program. This program is entirely voluntary and does not affect either party's rights in any other aspect of the dispute resolution procedures outlined above. In our voluntary mediation program, we will assign an employee who is not directly involved in the dispute to help both sides reach an agreement. That person has all the rights and protections of a mediator and the process has all of the protections associated with meditation. For example, nothing said in the mediation can be used later in an arbitration or lawsuit. If you would like to know more, or you would like to start the mediation process, please contact us at NoticeOfDispute@verizon.com or through Verizon Dispute Resolution Manager, One Verizon Way, VC54N090, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920, for a Notice of Customer Dispute Form. A copy of the Notice of Dispute form can also be found at www.verizon.com/terms/disputes. Fill out and send the Notice of Dispute Form to us according to the directions on the form.
16. ARBITRATION OR SMALL CLAIMS ACTIONS.
Our goal is customer satisfaction, but if there's an issue that needs to be resolved, this Section outlines what's expected of both of us. YOU AND VERIZON BOTH AGREE TO RESOLVE DISPUTES ONLY BY ARBITRATION OR IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT AS DISCUSSED BELOW. YOU UNDERSTAND THAT BY THIS AGREEMENT YOU ARE GIVING UP THE RIGHT TO BRING A CLAIM IN COURT OR IN FRONT OF JURY. WHILE THE PROCEDURES IN ARBITRATION MAY BE DIFFERENT, AN ARBITRATOR CAN AWARD YOU THE SAME DAMAGES AND RELIEF, AND MUST HONOR THE SAME TERMS IN THIS AGREEMENT, AS A COURT WOULD, SUBJECT TO THE LIMITATIONS ON ARBITRATOR AUTHORITY SET FORTH BELOW. IF THE LAW ALLOWS FOR AN AWARD OF ATTORNEYS' FEES, AN ARBITRATOR CAN AWARD THEM TOO. THE SAME DEFENSES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO BOTH PARTIES AS WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN COURT INCLUDING ANY APPLICABLE STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS. WE ALSO BOTH AGREE THAT:
16.1 THE FEDERAL ARBITRATION ACT APPLIES TO THIS AGREEMENT. EXCEPT FOR SMALL CLAIMS COURT CASES OR AS SPECIFICALLY NOTED BELOW, ANY DISPUTE THAT IN ANY WAY RELATES TO OR ARISES OUT OF THIS AGREEMENT, WILL BE RESOLVED BY ONE OR MORE NEUTRAL ARBITRATORS BEFORE THE AMERICAN ARBITRATION ASSOCIATION ("AAA") AS EXPLAINED BELOW IN PARAGRAPH 16.2. THIS INCLUDES, BUT IS NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DISPUTE REGARDING THE VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY, OR SCOPE OF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THE AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE), ANY EQUIPMENT, PRODUCTS AND SERVICES YOU RECEIVE FROM US, ANY ADVERTISING FOR ANY SUCH PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, OUR EFFORTS TO COLLECT AMOUNTS YOU MAY OWE US FOR SUCH PRODUCTS OR SERVICES, OR ALLEGED PERSONAL INJURY OR INVATIONS OF PRIVACY RELATING TO SUCH PRODUCTS OR SERVICES AND INCLUDES ANY DISPUTES YOU HAVE WITH OUR EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS. YOU CAN ALSO BRING ANY ISSUES YOU MAY HAVE TO THE ATTENTION OF FEDERAL, STATE, OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, AND IF THE LAW ALLOWS, THEY CAN SEEK RELIEF AGAINST US FOR YOU. THIS AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE CONTINUES TO APPLY EVEN AFTER YOU HAVE STOPPED RECEIVING SERVICES FROM US.
16.2 UNLESS YOU AND VERIZON AGREE OTHERWISE, THE ARBITRATION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE COUNTY OF YOUR BILLING ADDRESS. THE AAA'S CONSUMER ARBITRATION RULES WILL APPLY. IF THE AAA REFUSES TO ENFORCE ANY PART OF THE ARBITRATION PROVISION, YOU AND VERIZON WILL SELECT ANOTHER ARBITRATOR. IF THERE IS NO AGREEMENT, A COURT IN THE COUNTY OF YOUR BILLING ADDRESS WILL SELECT AN ARBITRATOR TO DECIDE THE DISPUTE. UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, AN INDIVIDUAL ARBITRATOR(S) APPOINTED TO DETERMINE THE MERITS OF THE DISPUTE SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE AUTHORITY TO ARBITRATE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY DISPUTE REGARDING THE VALIDITY, ENFORCEABILITY OR SCOPE OF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT (INCLUDING THE AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE). YOU CAN GET PROCEDURES, RULES AND FEE INFORMATION FROM THE AAA (WWW.ADR.ORG) OR FROM US. FOR CLAIMS OF $25,000 OR LESS, YOU CAN CHOOSE WHETHER YOU WOULD LIKE THE ARBITRATION CARRIED OUT BASED ONLY ON DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE ARBITRATOR, OR BY A HEARING IN PERSON OR BY PHONE. ALTERNATIVELY, FOR CLAIMS WITHIN THE JURISDICTIONAL LIMIT OF THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT IN THE STATE ENCOMPASSING YOUR BILLING ADDRESS, EITHER YOU OR VERIZON CAN CHOOSE TO BRING AN INDIVIDUAL ACTION IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT INSTEAD OF PROCEEDING IN ARBITRATION; FURTHERMORE, IF THE CLAIMS IN ANY REQUEST OR DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION COULD HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT, THEN EITHER YOU OR VERIZON MAY CHOOSE TO HAVE THE CLAIMS HEARD IN SMALL CLAIMS COURT, RATHER THAN IN ARBITRATION, AT ANY TIME BEFORE THE ARBITRATOR IS APPOINTED, BY NOTIFYING THE OTHER PARTY OF THAT CHOICE IN WRITING. IF THIS PROVISION OR THE LIMITATION ON BRINGING ACTIONS TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT IS FOUND TO BE INVALID, THEN THIS PROVISION SHALL BE SEVERABLE AND THE MATTER WILL PROCEED IN ARBITRATION; IN NO WAY WILL THIS PROVISION ALLOW FOR AN ACTION TO BE BROUGHT ON A CLASS OR COLLECTIVE BASIS.
16.3 THIS AGREEMENT DOESN’T ALLOW CLASS OR COLLECTIVE ARBITRATIONS EVEN IF THE AAA PROCEDURES OR RULES WOULD. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE ARBITRATOR MAY AWARD MONEY OR INJUNCTIVE RELIEF ONLY IN FAVOR OF THE INDIVIDUAL PARTY SEEKING RELIEF AND ONLY TO THE EXTENT NECESSARY TO PROVIDE RELIEF WARRANTED BY THAT PARTY'S INDIVIDUAL CLAIM. NO CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE OR PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL OR GENERAL INJUNCTIVE RELIEF THEORIES OF LIABILITY OR PRAYERS FOR RELIEF MAY BE MAINTAINED IN ANY ARBITRATION HELD UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. ANY QUESTION REGARDING THE ENFORCEABILITY UNDER APPLICABLE LAW OR INTERPRETATION OF THIS PARAGRAPH SHALL BE DECIDED BY A COURT AND NOT THE ARBITRATOR.
16.4 IF EITHER OF US INTENDS TO SEEK ARBITRATION UNDER THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTY SEEKING ARBITRATION MUST FIRST NOTIFY THE OTHER PARTY OF THE DISPUTE IN WRITING AT LEAST 60 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF INITIATING THE ARBITRATION. NOTICE TO VERIZON SHOULD BE SENT TO THE VERIZON DISPUTE RESOLUTION MANAGER, USING THE FORM AVAILABLE HERE: https://www.verizon.com/about/nod/notice-of-dispute-wireline-form. THE NOTICE MUST INCLUDE ENOUGH INFORMATION TO ALLOW US TO IDENTIFY YOUR ACCOUNT AS WELL AS TO ASSESS AND ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE YOUR CLAIM, INCLUDING THE NAME OF THE VERIZON ACCOUNT HOLDER, THE ACCOUNT NUMBER AT ISSUE, A DESCRIPTION OF THE CLAIM, THE SPECIFIC FACTS SUPPORTING THE CLAIM, THE DAMAGES YOU CLAIM TO HAVE SUFFERED AND THE RELIEF YOU ARE SEEKING. THE NOTICE REQUIREMENT IS DESIGNED TO ALLOW VERIZON TO MAKE A FAIR, FACT-BASED OFFER OF SETTLEMENT IF IT CHOOSES TO DO SO. YOU CANNOT PROCEED TO ARBITRATION UNLESS YOU PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION. YOU MAY CHOOSE TO BE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY OR OTHER PERSON AS PART OF THIS PROCESS, BUT IF YOU DO YOU MUST INDICATE THAT YOU ARE REPRESENTED BY AN ATTORNEY ON THE FORM AVAILABLE AT https://www.verizon.com/about/nod/notice-of-dispute-wireline-form AND CONFIRM THAT YOU AUTHORIZE US TO DISCUSS YOUR ACCOUNT INFORMATION WITH THIS ATTORNEY OR OTHER PERSON. THE SUFFICIENCY OF THIS NOTICE OF DISPUTE IS AN ISSUE TO BE DECIDED BY A COURT PRIOR TO THE FILING OF ANY DEMAND FOR ARBITRATION AND THE AAA MUST NOT ACCEPT, ADMINISTER, ASSESS OR DEMAND FEES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY DEMAND THAT HAS NOT SATISFIED THIS NOTICE OF DISPUTE REQUIREMENT. IF YOU HAVE PROVIDED THIS INFORMATION AND WE ARE UNABLE TO RESOLVE OUR DISPUTE WITHIN 60 DAYS, EITHER PARTY MAY THEN PROCEED TO FILE A CLAIM FOR ARBITRATION. WE’LL REIMBURSE ANY FILING FEE THAT THE AAA CHARGES YOU FOR ARBITRATION OF THE DISPUTE AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE ARBITRATION IF YOU FULLY PARTICIPATE IN THE PROCEEDING. WE'LL ALSO PAY ANY ADMINISTRATIVE AND ARBITRATOR FEES CHARGED BY THE ARBITRATION TRIBUNAL. IF THE ARBITRATOR DETERMINES THAT YOUR CLAIM WAS FILED FOR PURPOSES OF HARASSMENT OR IS PATENTLY FRIVOLOUS, THE ARBITRATOR WILL REQUIRE YOU TO REIMBURSE VERIZON FOR ANY FILING, ADMINISTRATIVE OR ARBITRATOR FEES ASSOCIATED WITH THE ARBITRATION. THE ARBITRATOR ASSIGNED TO ANY ARBITRATION BETWEEN VERIZON AND A CUSTOMER SHALL RESOLVE THE CLAIMS WITHIN 120 DAYS OF APPOINTMENT OR AS SWIFTLY AS POSSIBLE THERAFTER, CONSISTENT WITH FAIRNESS TO THE PARTIES.
16.5 WE MAY, BUT ARE NOT OBLIGATED TO, MAKE A WRITTEN SETTLEMENT OFFER ANY TIME BEFORE THE ARBITRATION HEARING. THE AMOUNT OR TERMS OF ANY SETTLEMENT OFFER MAY NOT BE DISCLOSED TO THE ARBITRATOR UNTIL AFTER THE ARBITRATOR ISSUE AN AWARD ON THE CLAIM. IF YOU DON’T ACCEPT THE OFFER AND THE ARBITRATOR AWARDS YOU AN AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT’S MORE THAN OUR OFFER BUT LESS THAN $5000, OR IF WE DON’T MAKE YOU AN OFFER, AND THE ARBITRATOR AWARDS YOU ANY AMOUNT OF MONEY BUT LESS THAN $5000, THEN WE AGREE TO PAY YOU $5000 INSTEAD OF THE AMOUNT AWARDED. IN THAT CASE WE ALSO AGREE TO PAY ANY REASONABLE ATTORNEYS' FEES AND EXPENSES, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE LAW REQUIRES IT FOR YOUR CASE. IF THE ARBITRATOR AWARDS YOU MORE THAN $5000, THEN WE WILL PAY YOU ONLY THAT AMOUNT.
16.6 IF 50 OR MORE CUSTOMERS INITIATE NOTICES OF DISPUTE PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 16.4 ABOVE, OTHERWISE ATTEMPT TO COMMENCE AN ARBITRATION,OR FILE A COMPLAINT IN COURT, WHICH RAISE SIMILAR CLAIMS, AND COUNSEL FOR THE VERIZON CUSTOMERS BRINGING THE CLAIMS ARE THE SAME OR COORDINATED FOR THESE CUSTOMERS, THE CLAIMS SHALL PROCEED IN ARBITRATION IN A COORDINATED PROCEEDING. IN THE FIRST STAGE, 50 ARBITRATIONS WILL PROCEED AND COUNSEL FOR THE VERIZON CUSTOMERS AND COUNSEL FOR VERIZON SHALL EACH SELECT 25 CASES TO PROCEED FIRST IN ARBITRATION IN INDIVIDUAL BELLWETHER PROCEEDINGS BEFORE SEPARATE ARBITRATORS. AFTER THE FIRST STAGE IS COMPLETED, THE PARTIES MUST ENGAGE IN A MEDIATION OF ALL REMAINING CASES, AND VERIZON WILL PAY THE MEDIATION FEE. IF THE PARTIES CANNOT AGREE HOW TO RESOLVE THE REMAINING CASES AFTER MEDIATION, THEY WILL REPEAT THE PROCESS OF SELECTING AND FILING CASES TO BE RESOLVED IN INDIVIDUAL BELLWETHER PROCEEDINGS BEFORE SEPARATE ARBITRATORS, FOLLOWED BY MEDIATION. IN THE SECOND STAGE, 80 ARBITRATIONS WILL PROCESS AND COUNSEL FOR THE VERIZON CUSTOMERS AND COUNSEL FOR VERIZON SHALL EACH SELECT 40 CASES TO PROCEED IN ARBITRATION IN INDIVIDUAL BELLWETHER PROCEEDINGS BEFORE SEPARATE ARBITRATORS. AFTER THE SECOND STAGE IS COMPLETED, THE PARTIES MUST ENGAGE IN A MEDIATION OF ALL REMAINING CASES, AND VERIZON WILL PAY THE MEDIATION FEE. AFTER THE SECOND SET OF ARBITRATIONS AND MEDIATION CONCLUDE, IF THE PARTIES CANNOT AGREE HOW TO RESOLVE THE REMAINING CLAIMS, ANY INDIVIDUAL CUSTOMER WHO IS PART OF THE COORDINATED PROCEEDING, OR VERIZON, MAY ELECT TO OPT OUT OF ARBITRATION BY PROVIDING NOTICE TO OPPOSING COUNSEL, AND IF THE CUSTOMER WISHES TO PROCEED WITH THE CLAIM THEY MAY FILE AN INDIVIDUAL CLAIM IN COURT. FOR THOSE CUSTOMERS WHO DO NOT OPT OUT OF ARBITRATION, THEIR CLAIMS WILL PROCEED IN ARBITRATION IN CONTINUED BATCHES OF 80 CLAIMS AS SET FORTH ABOVE FOR THE SECOND SET. ADDITIONAL CASES INVOLVING SIMILAR CLAIMS BROUGHT BY THE SAME OR COORDINATED COUNSEL SHALL NOT BE FILED IN ARBITRATION UNTIL THE ARBITRATIONS AND MEDIATION FOR PRIOR SETS HAS BEEN COMPLETED. YOU AGREE TO THIS PROCESS EVEN THOUGH IT MAY DELAY THE ARBITRATION OF YOUR CLAIM. IF SUCH A PROCESS IS INITIATED, THE FILING OF A NOTICE OF DISPUTE BY A CUSTOMER IN ACCORDANCE WITH PARAGRAPH 16.4 OR FILING OF A COMPLAINT IN COURT WILL TOLL ALL APPLICABLE STATUTES OF LIMITATIONS FOR THAT CUSTOMER’S DISPUTE UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCESS DESCRIBED IN THIS PARAGRAPH. A COURT WILL HAVE AUTHORITY TO ENFORCE THIS PARAGRAPH INCLUDING BY ENTERING AN INJUNCTION TO PROHIBIT FILINGS IN VIOLATION OF THIS PARAGRAPH.
16.7 AN ARBITRATION AWARD AND ANY JUDGMENT CONFIRMING IT APPLY ONLY TO THAT SPECIFIC CASE; IT CANNOT BE USED IN ANY OTHER CASE EXCEPT TO ENFORCE THE AWARD ITSELF.
16.8 IF A COURT, PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 16.3, DETERMINES THAT THE PROHIBITION ON CLASS ARBITRATIONS OR THE LIMITS ON THE ARBITRATOR’S AUTHORITY CANNOT BE ENFORCED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW AS TO ALL OR PART OF A DISPUTE, THEN THE AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE WILL NOT APPLY TO THAT DISPUTE OR PART OF THE DISPUTE, WHICH MAY PROCEED IN COURT EITHER ONCE THE ARBITRATED MATTERS HAVE CONCLUDED OR SOONER IF THE COURT SO REQUIRES.
16.9 IF FOR ANY REASON A CLAIM PROCEEDS IN COURT RATHER THAN THROUGH ARBITRATION, INCLUDING IF A CUSTOMER OR VERIZON OPT OUT OF ARBITRATION PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH 16.6 ABOVE, YOU AND VERIZON AGREE THAT, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, NO ACTION WILL BE BROUGHT ON A CLASS OR COLLECTIVE BASIS AND YOU AND VERIZON UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVE ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT IN ANY WAY. INTHE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS PARAGRAPH MAY BE FILED TO SHOW A WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.
17. GENERAL PROVISIONS.
17.1 Survival. All obligations of the parties under this Agreement, which, by their nature, would continue beyond the termination of the Agreement, including, without limitation, those relating to Limitation of Liability and Indemnification, shall survive such termination. Surviving terms include but are not limited to terms related to use of any companion software or applications, EULAs, video content restrictions. Arbitration provisions, and Warranties.
17.2 Assignment. This Agreement and the Services and/or Equipment supplied by Verizon are not assignable or otherwise transferable by Subscriber, without specific written authorization from Verizon. At Verizon's discretion, Verizon may assign, in whole or in part, this Agreement, and Services may be provided by one or more legally authorized Verizon affiliates. Furthermore, you agree to notify us of any changes of ownership of, or occupancy in, the Premises immediately upon such transfer of ownership or change in occupancy.
17.3 Applicable Law. Except as otherwise required by law, you and Verizon agree that the Federal Arbitration Act and the substantive laws of the state and local area in which your Premises is located (the “Service Jurisdiction”), without reference to its principles of conflicts of laws, will be applied to govern, construe and enforce all of the rights and duties of the parties arising from or related in any way to the subject matter of this Agreement with the sole exception that the substantive law of Pennsylvania law shall apply to adjudication of disputes related to checks tendered as payment in full for less than the full balance due. UNLESS YOU AND VERIZON AGREE OTHERWISE, YOU AND VERIZON CONSENT TO THE EXCLUSIVE PERSONAL JURISDICTION OF AND VENUE IN ARBITRATION OR SMALL CLAIMS COURT LOCATED IN THE SERVICE JURISDICTION FOR ANY SUITS OR CAUSES OF ACTION CONNECTED IN ANY WAY, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OFTHIS AGREEMENT. Except as otherwise required by law, including the Service Jurisdiction laws relating to consumer transactions, any cause of action or claim you may have with respect to the Services must be commenced within one (1) year after the claim or cause of action arises or such claim or cause of action is forever waived.
17.4 Waiver. Verizon’s failure at any time to insist upon strict compliance with any of the provisions of this Agreement shall not be construed to be a waiver of such terms in the future. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the remaining provisions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and the unenforceable portion shall be construed as nearly as possible to reflect the original intentions of the parties.
17.5 Force Majeure. Verizon Parties shall not be liable for any delay or failure of performance or Equipment due to one or more Force Majeure events. Verizon will not provide notice of Force Majeure events.
17.6 U.S. Government Restricted Rights. Software and documentation is provided with RESTRICTED RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government, its agencies and/or instrumentalities is subject to restrictions pursuant to FAR 12.211, FAR 12.212(a), DFARS 227.7202-1, DFARS 227.7202-3(a), and DFARS 252.227-7014(a)(1) as applicable. Without limiting the foregoing, use, duplication, or disclosure by the U.S. Government, its agencies and/or instrumentalities is subject to restrictions as set forth in FAR 52.227-19(b)(1) and (b)(2) (Dec 2007). Contractor/manufacturer is Verizon or its licensors and suppliers. The use of Software and documentation is further restricted in accordance with the terms of this Agreement. Any export of the Software is strictly prohibited.
17.7 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, including all Policies referred to herein and posted on the Website, constitutes the entire agreement between you and Verizon with respect to the subject matter hereto and supersedes any and all prior or contemporaneous agreements whether written or oral. No changes by you to this Agreement shall be effective unless agreed to in a writing signed by an authorized person at Verizon.
17.8 Global Trade Compliance. The Services, Equipment and software are intended for use within the United States. You acknowledge that the Services are subject to U.S. global trade compliance laws and regulations. You represent that you are not sanctioned under applicable U.S. sanctions laws. You will not use, export or allow a third party to use or export the Services Equipment and software in any manner that would violate applicable law, including but not limited to applicable sanctions and export control laws and regulations. You further agree to comply with U.S. export and trade laws concerning the export of any provided equipment and the transmission of any technology and/or technical data via the Services Equipment and software.
17.9 General Restrictions. You agree to follow all rules and policies applicable to the Services, including required or automated updates, modifications and/or reinstallations of Access Software or other software and obtaining available patches to address security, interoperability and/or performance issues. You also agree: (i) to comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations when using the Services and accessing or viewing Content; and (ii) not to reverse engineer, decompile, disassemble or otherwise tamper with or modify any of the security features, usage restrictions or other Services components for any reason (or help anyone else to do so).
17.10 Incorporation by Reference. Terms in this Customer Agreement and Service Terms (Exhibits C through G) are not mutually exclusive and should be read together, as one agreement, inclusive of Exhibits A (Verizon Affiliates) and B (Acceptable Use Policy). In the unlikely event of a conflict of terms between this Customer Agreement and the Service Terms or the Acceptable Use Policy, the terms of the Customer Agreement prevail and govern.
EXHIBIT A
VERIZON AFFILIATES
VERIZON AFFILIATE PROVIDING
EXHIBIT D FIOS TV SERVICE, EXHIBIT C Section 5.3 INSIDE WIRE MAINTENANCE (IWM), AND EXHIBIT F FIOS HOME PHONE