I called Verizon about the issue, and they said the only way I'd get rid of the icon, and the problem it created, was to get a smartphone, which I didn't really want to do. I did end up getting the cheapest iPhone they had at the time, and still use it. The problem with smart phones is that they have lousy connectivity. At least this one does. I went from 4 bars with my 3G phone, to 1 or 2 bars with the iPhone, and my calls were always dropping. I called Verizon about the issue, and because I had been a long-time customer with them, they sent me a network booster for free, so at least I now have 4 bars when I'm home. I only use the phone for calls and the occasional text message anyway, so it sits and gathers dust most of the time. I keep it, because at 74, I want to make sure I have a phone with me when I leave the home, just in case of an emergency.
I got a Redpocket annual plan with 1000 minutes a month, unlimited text and 1g of data for $84.00.
I was paying Verizon $84.00 a month.
It was easy to switch and I took my number with me which was important to me as I have had it since my first bag phone.
I am tech challenged and it was not hard to switch.
They send you whatever network card you want (ATT, Verizon, T-Mobile).
I needed to switch to ATT network for coverage in the mountains where Verizon network has none.
A couple of years a go I ordered a new phone from them. When it came it wouldn't connect to activate. After many hours with multiple tech assistants using our other Tracfone , they sent me another phone.
Same drill. More hours with tech support (Burning up minutes on my other Tracfone (Which was connecting very well to the AT&T network just like my old Tracfone had.) Turns out that both new phones had been trying to connect to Verizon. There are no Verizon towers on the island or anywhere near here.
They sent me a new chip. When I opened the package, there was the familiar Verizon logo.
Back to the tech support hotline. This tech looked at something at his end and said. "Verizon doesn't cover your area". Never mind my response to that.
"We'll have to send you a new chip".
Two weeks later repeat the drill trying very hard not to raise my voice and apologizing in advance for swearing when, holding the new Verizon chip in my hand, I called and asked to speak to a manager.
Every time we played this game, 5 times actually with two different phones and three new chips, They had me go outside and wave the damned phone around to try to connect. Even though they KNEW it could not. They said they would send me a new phone....
It's been a year. No new phone, no refund.
I now have excellent service with GCI. It costs more, but it works...FWIW