Verizon Communications wants to use its existing customers as the feet on the street to convince cable subscribers to switch.
The telco has launched "Share the Network," an online referral program that offers customers a $25 or $50 American Express reward card for every friend or family member they successfully convince to sign up for a multiservice bundle, for up to $600 per year.
However, the reward cards can be used at only certain merchants where American Express cards are accepted; the full merchant list is available at www.rewardearner.com/sharethenetwork.
The offer applies to Verizon DSL service, FiOS Internet, FiOS TV or bundles that include them. If the referred customer signs up for a single service, both the referring customer and the new one receive a $25 card. For double- or triple-play bundles, each will receive a $50 reward card.
The services must be ordered online within 30 days of the initial referral to be eligible. To receive the reward, the referred customer must be enrolled in a qualifying service for 60 days with a past due balance of no more than $50. At that point, according to Verizon, it will mail the Amex reward cards within 6 to 8 weeks.
Customers submit a referral online, and the person who's been referred receives an e-mail prompting them to sign up for Verizon services. Verizon has set up a Web site, www.sharethenetwork.com, with more information on the program.
