So, about that free 19" LCD HDTV for signing up with FiOS....

If you were in a hurry to sign up with Verizon to get the free 19" LCD HDTV they have been offering to new FiOS subscribers in the recent ad campaign... you may want to temper your expectations. You may have thought that your FiOS installer would show up at your door with the shiny new display, but that isn't the case. According to Verizon, this is how is should work:

Two to three weeks after all your bundle components are installed and working you will receive a letter in the U.S. Mail. The letter will include a username and password for a website address to redeem the promotion. You must claim your gift award within 45 days of receiving the letter in the mail.

Unfortunately, it sounds like the 45 day window is a bit of a pipe dream, too. Not surprisingly, a lot of customers are steamed. Over at the Consumerist, there is a full length report on the issue, including lots of angry comments from customers waiting for their TVs.

The bottom line is that Verizon is going to have to provide the televisions or comparable reimbursement at some point. But in the mean time, this ugly situation is a bit of a black mark, especially in contrast to the recent positive customer feedback mentioned earlier.