OP here, thanks for the info on the public service commissions!

The MD, DC, or VA Public Service Commission may be able to help you get Verizon to fix the phone issue (they don't regulate internet or cable). VA's Public Service Commission is called something else that escapes me. If you switch companies, find out where to send the Verizon equipment back to and send it certified mail (or whatever it is) so you have proof that they received it.

We're thinking of switching to RCN for internet/cable/phone.

I agree with 11:46, nothing to do with the Union issue. I RAN from Verizon last year, well before the Union problems, because their customer service is disgraceful. Same situation -- several days off of work to correct a stupid problem on their end. Switch to DirectTV which has had AWESOME service and never looked back. (Had to keep verizon for cable, though, unfortunately, and now my husband has to deal with them anytime we have a problem -- and we often do -- because I can't keep my cool they are just.so.bad.)

9:55 - that is a laugh. We can't tell the difference in service between when the union is slacking and when they are working at "full speed."

To the OP, I'm really sorry you are having so many problems.

I will say I think some of what you are experiencing is a result of the current union situation at Verizon. They are still negotiating with the union and there's not a lot of progress being made, but it is known that the union workers are purposely slowing work down to try and force Verizon to agree to their conditions.

If you are in Virginia, you can try calling the state corporation commission and let them know what is going on. We did that once as a last resort when we were having terrible problems with them. The contact seemed to help us get our problems on the desk of someone who cared and who could help us resolve them.

What jurisdiction are you in? In DC, you could try talking to your ANC rep & ward councilmember, as well as any at-large members whose committees oversee utilities. (Your ANC rep is probably only useful if s/he has bigger political ambitions, but it's worth a shot.)

On your behalf, I'm absolutely furious...

Verizon really really really sucks. The ONLY thing we have through them is internet, because that was the absolute only option (other than dial up) in our neighborhood. I refuse to give them my business for cable or cell - especially considering how often the screw up and how difficult they are to deal with. Never wanted to end up in your shoes, with no phones, cable, or internet.

If I were you, I'd stick it out for the internet. Then just call DIRECtv or someone else for cable - we've found directv to have PHENOMENAL customer service. When we moved from one house in NVA to another house in NVA, when we called Verizon to have our services transferred, it was as if we were the first client of theirs to ever move. They had no IDEA how to possibly handle the situation. With DIRECtv it was one phone call and it was done.

I didn't read your other post, but when we switched from FIOS they sent us a box to return everything in, which we dropped off at a ups store. Verizon paid for the shipping. But that does involve calling Verizon, which is a PITA. But I wouldn't just toss it. I think our contract said if we didn't return it they'd charge us something absurd like $500.

How old are your children? I have a Roku box that streams Hulu Plus and Roku. There are plenty of TV shows and movies available and we can rent more from Amazon. All you need is an internet and phone provider. The available show listings are available on their respective websites.

I would not leave the stuff on the curb. Can you just drop it off somewhere? Call them and tell them to pick up their shit?

I'm the sad OP left with no home phone after 3 days straight of staying home awaiting tech visits...internet and TV working at present

some options:
cancel verizon and switch to another company (more time off to get it installed
keep the internet/tv, cancel the phone and just get another company to install their phone
go off the grid (my children would run away)

Can I COMPEL verizon to remove their faulty equipment within a certain timeframe, ie, send a certified letter requiring that the equipment be removed within 14 days of receipt or be subject to dumping? There is no contract, I never signed anything taking responsibility for the installed equipment (and in any event, they erased my account on Tuesday). If I really DO put their dvr , router etc on the curb, would I be liable financially?