Verizon has launched a service called Expert Care to offer in-home repair and replacement of TV and PC systems to go along with its phone systems.
The large national telecommunications company has a deal with Circuit City's firedog for the on-site TV and PC replacement and repair, as well as the technical support. It is working with Assurion for the on-site repair and replacement of phone systems.
Verizon, along with other Fiber to the Home (FTTH) providers, has been aggressively courting in-home service as an extension to its FiOS high-speed fiber optic network.
Expert Care is being characterized by some as direct competition to Best Buy's Geek Squad service, offers 24 x 7 technical support for computer software and hardware problems, as well as repair or replacement coverage for computers, TVs and telephone equipment.
Peter Castleton, executive director of Verizon corporate marketing, says the service is designed to help keep customers' "digital home networks humming."
Expert Care can be paid by consumers in a one-time bill or monthly.
It offers offers three types of service plans, according to the company:
Device Protection - Provides repair or replacement of multiple computers, TVs and telephones regardless of age, size or place of purchase.
The plans range from $4.99 to $19.99 a month, depending on the equipment covered, and may also include repair or replacement of original equipment remote controls, keyboards, mice, monitors and backup batteries for Verizon's FiOS service.
Premium Technical Support - Offers a 10-month subscription plan, priced at $14.99 a month, which includes telephone and online support for issues such as virus and spyware detection and removal, virtual private network problems, help with firewalls, problems with computer operating systems, gaming connectivity problems, and software and hardware help. Telephone and online technical support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Premium Onsite Support - Provided in partnership with Circuit City's firedog, this plan includes onsite support ranging from operating system installations to full PC and home network setups, billed on a per-use basis. There are several offerings, tailored to specific needs and priced from $99.99 to $249.99.
AT&T recently announced ConnecTech, which offers home installation services and more.