Verizon Wireless Zone open for business

Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Gloria Austin
RIBBON CUTTING — A ribbon cutting was held recently at Verizon Wireless Zone at 40 North St. in Houlton. Attending were, from left, Wade Hanson, Community Development director Town of Houlton; Sue Tortello, Houlton Town Council; Debbie Henderson, chamber board member; Amy Carmichael, store manager; Angie McGary, assistant manager; Lori Weston, director of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce and Anne Callnan, chamber board member.
By Gloria Austin  
Staff Writer
    They’ve been at their new location seven months, and business is picking up at the Verizon Wireless Zone at 40 North St. in Houlton.
    “Many customers are eligible to upgrade to new plans,” said Amy Carmichael, store manger of the Verizon Wireless Zone. “In general, they have questions about becoming a Verizon customer.”
    The answer to becoming a client is simple — visit the store — let Carmichael, who has six years of experience in the business, and Angie McGary, assistant manager, introduce the services offered.
    “Verizon is always coming out with new and better phones,” Carmichael said. “We have a wide selection to accommodate any person.”
    Verizon Wireless Zone phones are now Internet capable, and the Smart phone is revolutionizing the industry.
    “These phones allow people to receive e-mail, check out Facebook or stay connected to their office with a touch of a button,” said Carmichael.
    Also offered is Mobile Broadband for Verizon phones.
    “This allows a customer to receive Internet on their computer wherever there is Verizon service,” explained Carmichael. “The service is perfect for people who split their year between the southern states and Maine.”
    But, that is only a few options that Verizon Wireless Zone offers.
    “We have plans to suit everyone,” Carmichael said. “We have a plan especially designed for seniors, who don’t need a lot of airtime. All of our plans are nationwide and have no roaming fees.”
    For the frequent traveler, Verizon Wireless offers a VZ Navigator, which according to Carmichael, comes available on 99 percent of their phones.
    One more of the newer innovations is directly for parents, it’s called the Family Locator.
    “This service is perfect for parent who want to keep track of their children,” Carmichael said. “You can also add texting or Internet service to any voice plan.”
    In the old days, it was the day of the landline, but today, for the common person as well as working parents, the cell phone is a bridge for instant communication, along with security.
    “Many of our customers have chosen to eliminate their landlines completely,” said Carmichael. “They find it more convenient to have a cell phone. With expanded networks and towers, cell phone coverage is widespread now.”
    And, for the phone itself, there are a variety of accompaniments.
    “We carry a wide assortment of accessories for any phone,” Carmichael added. “Even though we are Verizon, we still carry many accessories for other carriers. We have everything from car chargers to cases and skins.”    
    Verizon Wireless Zone is open seven days a week. Hours Monday through Friday are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store is located at 40 North St. and they can be reached by calling 207-532-9965.
    “We are a full staffed independently owned agent for Verizon,” Carmichael said. “By moving to North Street, we are better able to service our customers. In the new building, we have more parking and a fresh new look.”