Verizon wants to be the first one you call if you're having problems with your home electronics, as the communications company unveiled its Expert Care plans.

The service will be similar to the Geek Squad from Best Buy, and Verizon said it will offer its customers in-depth technical support for software and hardware problems, as well as repair and replacement coverage for computers, TVs, and telephone equipment.

"Because customers trust us for their home entertainment and communications needs, they also want us to help them resolve problems with the growing number of sophisticated consumer electronics devices throughout their homes," said Peter Castleton, executive director of Verizon's corporate marketing, in a statement. "We developed Expert Care to give customers the kind of support they need to keep their digital home networks humming."

Verizon will offer three types of service plans that vary in cost and support:

• The device protection plans range from $4.99 to $19.99 a month and cover the repair or replacement of devices like remote controls, keyboards, and monitors.
• Premium technical support offers around-the-clock phone and online support for issues like viruses and spyware, and is priced at $14.99 a month.
• The premium on-site support plan will be done in conjunction with Circuit City's Firedog service, and billing ranges from $99.99 to $249.99.

As Verizon dives deeper into the home entertainment market with its fiber-optic based FiOS market, the move into the home electronics repair market could be a lucrative one. The communications company will be facing competition not only from the aforementioned Geek Squad, but also rival AT&T's recently introduced ConnecTech service.