Written by dgoldring on Saturday, November 3, 2007

Reason Number 167,592 Why I Hate Verizon


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Not long ago, I switched my cell phone carrier away from Verizon.  One of my closest friends, who has long been a Verizon fanboy, scoffed at me and even challenged me to find better service somewhere else.  Of course, I did.  And, I quickly grew tired of enumerating the many reasons I felt my time with Verizon had been a complete waste. 

I am not going to enumerate them all here again, but I did want to point out yet another reason why I will never return to Verizon.  A sharp eyed James Kendrick over at JKOnTheRun picked this one up.

It has long been known that Verizon’s unlimited data plan is far from unlimited.  In fact, they have been known to cut people off who use more than 5GB per month.  Well, Verizon is now changing that policy.  Believe it or not, they are actually making it worse.  Read past the jump to learn how.

To begin with, I must give Verizon credit for no longer calling this an unlimited data plan.  They now flat out tell you the limitations on your use of their data plan.  So, Kudos, Verizon.  Now, let’s take a look at what the new plan actually dictates:

If usage exceeds 5 GB per line during any billing period, we reserve the right to reduce throughput speeds of any application that would otherwise exceed such speed to a maximum of approximately 200 Kbps.  These speeds are subject to change, in our reasonable discretion, in order to address network issues.

Wow.  Really, Verizon??  Speed throttles?  Let me just say this again.  If you exceed Verizon’s 5 GB limit, then they have the unlimited discretion to reduce your connection speed to 200 Kbps or lower.  They could essentially "dial" you down all the way to dial up speeds.  Not only that, but by not cutting you off completely, you are still obligated to pay the full rate, even though your access will be severely restricted.

Oh but wait, that is not all.  According to the article at JKOTR, not only is your maximum use limited, but Verizon has also restricted the use of automatic data feeds.  What does this mean?  It means anything that automatically dials into the Internet and downloads content will not be allowed.  This includes RSS feeds, email, sports scores, and any other services which may offer automatic downloads.

All I can say is WOW!  What the heck can you do with a Verizon data plan anymore?  Of course, this all goes along with the severely crippled Bluetooth radio, the mangled operating system, and the limited selection of Windows Mobile devices.  I think my Sprint wireless broadband card and I will have to surf over to Verizon’s site say thank you to Verizon, for showing me yet again why I dropped you like a sack of bad potatoes.  Can you hear me now?  Yes, Verizon.  I can hear you loud and clear!

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David Gray
Nov 3, 2007

Wow, you’ve got the backbone i’m trying to develop, that would wean me from my over-developed sense of loyalty that only i appreciate, that would free me from the “Nickle and Dime Company,” that would give me actual choices of current devices before they become obsolete and behind on power. My real question is, who is any better as far as service, reasonable prices, and reliable connectivity. I’m gun-shy because years ago I dumped Cable TV service, only to find out Dish Network operates just as autocratically and you still have to take reams of garbage to get a few good choices. These companies are still dictating to us what we can and can’t have and do, and frankly I don’t hear anyone raving about what a great provider they have—their phones or devices yes, maybe.

That all said, you do provide me with some courage to take a leap. I would so love to stand across the creek and yell back, “Hey Verizon, can ya screw me now?” Thanx.


dgoldring
Nov 3, 2007

David,

I have to say that in my experience, there are pros and cons to every service. Right now, I am on Sprint and I find the service to be very good. Data speeds are great and unlimited. That being said, I have just never heard of the kinds of nickle and dime issues that Verizon seems to be making. Features which should be standard are removed and then sold back to you. If all you want is a phone to talk on, then maybe Verizon would work for you. But if you want any kind of data plan or connection with other devices…well, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Also, I suggest you check out http://www.cellswapper.com. This is a great way to get out of a “locked in” service contract. They got me out of my Verizon contract a full year early, saving me a ton of money.

Doug


David Gray
Nov 3, 2007

Thanx for the tips. You hit it right on the head. I’ve been with Verizon for years, but as I’ve grown in services wanted/needed, other than phone calls, I have seen clearly this disabling of functions and then the attempt to charge back for them. You are absolutely right. As i said though, I have no way of knowing if other companies do exactly the same thing. But thanx for the tip on cellswapper. If i have to, I’ll just start hopping from one company to the next til I find one that MIGHT care if they keep my business or not.


dgoldring
Nov 3, 2007

Thanks, David. Gla you found those comment helpful. I think every service is going to have pros and cons. And these practices are not likely isolated to Verizon. However, they seem to be more pronounced and frequent with Verizon from what I have seen. Then again, my Mogul keeps getting bad ROM updates from Sprint, so there is always a trade off. :)

Doug


Derrick
Nov 3, 2007

In the past few years I’ve been with multiple wireless providers (incl. Cingular, Sprint/Nextel, and most recently Verizon) either through my personal subscription or through company phones, and I have to say that while it may not be the largest fiscal earning company, or have the largest customer basis, my best experiance and coverage has been with Alltel (yes I chose Chad). Though this company is the fifth largest carrier in the US, it’s still not on most peopls’ radar (Alltel is currently poised to overtake Sprint/Nextel’s number 4 spot before the end of 2008.

I have some friends that work for the company, and I have to say, I never hear the end of their comments for the ongoing customer service oriented courses, and computer classes. I believe this focus on customers is also the reason why Alltel has grown from the 24th largest carrier to the 5th in just over two years.

In addition to all this, they have a great broadband data network (preped for both rev b and c upgrades) and some of the best prices to boot. I honestly get better service and speed with my PCMCIA wireless data card, than I did with my home’s DSL connection with Bell South (slash ATT).

Though I don’t expect anyone to take these statments as the final word on all things cellular, at least it’s another input on the matter.

Thanks Derrick


Derrick
Nov 3, 2007

P.S.

Alltel also has the largest physical network in the US… and I currently use a HTC PPC 6800 pocket pc with Windows Mobile 6.0 and the afore mentioned wireless PCMCIA broadbad data-card for my laptop.

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