Verizon to require $30 data plans for new smartphones

Verizon to require $30 data plans for new smartphones

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Published on: 02 November, 2008 by PhoneArena Team

Verizon to require $30 data plans for new smartphones

In a less than surprising move Verizon is discontinuing its 10MB and pay-as-you-go data options, as well as an outright block, for smartphone users.  While in the minority, some smartphone customers choose to use them for their PDA functionality alone and forgot the web and email capabilities or stick to Wi-Fi (and we all know how receptive Big Red is to that.)  If you fall into this category, and are looking to upgrade your XV6700, you better do so fast.  As of November 14th all new smartphones will require a data plan of at least $29.99 in order to be activated.

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Verizon has long required a plan for rebate eligibility, and other carriers do this as well, but now all customers will be forced to cough up a significant chunk of change for the pleasure of using a neutered device.  Like AT&T, Verizon's $30 plan gives the user unlimited web and email but nothing more.  T-Mobile offers more competitive rates, but their 3G coverage doesn't warrant higher prices.  Sprint handily leads the industry in data offerings: not only do they have arguably the most mature 3G network, but for the same $29.99 the user gets not only unlimited web and email but also messaging, GPS, TV and more.

Click to see a large image.

Oh, and one more thing.  It looks like select Mobile Web 2.0 devices will start carrying a data plan requirement next years as well.  Apparently they're planning on fixing their Nationwide Plan billing issues by requiring customers to fork out more money instead of addressing their system problems.  For VZW subscribers it looks like Hamilton and Jackson are the new nickel and dime.

source: Howard Forums via BGR



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0
1.
*cries*
0
115.
OLDER PHONES RELEASED PRIOR TO 11.14.2008 WILL STILL BE ABLE TO BE USED W/O THE DATA PLAN...
This makes it so obvious that the storm is coming out on the 15th... as rumors claimd.
Reply to this comment
0
128.
Not so. The popularity of the iphone raised all other carriers' awareness to data take rates(in this case forced). VZW in the past 2 yrs has already required data on Blackberry's. All they are doing now is clarifying. STORM may well still release on the 15th, but this data rate requirement is long overdue. If you want to play, you will have to pay.
Reply to this comment
0
137.
I just think this is hilarious because all the iPhone haters were complaining OH YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DATA PLAN!!! Now you all can follow the same rules to get your "precious" strom, LAME
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #128 ( Show )
0
143.
Are you retarded?

Re-read what the person you replied to has already said " VZW in the past 2 yrs has already required data on Blackberry's".

People would have had to have a data plan to get the Storm already, this is for other PDA phone.

Great job pointing out nothing!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #137 ( Show )
0
191.
When inquiring about the Storm or Curve, I was told it was RIM who required the data plan on Blackberries.

Then again, every customer service representative at Verizon is an idiot, pretty much. Everyone tells me a different story.

This sucks though, because I was interested in the new Samsung smartphone that I heard is coming out this week. Hmph. And I'm a college student so I can't afford the extra expenses, hah.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #143 ( Show )
Reply to xxxgamer Hide 5 replies to this comment
0
2.
not suprised...the two sisters (at&t and verizon) always follow each other
Reply to this comment
0
3.
s*** man i wanted to get the storm, i prob wont now lol
0
6.
You had to get a data plan on the Storm anyways. All Blackberrys require a data plan.
Reply to this comment
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22.
Hey dude there's no reason to be a douchebag, try insulting people in real life.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #6 ( Show )
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23.
why would paying a few extra dollars prevent you from getting a phone that looks really cool?
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #22 ( Show )
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34.
ur r really that stupid? all blackberrys have required it from before, get out of here you nobody cause you dont know s***
Reply to this comment
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67.
Freaking awesome name!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #22 ( Show )
0
68.
You'd b surprised. Imma vzw call center rep and I get @ least 5 calls a day from cheap skates who don't want data on their pda........I cringe at the backlash from this
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #23 ( Show )
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70.
Hey 3 what goes on in your mind to honestly think about walking away from the Storm now that it rquires a data paln. Were you just going to buy it to show it off to your friends. All of you people who think this is wrong need to grow up and realize now all phones are for everyone. ALL PDA'S SHOULD REQUIRE PDA PLAN. If you want a calender, a regular phone has just as good of one. The only thing that I see is wrong would be to force regular phones to require data plans. NOW, ALL OF YOU CUSTOMERS AND VZ EMPLOYEES WHO CRIED ABOUT ATT AND THE $30 DATA PLAN FOR THE I PHONE I know have to laugh. I so wanted to cut and paste all of those entries because I knew this day was coming. Yes I work for ATT and for the most part we have been doing this for as long as I can remember. I do not think it is wrong for both companies to require this data plan for all smart phones. Thats what they were made for.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #6 ( Show )
0
71.
You know what tough!!! If these customers want that specific phone then they need to realize there comes a price they have to pay. Not all phones are for everyone. The I Phone, BB Storm, as well as other PDA's shouldn't be purchased just to look cool in your pocket or at the next party that you attend. Let me re phrase this, you can buy them for that reason but don't bitch at the fees that come with them. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but if you don't like the fees dont buy that particular phone. It's simple.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #68 ( Show )
0
81.
thank god for unlocked phones!
Reply to this comment
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84.
what does that have to do with anything?
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #81 ( Show )
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95.
just fyi, there is no way of unlocking the storm. though many people think you cant. vodaphone and vzw have blocked that from happening. read around if you dont believe me
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #81 ( Show )
0
98.
fcc requires that any phone offered by a US carrier can be unlocked at anytime for any reason
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #95 ( Show )
0
100.
You know, something should be said about the broader perspective in that consumers in an ideal capitalistic economy, should be given the widest range of choices for the products they want to buy. Honestly, I do not see your point about why you feel the need to REQUIRE a data plan with a PDA. I happen to believe that this is quite inconsequential to me as I require a data plan for my work anyway, but truth be told, I don't think that the people who are against this requirement from VZW are unfounded. What's more ridiculous is your vehement response to such protest. You talk about growing up, well, I just gave you a lesson. I suggest you learn from it and not be so myopic.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #70 ( Show )
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104.
98. the FCC requires no such thing. No verizon phone can be unlocked (easily).. and u sure as hell cant use a sprint phone on verizon's service even though they are the same tech and vice versa. Please, know what you are talking about, or not talk. GSM and CDMA are 2 diff techs and do not lock/unlock the same.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #98 ( Show )
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122.
As a VWZ employee, here's the most common scenario

Sept - Customer - "no, i don't want the data plan on my new cenrto, i'm just going to use the calendar to sync with outlook"

Oct - Customer - "why the hell do i have data charges on my Bill???????"
VZW - "because you used the internet"
Customer - "bullshit, no one told me there were data charges!!! i want credits"
VZW - "ok, sir, we can do that, But since you're using the internet, would you like the data plan?"
Customer - "No"


Niov -Customer - "why the hell are there data Chrges on my bill again? Can't you people do anything right?"


as a cell phone employee, i get so sick of this scenario. the majority of people that don't add the data plan to PDA's that are (currently) optional come back to either add the package or bitch about their bill. If they had used common sense ion the first place, they would have saved themselves a trip or a phone call
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #100 ( Show )
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152.
I think he is talking about this:
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ca_sprint.html
It was not the FCC though it was The California Supreme Court. Sprint settled it out of court but I think the entire thing was rediculas for the fact that no other carrier that I know of in the US will activate the phone.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #104 ( Show )
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160.
um, metro pcs can unlock a verizon phone no problem. they can unlock it pretty easily too.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #104 ( Show )
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164.
104

you can use a sprint phone on a verizon plan, I have a samsung instinct on one of my secondary lines, you simply have to send the ohone off for quality inspection and they will activate it for you. the majority of the features will be unavailable, but it is still a sick phone and the web browser even works on the vzw network..
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #104 ( Show )
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165.
When did VZW start the whole "Open Network" with a compatible device thing? I read where they were launching a sevice like that but did not know it was in effect. Are you still able to download the OTA firware updates like the new web browers they released a month or so ago? I'm also guessing the navigation and Live Search are part of the "majority of the features" that were unavalible. Makes me wonder if I could pull some stings with Sprint and get them to add an Omnia ESN to their database and activate that bad boy!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #164 ( Show )
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176.
So for those of us who live on a campus with full WiFi coverage 8 months of the year, we get punished because retards complain about their phone bills. That's great. Since I won't be getting the phone I want, goodbye Verizon, I'll be leaving when my contract is up in May.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #122 ( Show )
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185.
PDA's Clown - the rim devices already had it.
Reply to this comment
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188.
that is for the new spectrum that was just auctioned off not the one already out. your talking about LTE.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #98 ( Show )
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190.
it was last january
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #165 ( Show )
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194.
you cant buy unlocked phones for verizon.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #81 ( Show )
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195.
I don't want the data plan. I don't want web browsing or email which the data plan is used for. I want a device with good camera, keyboard, bluetooth picture beaming to other devices and memory slot. My Razr has pictures stuck in it that I cannot get out because there is no memory card, beaming, USB support for that and it refuses to message them over the VZW network saying the attachment is too big. WTF?! I want my pictures, burying them in an ld phone and not allowing me to access them is not acceptable and I won' tbuy another like that. The regular phones with keyboards have low MP and thus crap cameras. The Dare may be a minimally acceptabel cmera, but it has no keyboard and he store demo had a bad scratched screen. Not acceptable. The smartphones seem the better combination of camera, keyboard, etc. but I refuse to pay a $30/month ownership tax on those devices.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #70 ( Show )
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196.
So, as a Verison employee, block VZW network internet access from my smartphone and leave me to find an available WiFi point for that sort of thing.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #122 ( Show )
Reply to anonymous Hide 26 replies to this comment
0
4.
Omfg... after trying to argue that VZW Charged me 18 bucks for 3 Applications I didnt even need/use (RemoSync - Corporate Email for a 14 year old?) on my Dare... just looking at this makes me wanna shoot myself..
BUT! On the bright side... if the Dare get's selected as a phone that requires the Data Plan... I see my dad HAVING to give me VPAK in the future =)
0
8.
haha or downgrading your phone j/k lol
Reply to this comment
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11.
Writer of 4.
omg, that was also what I was worried about LOL. I think he's gonna throw it out a window and make me use my old Motorola v325 =O
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #8 ( Show )
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14.
The LG Dare is not considered a smart phone and will not need one of these data plans.

VZW only considers devices with Windows Mobile or Blackberrys as smartphones.
Reply to this comment
0
15.
You are half wrong. The LG Dare may still fall under the catagory that requires Vcast. "select Mobile Web 2.0 devices will start carrying a data plan requirement next years as well" And considering it has a full HTML browser, my hunch is it may just be selected.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #14 ( Show )
0
26.
dare is not mobile web 2.0. mobile web 2.0 are the older phones
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #15 ( Show )
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31.
Actually, the Dare as well as all other HTML capable phones (Krave, Glyde, Voyager) will require the VCAST VPAK. No time frame as to when that will be implemented yet...
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #26 ( Show )
0
39.
Theres also the fact that they wont add the requirement to an existing plan, only on activations or upgrades its required. So if you currently have a smartphone/mobile web 2.0 phone you wont see an additional charge all of a sudden.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #31 ( Show )
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105.
4...remosync is only on your phone if you download it...don't be acting like it somehow appeared there and you shouldn't have to pay for it...feigning ignorance is not a good argument
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #8 ( Show )
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129.
READ CLOSER. certain mobile web 2.0 capable phones will also require a data plan(maybe just $15 VCAST Vpak) but a REQUIRED charge
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #14 ( Show )
0
150.
well it is installed on the env''s right out of the box.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #105 ( Show )
0
151.
@150
I don't know about that but this guy's trying to make it seem like I honestly did it. I know what I did and didn't do. If he doesn't want me to believe it then fine, but don't go around falsely accusing me.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #150 ( Show )
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161.
Actually the Dare as well as the Voyager, Glyde and Krave are Mobile Web 2.0 capable and have an optimized browser
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #26 ( Show )
Reply to anonymous Hide 12 replies to this comment
0
5.
why on earth do people want a pda phone which is designed to look for email actively syncing and pay .015 cents per kilobyte. i never understood this my curve last month used 51000 kbs * .015 per kbs is 765 dollars. why would u want this kind of phone and not use the data plan. then u call your cell company complaining that your phone racked up hundreds of dollars in charges because u left your internet session running or phone is accidentally set to active sync. crazy people if u cant afford the phones features dont buy the phone. people was the curve for the kids because kids say its cool looking. my 11 yr old loves t he look of my curve. i would never buy for her. stop buying phones on looks people.
0
16.
I agree. VZW will also be launching a hand full of new phones that apeal to the media lover but dont have EVDO capability, therefore will not require data. There is nothing wrong with requiring data on the data intensive handsets, provided a large selection of high end non-data handsets are offered, which is the case here.
Reply to this comment
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40.
#16...... Per Phone Arena article above: "While in the minority, some smartphone customers choose to use them for their PDA functionality alone".

I am one of these customers. I only use my PDA/phone to access medical programs for work and to make calls. I don't use internet; so, why should I be forced to pay for it??? Seems unjust to me.

I think I will have to buy a separate phone and PDA now, even though only HP are making Windows Mobile PDA's these days. Not many choices.... :-(
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #16 ( Show )
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55.
Not everyone needs to constantly be checking their email and be on the web. I was planning on getting a WM phone so I can edit word documents on the subway (no service there anyhow) but there's no way I can justify the 30 a month I dont need the internet that often I'm almost always at home or work.
It's not the email capabilities but the office capabilities...besides some of us have been grandfathered in and don't pay per kilobyte. I'm still paying air time for downloading stuff on my phone.....so on the nights and weekends it doesn't cost me
Reply to this comment
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72.
What kind of PDA phone do you have to have to access your medical program. Im oing to take a shot in the dark and say it is a some type of PALM Treo. If this is the case, go buy a regular PALM with out the phone portion. Problem solved. I'm guessing if I am right you like the fact that having it all in one cuts down on having to carry multiple deviices. Convience comes with a charge.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #40 ( Show )
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88.
Sorry bro but it does cost you on the nights and weekends you may wanna lkk at your bill a little closer....

just an expert that's all.... that cares about the users....!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #55 ( Show )
0
89.
I will 2nd that there... It Soooo comes with a charge!!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #72 ( Show )
0
90.
usually its winmo. and regardless, its an inconvenience to carry two devices and forcing the customers to have something they dont need is wrong.

seeing all you vzw fanboys on your high horse is pretty funny, given the iphone backlash/ridicule
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #72 ( Show )
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106.
my understanding is that its only for new pda purchases, #40. they wont require it of people who ALREADY are on such plans.

well.. i guess we can just stop selling the Palm Centro. The ONLY time i ever sell that phone is when someone just wants teh advanced calender features and nothing else... its like pulling nails to get data on that phone (and do it ethically).
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #40 ( Show )
0
123.
the Sway, Blitz & Juke all fit this. No premium plans, no huge extras, but all multimedia capable.. great phones for kids...And the sway adds a 2.0 megapixel, where the other 2 just have VGA
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #16 ( Show )
Reply to anonymous Hide 9 replies to this comment
0
7.
I have been holding out for the verizon wireless Samsung Omnia, is it considered a smartphone?
So if I make a purchase before Nov14th then I wont be required to have a $30 data plan?
0
10.
Yes, the Omnia is a smartphone. It runs WinMo 6.1. Besides, I know exactly why they're doing this. A customer buys a smartphone. Then he totally ignores the rep trying to tell him the penny and a hal per kilobyte, because he's got someting new and shiny to play with. Then, when the bill comes in he calls and whines to customer service because he has a $30,000.00 bill. So, make them take the data plan and it doesn't happen.
Reply to this comment
0
17.
"Yes, hi. I would like your fastest Lamboruini, in red. Hmmm? Oh, no. I won't be needing wheels. I'm not going to drive it. I just want to put it in my driveway and say, "look what I have but can't afford to drive!"
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #10 ( Show )
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19.
not everyone needs data features. some just dont want to carry a separate pda and phone. while im not one of these people, i cant blame them for not needing to be connected 24/7
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #17 ( Show )
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41.
#19- I second your thoughts. I am also one of those who uses the PDA for features other than internet access, e-mail. Why should I be forced to purchase internet access if I'm not going to use it? Seems very wrong to me.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #19 ( Show )
-1
52.
I'm glad Verizon is finally charging. I am sick of selling a PDA and not gaining any sales dollars because johnny pedifile wants to look important so everyone won't know his dirty secrets. Seriously though, most people don't use the medical program. Most people want PDA's for status or they don't understand what they are buying. Verizon is sick of fixing user mistakes and I'm sick of hearing about them.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #41 ( Show )
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58.
I dont need to check to check my email every 2 seconds but want the functionality of a WM phone I shouldn't have to pay an extra $30 a month for something I'm not going to use so you can buy a new pair of panties
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #52 ( Show )
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62.
LOL
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #58 ( Show )
0
76.
Why do people think when the so called fees are inforced companies are doing it to stick it to everyone. How about maybe they are tired of people trying to think they can out smart them by thinking that jsut because they didn't ask for an internet package they shouldn't be charged if they aquire extra fees when their bill comes. They spend all day downloading games, ringtones, and apps but when the bill comes and there are $200 in extra fees, all of a sudden it's the company's fault cause they didn't know the internet cost extra to use. Or just maybe they put out a products that requires specific plans. These products also state that if someone decides to purchase these so called products extra services are required. So being a customer and seeing that WOW if I buy this phone you are telling me that I need to also pay monthly to have this phone. "What about this non PDA phone, is there an extra fee for this one?" There is not, ok I'll take that one and when I save up enough money i'll come back for that one.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #10 ( Show )
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78.
Hey buddy, its not just VZ, we here at ATT feel the same way. WOW this is such a special momnet, an ATT and VZ rep areeeing on something. I'll cherish this moment.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #52 ( Show )
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91.
Dang...! killingthemonkey that was so correct.... I highly applaued your reponse that is exactly the case as
a feloow expert i have seen this a number of times....!
Thanks for getting these folks in line.... oh and the Omnia won't release before the 14th anyways!
so with that said bring plan on adding $30 to your phone bill MR.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #10 ( Show )
0
92.
WELL SAID...

As a fellow expert I AGREE....!!!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #52 ( Show )
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130.
well said
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #52 ( Show )
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157.
Why can't VZW be proactive then and disable any and all data features on the phone since the customer says they don't want it or don't need it? Then when and if they try to use a data feature that has been disabled they can have a nice little message pop up telling them to contact CS to use this feature. They then call CS and can deside if they want to pay $30 a month to use this feature or save $30 and not use it instead of forcing them to pay for a service they may not use.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #10 ( Show )
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173.
"Why can't VZW be proactive then and disable any and all data features on the phone since the customer says they don't want it or don't need it?"
Because that would defeat the point. like people buying SUV's and never taking them offroad most of the people want the capability to do it but dont want to pay extra for it. they want to have there cake and eat it too. 90% of customers i see with PDA's without a data plan do not ask for me to block data features completely. and generally if they do its not on there line its on one they bought for there kid. wich irks me as well but i digress...
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #157 ( Show )
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179.
Key word "most" not everyone. That is why not all SUVs have 4x4 it is an extra feature and the cunsumre has the option to purchase that feature if they want. It is not forced upon them becasue they want an SUV like VZW is doing. What they are doing is like any TV provider forcing you to pay for a DVR service just becasue you want an HD recevier which happens to include a hard drive for DVR.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #173 ( Show )
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197.
I dont' want to be stuck with teh extra fees, nor do I want to do those things over the Verizon network. They should be able to block internet/data usage, the same way I can currently block things via my wireless account manager on their web pave via PC. Set age-level content restrictions on Vcast and all that junk, completely block vcast, block rinback tone purchases, block mobile web, block Vcast video clips, block application downloads, block SMS messaging, etc. On my old phone I had text messaging blocked completely for a long time after Verizon charged me for a wrong-dumber or spam text and refused to credit it. Add another checkbox on my web page account manager to block data access. And activate that block for anyoen buying a smartphone that doesn't want the data plan, such as me. Problem solved...
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #76 ( Show )
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198.
How many of these smart phones have Wifi support? Use that instead of data plan.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #173 ( Show )
Reply to hmmm Hide 17 replies to this comment
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9.
I dont know what im more annoyed about.. the fact that i will have to pay data on a PDA or how biased this article is!! Next time maybe a unbiased article instead of this crap. Let me form my own view on it .... douche bags
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18.
I agree, fair and ballances my ace
Reply to this comment
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53.
What were you trying to say? I love your fairy balls in my face
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #18 ( Show )
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159.
I think you may be confusing biased with actual facts. Everything in this artical is true. I guess the truth hurts some times?
Reply to this comment
Reply to anonymous Hide 3 replies to this comment
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12.
This article is confusing. If I'm correct, this $30 requirement is ONLY for new smartphones (i.e. Diamond, Omnia, and Touch Pro, etc).

So this means I can still get an XV6900 with data block, right?
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13.
thats what it appears. this article mentions new smartphones only, as does the leaked slide, but the bgr report says any smartphone activated after that date. as with any leaked info well have to wait for an official announcement to get the facts 100% straight
Reply to this comment
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35.
This is incorrect, ALL PDA/Smartphones will require a $29.99 or higher data plan after Nov. 14th. Also, all HTML capable phones (Glyde, Voyager, Dare, Krave) will be required to have the $15 VCAST VPAK.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #13 ( Show )
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63.
This is just a way for VZW employees to "bundle" the company shouldn't require the package though. I believe that if a customer doesnt want the package they should just pay regular price for the phone and if they do get the package then the phone price should be dropped to something reasonable that makes more sense because not everyone is going to buy a smartphone (evn though it is a smartphone) for internet/email/etc.. everyone has a different purpose
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #35 ( Show )
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69.
Yeah, like how some people just want to look cool, and some just want to look important. Why should those people be forced to actually USE their phones? It's not fair. What happened to the good old days, when you could just buy a PDA you can't afford to use, and tell your friends they can't use your internet because the "battery is going to die".
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #63 ( Show )
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80.
thats why they make different types of phones. If a sales rep asks you if you intend to use for e mail or internet and you say no, then you should realize as well as the sales rep should start showing you non PDA phones like the RAZR or some other basic phone. That way customers can't say they are making me get this extra PDA plan. This is all a stupid argument, if you don't want to pay extra then even though that Storm or I Phone looks so cool, maybe you should stick to a flip phone. I want a BMW 6 series and I think I should pay the same amount every month as what a Cobalt is worth.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #63 ( Show )
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108.
sorry 63, while i completly understand you position, and as a rep, we do have people come in once and a while that need it for the med programs and whatnot, the vast majority of people that want a pDA without a data plan is the "i gotta be cool.. but dont want to spend the money". i see probably 3 of 5 of these idiots come back within the first 3 months bitching about their bill. I warned every one of them, and most of them didnt listen. Its about customer satisfaction. If there is the charge and the understanding up front, and you still buy it, you will be more satisfied with the device and the money you have invested in it, because you will be using it for its full purpose. Its a proven fact.
As far as for the mobile web phones go, the same theory applies, but i dont think they should be made to have it... unless they drop the price to like 10 bux instead of 15, just so people dont blink at it.

and BTW, the 30 charge on the Iphone is a JOKE. The iphone IS NOT A PDA. And that charge was raised from 20 to 30 for no reason other than it being an iphone and ATT admitted that. And people are still dumb enough to get it thinking its some kind of wonderphone.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #63 ( Show )
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111.
i hate apple, but the iphone is now most definitely a pda and offers a MUCH better web experience than anything vzw has ever offered
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131.
NO! it is not about the phone models, it is about the Dates involved. On November 14th if you activate any pda style phone on VZW, the $30 plan will go with it. The last thing VZW will want is consumers buying up old / discontinued inventory (like the xv6800) and trying to activate them without the data charge well into 2009.

If you want it the old way, do it before Nov 14, 2008.
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135.
its not a pda #111, its a dumbphone like a dare or voyager. its an Ipod touch, with phone capabilities. It is in no way shape or form, a PDA.
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192.
YES it is about the phone models. VZW has said you can actiavte old style smartphone without data plan after the 14th. only NEW smartphones get the NEW forced data plan.

And for all you poozers out there, if I want to use a smartphone to just synch outlook between my home and work PCs why should I be forced into a damn data plan. OOOO, cause I'm not cool enough to goose step along with you other poozers. I occassionaly use my smartphone for the internet, but not to the tune of $30 / mo. Who dreamed up that requirement. Is it that idiot VZW rep who just didn't like customers complaints. Hey, Mr. PotatoeHead, that's your job as a rep to listen to customers.
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20.
I'd like to think the iPhone set another standard in the mobile phone world with these required data plans, I mean why not if people are buying iphones just for music and don't have a choice but to pay an extra $30 a month even though it has wifi, why should VZ do the same, hey at least maybe this will mean more phones with wifi since it won't matter since they'll be gettin paid either way
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87.
If they are buying I phones for music and wifi then they should buy the Apple Touch. problem solved. I Phone didn't start this. There were PDA's before the I Phone. The I Phone just made it more main stream
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21.
we always find ways around this
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133.
good luck
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