Official Nationwide (NON-UNLIMITED) Calling Plans Thread (Keep All Discussion here)

Originally Posted by ilvla2

How about moving all of the discussions and posts from that thread over too

Originally Posted by Dan6971

So, if I ever change or update my plan, I should get the VCast Package for $15?

So now, instead of having 500 TXT MSG plan for $5.00 & Mobile Web for $5.00 ($10 Total), it's gonna now cost me $20 for the same stuff I have, plus the VCast Video Service?

Basically, I'll have to pay another $10 (plus taxes) each month for video services that I don't need? ($120 + Taxes/Year) That sucks!!!

I hope that in the future, when my plan expires, there is more WiFi around for my Nokia 770 needs.

How does this new plan (in the future for me) effect the VZ Navigator that is magically on my phone and the cellular modem my phone can magically become when activated and used with my Nokia 770?

Originally Posted by Comrade DM

You don't need to have V CAST VPak, you can pay per MB as well. Right now you are paying $5/month for Mobile Web, but you are also using minutes when you use it, so technically it costs you $5/month plus the minutes that you use on it. The $15/month V CAST VPak was always an option on the older plans as well to cover the minutes used by Mobile Web. On the new plans (to which you don't have to switch to, you can stay on your current plan with nothing changing) you won't have to pay the $5/month to access Mobile Web, but you will pay for the data it uses, instead of minutes though you'll pay for the actual data in bytes (either $1.99/month or just $15/month for V CAST VPak). So, it's not really that the cost suddenly went up for the same thing, it's more that the way things are charged for has changed, which could mean it being more expensive for some (those who always have more minutes that they can use), exactly the same for others (those who don't use Mobile Web or who have V CAST VPak), or possibly even cheaper to others (those who use Mobile Web every once in a while and end up paying for just 1 MB on a monthly basis, which is just $1.99 and thus cheaper than the current $5/month plus minutes used for Mobile Web).

I think where this makes a another (maybe even bigger) difference is the data used by things other than Mobile Web, like GIN downloads (or even browsing) where you would pay for an application or something else you are downloading and on top of it get charged for the data used to download it as well, almost like a double-charge in a sense (although on old plans it would use airtime, but that's still probably better for quite a few than to get a minimum $1.99 charge to cover even the smallest download on the new plans). However, usage of those applications, like the VZ Navigator, should not incur any data charges.

Originally Posted by Jonbo298

As of this morning, when I tried to use Mobile Web while roaming (large concrete building at work), it worked. So hopefully it is for you now ivla2

Originally Posted by DOTsucks

I was just looking on verizon's website on the new nationwide plans. I have not seen this anywhere, but on the family plans, it says you can only get 4 lines on a family plan now. Is this true? and if that is true, for those of us with 5 lines now, I suppose we can not change plans and keep the 5 lines on the same plan. Anybody know?

I looked at the basic, select, and premium, and they all show 4 lines as the max.

Originally Posted by MikeG~

I dare say someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think a slight twist is that you can no longer sign up for the just the VCast part of the "pak", at $10, which you might want to do if you don't use Mobile Web but do want the unlimited data-call minutes for mod'ed WAP and/or MOU tethering? For some reason neither the VPak nor the VCast portion are showing up for me on MyAccount, as they used to, but I called the rep who assured me at least the full VPak is/will still be available on the AC2 plan I'm on and plan on staying on for the foreseeable future...

(Sorry if this is a repeat-type post but my eyes crossed and re-crossed about a dozen times trying to get through just the first half dozen pages of the existing "long" thread about the new plans!)

Originally Posted by Comrade DM

By the way, the "browser" reference in the title of the thread was probably meant to be "WAP proxy server".

Originally Posted by jmbittner

I also had an old AC plan that was 34.99/mo. Since I did not have
an EV capable phone, the only thing I could add was MW, Vcast
was not an option on my online account.

On Nov 1st, I tried to get a new phone at a corporate store with my NE2
but still keep my old plan. I was told that I had to get the new national
plan if I wanted to use my NE2 promo. Neeedless to say I left angry.

I returned to the same store the following day and got a different CS
rep. I was able to keep my old plan, use my NE2, and get a one month
trial Vcast with mobile TV Select added to my old account (A $25 option).
She even gave me the new extended Nationwide roaming and In for free
on the old plan.

Originally Posted by Tr0gd0r

As long as I havent changed my plan since nov 1st I get data per minute right?

Im still on ACII

Originally Posted by themopedwhiz

I hope it, stays that way, but i wouldn't bet on it until, you recieve a billing or (2)

IF no MB billing charges are present after a complete billing cycle in which the full cycle was after nov 1, then , I think we will know nothing has changed

Originally Posted by jdr30

But with the new plan and the $15 unlimited data plan .. can you basically tether at EV speeds unlimited now? Of course not legally -- but wouldn't it be harder to detect?

Originally Posted by techie2001

Yes, this is a pricing change. Some will benefit, some will pay more. The number that it benefits is more than who will not, though.

If you don't want your kids going on mobile web, tell them not to. You are the parent. Deal with your chidren yourself. If they're not responsible enough to do as they're told with their phone, you punish them. Otherwise, perhaps they should not have a device like a cell phone? Just thinking out loud here.

If you don't like it, don't switch. Plain and simple. Keep paying airtime + $5 a month for your mobile web.

Originally Posted by fusiclover

I personally can't disagree with what Verizon is doing, for this reason.

Originally Posted by fusiclover

You want your kids to be able to browse ringtones, but that's internet usage, but you don't want to have to pay for it?

Originally Posted by fusiclover

Browse all day, every day on your phone for one price.

Originally Posted by fusiclover

Now with Sprint, you can visit the website and browse ringtones, songs, screensavers, etc. and have them sent to your phone to download, hence no "browse" usage if you don't have a data plan.
Can you do the same with Verizon? I don't know... I don't have them.. anyone know?

Originally Posted by BorderBobNY

That I don't know...will have to check that out. It may be the way this gets done after January when my kids want new phones and I am forced to upgrade my contract.

Originally Posted by seddy

Currently, if I want to use data, I use minutes. Minutes I wouldn't have used anyway, so basically, it's free. If I were to switch to a new plan, I would have to pay $2 per MB. That's a price increase.

Originally Posted by seddy

I would be curious to know what % of Verizon customers have Vcast. I'm betting it's pretty small. In fact, I'd bet less than half even know what VCast is.

Originally Posted by CurGeorge8

But does anyone know the per MB rate through either carrier? I know its a lot higher than $1.99 per MB.

Originally Posted by jbellessa87

You don't have to change to the Nationwide plans when you upgrade.

Originally Posted by themopedwhiz

I'm quite sure that browsing GIN will NOT be billed, ONLY the item being bought will be billed, browsing GIN will use so little data as to be pennies, while song or GIN game Dl will cost more, VZW knows where the $$ are at, and its NOT in ' cover charges' to come in the door.

Originally Posted by moosc

can i keep my current plan when i buy the voyager when it comes out i pay 15. for unlimted web v cast and such

Originally Posted by raduque

For everybody saying "you only get billed for what you use, so if you only use a little, you'll only pay a little", it gets rounded up to the nearest MB. Minimum is 1mb or $1.99. So yea, if you hit the MW accidentally, or hit "Get New App" accidentally, bam, $1.99. I forsee a lot of data usage credits in the future.



Browsing GIN is going to be billed. Browsing or downloading from V Cast Music will not be. Sending and receiving pix/flix also won't be billed.

Also, LG Venus and Voyager require Nationwide plans, or the system will not accept the ESN. I know what I'm not getting on my annual upgrade anymore.....

Originally Posted by moosc

can i keep my current plan when i buy the voyager when it comes out i pay 15. for unlimted web v cast and such

Originally Posted by Comrade DM

Why would just browsing GIN cost money? That is really charging someone for nothing basically--like someone said, basically for checking out what's in a store's window to see if there is even anything you might be interested in. Pretty poor approach when it comes to something like that if that is true.

Originally Posted by raduque

Don't get me wrong, I ain't defending it, just saying it's true. I'm looking at the training collateral right now.



Be looking for a PM, Comrade.

Originally Posted by Comrade DM

but more to reason it out and point out that it's just a bad way of going about it all on VZW's part.

Originally Posted by raduque

Oh, I agree. It's a bad idea, and once they see a large call volume driven by charges for accessing GIN, it'll probably change.

Originally Posted by sodomojo

I know Sprint charges by the kb, which ends up being $30 per MB. ATT is by the kb as well and ends up being about $10 per mb if I'm not mistaken. But I am 100% positive SPCS is $30 per mb as opposed to VZW's $1.99 per mb.

Originally Posted by seddy

Verizon is spending $BILLIONS to upgrade their networks for DATA customers - mostly for viewing TV & data cards for computer, but they are paying for all of this with existing Voice customers & increasing prices on New Voice customers.

Originally Posted by seddy

I would be surprised if they ever recoup all of this investment in DATA with actual DATA sales. In fact, I would be surprised if they recoup 10% of it with DATA sales.

...

This is why Sprint is seriously looking at scrapping WiMax rollout - it can't possibly pay-out financially.

Originally Posted by seddy

If Verizon would just admit this was a price increase, rather than trying to hide behind all of these billing changes, I would be happier.

Originally Posted by weatherwoodchuc

Are there any new coverage maps out that show the expanded areas where mobile web will now work? or better yet a list of SIDs that will support the data roaming?

Originally Posted by shirizaki

I think it was a long time coming. If you're mad, then don't get new VZW service. Never upgrade your contract.

In the near future, Verizon will probably not charge for GIN browsing on the $2/MB plans. Maybe. Yeah, it sucks for those few people who tether their phones and get per-minute usage instead of per megabyte, but that was a hole we all knew was going to get filled sometime.

Originally Posted by mightymouse

I typically don't post because most of the time the answers are right in front of my face, but in this case I'm a little confused.

True, false or don't know: On the new plan, I will be changed per MB for my now free WAP through zaksenterprises.

True, False, or Don't know: On the new plan, I will be changed per MB for USING any application in GIN( i.e. I have a weather program that I use frequently, and it looks like I'll get charged for downloading the radar image, on top of the 4.99 monthly fee)

I'm still on the old plan now, but the wife and I have thought about going on a family plan to save some $$$, but now I'm not sure.

Originally Posted by XFF

roaming map for PDAs/smartphones/BBs/data cards. With the new nationwide plans you now get data roaming on ALLTEL, USCC, UNICEL, Bluegrass Cellular, ACS, and PRTC on feature phones (pink areas). Well at least you're supposed to, individual reports to the contrary non withstanding.

.

Originally Posted by techie2001

...Backup assistant will work and as long as you're subscribed to my account, will not bill the $1.99...

...If you don't want your kids going on mobile web, tell them not to. You are the parent. Deal with your chidren yourself. If they're not responsible enough to do as they're told with their phone, you punish them. Otherwise, perhaps they should not have a device like a cell phone? Just thinking out loud here...

...Data should be measured in an amount, not airtime. All airtime billing does is penalize people in non EVDO markets.

Originally Posted by fusiclover

...You want your kids to be able to browse ringtones, but that's internet usage, but you don't want to have to pay for it?...

Originally Posted by themopedwhiz

...I'm quite sure that browsing GIN will NOT be billed, ONLY the item being bought will be billed, browsing GIN will use so little data as to be pennies, while song or GIN game Dl will cost more, VZW knows where the $$ are at, and its NOT in ' cover charges' to come in the door...all this talk about being billed to browse GIN is pure SPECULATION.

Originally Posted by markj73

...Also the brochure has some useful info the website seems to lack , e.g. on page 27 it says "... Megabyte charges will not be incurred for using the application after download to the device...."

Originally Posted by cliffr39

The $1.99 price is the subscription price, not the usage price (data/airtime/SMS). I haven't seen, although I might have missed it, anyone talk about how this affects pix/flix messages. It used to charge 1 message plus airtime, so does this now charge airtime, plus $1.99 for the data usage (since the pic is say 150kb and will be rounded up)?

I agree with you that it should be charged as data and not airtime BUT I think it is bogus is that they round up to the nearest MB, instead of just charging per actual usage. And even further, to charge the user for AD's they embed. I'm already paying you to see this page in usage, so why throw in AD's and charge me even more to see it. The ad's should, in my opinion, only be on those unlimited plans since it won't "screw" the customer over more.

I know when I got this phone I was going all around the menu and seeing what everything does. Well, as many of you know, some of those menu items just go straight to the web... without warning or prompt. If you do this now, you will be charged - and although it might be interrupted before loading the page, you will still be charged the full MB rate.

It's not about telling the kids to avoid doing it, it's hard to NOT do it when you don't know this menu option goes online. Like under Menu / Get It Now / News & Info - I didn't know that was a "Mobile Web" shortcut.. thought it was just a submenu for those type of applications just as Tools on the Go is, or Games is. That would have charged me, or the kid.


It's not about wanting to not pay for it... customers were paying for it before, as airtime plus the $5 mobile web add-on.



Not sure I would call it speculation. The newest booklet they have at the stores says "Billing for data sent or received using Mobile Web (including advertising), Get It Now, and other data applications". Pages 10, 24-27



That page is for Navigator only. The page for Games (26) says unless you subscribe to vcast, or premium calling plans "megabytes sent or received using these features/services will be aggregated each month, and rounded up to the next MB". Also page 24 about ringtones, ringback tones, and wallpaper says the same thing. Page 29 saying using the Mobile Email app will be charged for usage. It's hard to tell what does and does not charge us.

Originally Posted by CurGeorge8

Adding a line to an exsisting family share --> No

Originally Posted by CurGeorge8

Changing your calling plan minutes --> Yes

Originally Posted by shoelessone

Question:

I have an "old" family plan, with 4 lines. It is the "basic 1400 minute" plan.

I would like to change this to the "select 1400 minute" plan. Can I do this without renewing my VZW contract?. I would actually LIKE to have the new calling plan as I don't use the internet but I believe I would benifit because I am VERY often roaming and it would be very nice to be able to send MMS messages while outside of a Verizon network.

Originally Posted by CurGeorge8

...Upgrading equipment with no plan change --> No

Upgrading equipment with no plan change (North East area customers) --> Yes

Originally Posted by mad3963

When does this go into effect? I just did this on Oct. 29 and my plan did not change. Went from ACII Select FS 2100 to ACII Select FS 3000.

Originally Posted by shoelessone

I would like to change this to the "select 1400 minute" plan. Can I do this without renewing my VZW contract?. I would actually LIKE to have the new calling plan as I don't use the internet but I believe I would benifit because I am VERY often roaming and it would be very nice to be able to send MMS messages while outside of a Verizon network.

Originally Posted by cliffr39

I am going to assume that not upgrading but exchanging (new sign up within 30 days getting a different phone) also makes the plan change in the NE area. Wonder why it is only that area and not nationwide.

Thanks for the clearer details

Originally Posted by ilvla2

Update-Mobile Web, MMS and GIN FINALLY started working on my Chocolate on US Cellular Extended Network this morning..woo hoo!!

Originally Posted by Frank S

Thank God! I'd hate to see you in here complaining for another year or so

-Frank

Originally Posted by XFF

Yeah, glad you got it all sorted out. There was no reason for it not to work, I guess it just took a few days to update the database of MINs allowed to data roam on USCC.

Originally Posted by Frank S

Thank God! I'd hate to see you in here complaining for another year or so

-Frank

Originally Posted by dmcwally

i just want a plan that has unlimited mobile web and unlimited txting. is the national premium plan the one i want to go with?

Originally Posted by XFF

Unlimited OUT texting is only available via the Select plans and is independent of America's Choice vs. Nationwide. Likewise, unlimited mobile web is only available via V.CAST and is also independent of America's Choice vs. Nationwide.

Originally Posted by 213ninja

i thought you could get unlimited msging for $20/mo as an addon?

seems pricey - but i think it's an option.

Originally Posted by XFF

The $20 MSG feature gives you unlimited IN/5000 OUT. Like I said, the only way to get unlimited OUT is via the Select/Premium plans.

Originally Posted by Chase265

I'm so confused regarding pix/flix messaging on the new plan....
I am currently on the AMERICA'S CHOICE II 900 ANY UNLIM N&W AND UNLIM IN CALLING $59.99 0407 with Unlimited IN Messaging, plus 500 additional messages for $10.

as of right now, pix/flix is using minutes for each one sent/received, will it be the same still on the new Nationwide plans, or will it use kb's?

I need to know for sure because I want to get the Voyager and it requires you to upgrade to the Nationwide plan.

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

With the Nationwide plans sending PIX/FLIX will not use airtime or kilobytes.

Originally Posted by RJBUT

Thank you very much for answering this. I would like to ask a question I did not see while reading through this. If you get a new phone while on this plan and want to download Backup assistant will you be charged to download this on your phone?? Also my thoughts on when this updates verizon claims this to be free so why would they charge for data if that is the case??

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

I already subscribe to a Verizon Wireless Calling plan. Is Mobile Web 2.0 included in my plan? Customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide Plan to receive Mobile Web 2.0 at no additional monthly charge. If you are on a Nationwide Plan, you will be charged for megabytes sent or received (including advertising) while using Mobile Web 2.0 unless you subscribe to V CAST VPak, V CAST Mobile TV Select Package, or a Nationwide Premium Plan. Megabytes (or portions of megabytes) sent or received throughout your billing cycle will be added together at the end of the billing cycle, rounded up to the next full megabyte, and billed at $1.99/MB.

!

Originally Posted by XFF

Every time the browser sends or receives a byte over the air it's chargeable data usage under the new Nationwide plans. The term "download" usually refers to receiving a file that is stored on the receiving device. This is one form of data transfer (which is chargeable), but there are other forms as well, such as data not stored as a file on the receiving device and instead consumed in real-time, such as web pages displayed in a browser, or music streamed to a player, or application data consumed by an application (games, nav, etc.)

What they should have done is charge unequivocally for every byte sent or received, but instead there appear to be all kinds of exceptions, which makes things unnecessarily complicated, like some apps are charged for the initial download, but not for data consumed later, or vice versa.

Originally Posted by PlayMifUgotM

Then, per the plan specifics, if I subscribe to a Nationwide Premium Plan, there is unlimited access and as such no charge for the types of action you describe above?

Originally Posted by rhh621

In addition, in order to switch to the Premium Plan, you must have a Premium Plan Capable Phone, which are: Razr V3m, Samsung U740, LG Chocolate (new or old), LG enV, LG VX9400, Moto KRZR, Z6tv, V9m.

Originally Posted by Rocker

Okay, I may be way off here...but for those of you talking about the accidental opening up the Mobile Web browser and getting charged, will you REALLY get charged $1.99 for the 1MB usage just for doing that?

Per Verizon's website, it states, "rounded up to the nearest whole megabyte, and billed $1.99 per megabyte*."

Now, I'm not sure how many of you have taken a math class in high school or college, but haven't we always been taught that rounding means anything .5 and over rounds UP and anything .49 and under rounds DOWN? So if anyone is following me here, if you use .49MB and UNDER, you should not be charged the $1.99MB fee according to how it is worded under the information specs on Verizon's site.

Correct me if I am wrong, but in school I think we were all taught the correct way to round, weren't we? It states ROUNDED up to the nearest WHOLE megabyte, if you use .49 and under megabytes, that is NOT to the NEAREST WHOLE megabyte, the nearest would be 0MB, which would lead you to the conclusion of $0 in charges...EXAMPLE: You have a 5 cent off coupon per gallon of gas at Shell, you pump 10.499 gallons of gas, you ONLY get 50 cents off, it rounds to the nearest WHOLE gallon which in that case would be 10. Now if you were to pump 10.501 gallons of gas, you would receive 55 cents off (rounding the 10.501 gallons to the nearest whole gallon to 11).

Anyone else have any input on this? The ONLY thing I can see where what I stated wouldn't make sense is, where they put the word rounded "UP", not rounded "down". Which is why I think people are getting confused, including myself.

Originally Posted by Rocker

Okay, I may be way off here...but for those of you talking about the accidental opening up the Mobile Web browser and getting charged, will you REALLY get charged $1.99 for the 1MB usage just for doing that?

Per Verizon's website, it states, "rounded to the nearest whole megabyte, and billed $1.99 per megabyte*."

Now, I'm not sure how many of you have taken a math class in high school or college, but haven't we always been taught that rounding means anything .5 and over rounds UP and anything .49 and under rounds DOWN? So if anyone is following me here, if you use .49MB and UNDER, you should not be charged the $1.99MB fee according to how it is worded under the information specs on Verizon's site.

Correct me if I am wrong, but in school I think we were all taught the correct way to round, weren't we? It states ROUNDED up to the nearest WHOLE megabyte, if you use .49 and under megabytes, that is NOT to the NEAREST WHOLE megabyte, the nearest would be 0MB, which would lead you to the conclusion of $0 in charges...EXAMPLE: You have a 5 cent off coupon per gallon of gas at Shell, you pump 10.499 gallons of gas, you ONLY get 50 cents off, it rounds to the nearest WHOLE gallon which in that case would be 10. Now if you were to pump 10.501 gallons of gas, you would receive 55 cents off (rounding the 10.501 gallons to the nearest whole gallon to 11).

Anyone else have any input on this? The ONLY thing I can see where what I stated wouldn't make sense is, they are saying they are going to round anything and everything UP, just like they do with minutes (EX: 1:01 minutes of talk time is billed as 2:00 minutes). Which is why I think people are getting confused, including myself.

Originally Posted by XFF

What they meant to say was "We'll apply the ceiling function to your usage."

You're absolutely correct in that rounding implies going the nearest rounding candidate, whether that's up or down. "Rounding up" and "rounding down" only comes into play when the number you're trying to round is exactly half-way between the two nearest rounding candidates, for instance when asked to round 37.5 to the nearest integer you could round up to 38 or round down to 37. There's no such thing as rounding up from 37.4 to 38. If that's what you wanted you'd have to use the ceiling function.

Even in accounting or business there's no such thing as rounding from 37.4 to 38. (That's how it all starts, and Enron is how it ends, so don't believe the hype.)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rounding
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceiling_function

Maybe another class action lawsuit is in order

Originally Posted by srstakey

Ugh...I wish we hadn't just upped our plan a month ago. Now we are already hitting the max of the new family share plan.

Updating to the new package would be a complete disaster, too...I primarily use my phone for the Opera Mini (facebook, anyone) and now if we upgrade plans again, I think that the $1.99/MB would be extremely expensive.

Not to get off-topic, but how do their termination fees work?
-The plan contract is up in 8/26/08 for the three other phones on the plan....but mine wont be up until 9/16/09. Would it really be $175 per line?

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by srstakey

Ugh...I wish we hadn't just upped our plan a month ago. Now we are already hitting the max of the new family share plan.

Updating to the new package would be a complete disaster, too...I primarily use my phone for the Opera Mini (facebook, anyone) and now if we upgrade plans again, I think that the $1.99/MB would be extremely expensive.

Not to get off-topic, but how do their termination fees work?
-The plan contract is up in 8/26/08 for the three other phones on the plan....but mine wont be up until 9/16/09. Would it really be $175 per line?

Thanks!!

Originally Posted by fonebrkr

Call and talk with a CSR. I changed mine this month and kept the AC mou. I asked her 3 different times, she said unless I was ordering a Voyager I was grandfathered. I upped the minutes and texting on my family plan.

Originally Posted by NoDice2

How did you get to keep the AC MOU? When I called near the end of last month they said that they couldn't just up my minutes and had to take the new plan?!?

Questions -

1) so just accessing GIN will not have you receive a charge?

2)If you were to block MWeb,App Downloads, V CAST Video Clips on the account there should be no other data usage charges except from GIN. If you block Mweb couldn't you still use your poxy free?

Originally Posted by NoDice2

How did you get to keep the AC MOU? When I called near the end of last month they said that they couldn't just up my minutes and had to take the new plan?!?

Questions -

1) so just accessing GIN will not have you receive a charge?

2)If you were to block MWeb,App Downloads, V CAST Video Clips on the account there should be no other data usage charges except from GIN. If you block Mweb couldn't you still use your poxy free?

Originally Posted by jonathan2492

Not sure if anyone has seen this, but this thread has helped me alot so wanted to post this: http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Calling...wide.html#item1

Log in to your account from verizonwireless.com click "my plan" and at the top there is a FAQ about the new nation wide plans (above url)

Also I just recently upgraded my old ACII plan to a new phone and renewed for 2 years but was not moved to nation wide, I am still on ACII and yesterday was a new billing cycle so guess im staying =)


Edit: just read the whole thing and it does not awnser what most people want to know:
1. does it charge for browsing GIN (not just downloading apps)
2. does it charge for data with pix/vid messages

If the awnser is No to both of these then I'll probaly switch so I can save the minutes that i am charged when sending picture messages... (or is this going to change?)

Originally Posted by BorderBobNY

Sorry, I still believe it is more akin to charging someone to browse through Best Buy. My kids don't use their phone browser, but they will browse ringtones periodically. Or games, before they come to Dad to see if they can buy one. Charging to do that seems to me to be self defeating if Dad's only recourse is to block GIN. I thought teenagers were the GIN market group.

And not switching plans...I guess. Provided you don't ever want to get a new phone again if the moment you upgrade you are forced to get into a new plan.

This just stinks. It is a backhanded way of squeezing more money out of their customers and not providing any more service.

b.b.

Originally Posted by XFF

Depends on when you signed those contracts. For contracts signed before Nov '06 it's a flat $175 ETF per line, for contracts signed after Nov '06 the ETF is variable (starts at $175 and decreases by $5 for every month served).

Originally Posted by washwords

bb,

I agree with most of what you say, but just to clarify, getting a new PHONE (upgrading) won't require you to get a new plan. I just upgraded my phone to the env (btw, i was a good six months shy of when i should have been allowed to upgrade, i called verizon, said i was thinking of buying the phone i wanted elsewhere, and presto, upgrade discount appeared1)

anyway, that's a different story, but if i understand correctly, if you have the old AC plans you can keep them without penalty and keep using "minutes" not megabytes. I am! least i *THINK* i am.

Originally Posted by washwords

can you (or anyone) point me to where on the verizon web site/documentation it cites the decrease by $5 per month. That would really make bailing on a contract a lot easier should the iphone just become too much to resist! not that i'm thinking of bailing

Originally Posted by Dust N Bones

Does VZW charge MB's just for browsing GIN or only if I actually download something?
The being charged for GIN is what really bothers me because basically it's doubling the price of ringtones. I don't pay for ringtones anyway but I know a lot of people who do.

Originally Posted by gifpaste

So I take it getting the $5 mobile web for WAP proxy is not possible anymore

pay for vcast, unlimited data, or per MB are my only options

Originally Posted by gifpaste

oh, I thought there was a 29.99 data plan for PDA/smart phones that have 'full html' browsers and then the phones like my current for mobile web through vcast?

Originally Posted by phoneguru173

Originally Posted by Looboo

I am not one to post too much in this forum, but I could not resist since Verizon has changed their way someone pays for data. Prior to Nov 1, a customer had the option of either paying $5 per month for mobile web or picking one of the unlimited packages. Now what Verizon has done is to no longer give someone the option as to whether he or she wants this service. Now when you pick a regular plan, if you just for a second go into that browser, you are charged $1.99. My question to Verizon, and I did ask them this, is what about the family that has several lines? How to you tell a young teen not to use the browser? Verizon's answer was simply put a block on data. Well that not only blocks mobile web, but also Get it Now- which in turn would not allow someone to access the Back up Assistant feature. So to, me, and only my opinion, this is just a quiet way of putting in a price increase. Not a good move as far as I am concerned. To quote the article on Phone Scoop: Verizon Wireless has quietly updated the way it will charge subscribers for the mobile web and data usage. Watch your family plan bills when you upgrade!

Originally Posted by techie2001

Actually, there is a block for just mobile web and there is a block for just application downloads (GIN) just as there is for V-Cast, Mobile TV, messaging, etc.

Originally Posted by CurGeorge8

First off, in regards to 'accidentally' going onto mobile web, thats an easy one. Change the 'up' soft key on your phone to do something else other than going onto mobile web.

Originally Posted by BorderBobNY

Sorry, I still believe it is more akin to charging someone to browse through Best Buy. My kids don't use their phone browser, but they will browse ringtones periodically. Or games, before they come to Dad to see if they can buy one. Charging to do that seems to me to be self defeating if Dad's only recourse is to block GIN. I thought teenagers were the GIN market group.

And not switching plans...I guess. Provided you don't ever want to get a new phone again if the moment you upgrade you are forced to get into a new plan.

This just stinks. It is a backhanded way of squeezing more money out of their customers and not providing any more service.

b.b.

Originally Posted by seddy

This IS a price increase for anyone that doesn't pay the $15 per line data subscription. Since MOST people don't use enough data to justify $15 per month, then this will impact MOST people.

Here's why:

Currently, if I want to use data, I use minutes. Minutes I wouldn't have used anyway, so basically, it's free. If I were to switch to a new plan, I would have to pay $2 per MB. That's a price increase.

Let's look at it another way:

If I actually went over my plan minutes to use data, it would cost me $0.40 per minute. Under the new plan, using 1X at 750KB per minute, I would pay $1.50 per minute. If I was in EVDO, since it is faster, I could be looking at paying up to $7+ per minute. That's a price increase.

Lastly:

Currently, I have free Nights & Weekends. This also means I have free DATA on nights & weekends. I don't see anything in these new plans about free night & weekend data. Once again, a price increase.

So, basically, either pay per MB or pay an extra $15 per line. No matter how you look at it, it's a price increase for anyone that doesn't currently have VCast. If you already have VCast, then it won't affect you.

I would be curious to know what % of Verizon customers have Vcast. I'm betting it's pretty small. In fact, I'd bet less than half even know what VCast is.

Originally Posted by XFF

Yes, as of last month you can change plans anytime without extending your contract.

Originally Posted by dominic241

I'm seriously bummed. I wasn't aware of the new data rates until recently. I tethered my phone quite a bit over the past week and we had changed our plan to add more minutes, just last week and noticed on the the receipt about a day or two later, some new features that caught my eye

• GENERAL IP ADDRESS - MB PLANS
• MOBILE WEB FOR MB PLANS
• PAYU MB WITH EVDO

..so I stare at it for a few seconds and say to myself "Oh good lord, please don't tell me that's what I think it means" and immediately do a #DATA and BAMN, there's my over 170MB of data usage which would have been absolutely free on my N&W minutes. So I'm expecting about a $300 data bill pretty soon..sigh...any ideas on getting it backdated?

Originally Posted by dominic241

exactly how I feel about this. We're getting new phones in the mail, and I'm not sure about how they fare with Bitpim, but thought about the BackUp Assisstant feature and said "Hey I'll just use that" but I just realized that this "free" service is actually going to cost money now..

Originally Posted by dominic241

This is cruel and unusual punishment. If I want to browse..let me browse..not charge me $1.99...

That's exactly how I used my data..and now I'm completely screwed over with this new plan..sigh..

looks like Verizon is trying to cover the costs of doing that huh?

Originally Posted by experiment626

I'm on an older ACII MOU-based plan.My Nokia 6256i is a non-VCAST phone.The only web option I had was regular MOU Mobile Web 2.0.If I upgrade now to a VCAST phone(non-Voyager) now,while on my older plan,do I still have the older unlimited VCAST Mobile Web options available or would I have to change to one of the newer Nationwide Plans? Thanks.

Originally Posted by CurGeorge8

Before, if you were connected to the data network for just one second, you were billed a whole minute of airtime.

Originally Posted by mattjt21

I had data usage charges on two lines on my family plan last month. One of which I know they were not on Get It Now, or Mobile web. Already this month one of the lines already has charges. And Verizon keeps telling my that my family member is lying to me and they have used get it now or mobile web. Im getting sick of verizons ****.


I say we start our own phone company that is stock owned

Originally Posted by Moderator HF 9

Why not just block data on those lines.

Originally Posted by jonathan2492

Too mattjt: maybe those lines were using picture/vid messaging? No one has clarified if recieving pix/flix messages (which do use data) cost MB's now. Such as how on the old ones it was per message or deducted from your allowance of messages + airtime... no ones awnserd this...

Originally Posted by mattjt21

How do you block data?

Originally Posted by Redvan

quick question about pix/flix messaging... right now i'm on americas choice family plan and have $5 unlimited pix/flix. I dont pay a penny when texting others with verizon. With the Select Nationwide plan, I see you get unlimited texting, but does that still mean free when it's verizon to verizon?

Originally Posted by GeneB

Just blocked data by calling customer service. I was being billed for accessing "my account" from my phone. In one week of being on the nationwide plan, I have used 1.07 megabites of data for stuff that I thought was(and used to be) free. Hope there are no more expensive surprises. The rep says backup assistant uses data too, so I got rid of that.

Originally Posted by Donkey

What is the different between the ACII and the Nationwide plans??? Name changed??

Originally Posted by Donkey

There is still no VCast or EVDO in my area, so Premium would be a waste of money. Since my main line is already out of contract. The second line would be out the day after X'mas. The third would be in mid Jan. We now have a family share plans with 1400 minutes. However, we might drop one of the line since my son is still too young to have a cell phone.

Originally Posted by dominic241

I'm so p*ssed off with Verizon...I'll be switching to a better plan on Sprint without these stupid data charges. $1.99/MB for accessing MobileWeb..sure whatever, fine with me. But for accessing GIN, and when you're already paying $1.99 for a song on VCAST music to download to cover "data charges" you're still going to get charged for it now plus if you're only browsing. What bullsh*t...
I wish there was a way to go back to my old plan..sigh..

Originally Posted by Donkey

What is the different between the ACII and the Nationwide plans??? Name changed??

Originally Posted by Comrade DM

Sprint, and basically all other carries, also charge for data in bytes rather than minutes, and have been doing it for much longer than VZW. Most data rates are actually somewhat more expensive, although some carriers do provide some special plans (like SERO from Sprint) that could make it much cheaper.

Originally Posted by gipsy001

does data still accrue if i use my own proxy for MW2.0. if i am on the nationwide calling plan? i dont think anyone on this forum really knows, i will have to check it out for myself and report back.

i know some forum readers will say it does but i will have to check #DATA for myself using my own proxy to determine if MB usage still accrues. so why did i write this???? good question.

Originally Posted by XFF

Can someone (who knows for sure) post a comprehensive list of services that do not incur per-MB billing charges under a NW plan? I know there are exceptions, but there is much disagreement over what they are.

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

... If my parents are on a NW plan, and we data block... can we...

1. (with data block off), access GIN, and install/setup/use Backup Assistant...
2. Turn data block ON.
3. Continue to have BA work, backing up contacts while data block is on.
4. Be assured that no billable data features will be available or possible?

Right now... Dad and I are on separate ACII 900 plans, and Mom is ACII 450... I'm thinking about switching to FS 2100 plan which would now have to be Nationwide, so I want to avoid any/all possible $2 per MB charges on their lines, while getting Vcast Vpack for me...

Is that "do-able"?

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Sorry, its been over a week... anyone care to confirm that Backup Assitant will still backup after data block has been added to the line?

Originally Posted by experiment626

I just changed my GF's daughter's ACII Plan from 1350 peak min to 2000 peak min.The nice CS lady was able to back-date the plan increase so to save her from a huge overage.Now I knew about the data changes coming with the new Nationwide Plans but the CS said she was able to keep the old MOU-Based ACII Plan in the system and increase the Peak minutes to the next level.I checked on MyAccount and,sure enough,CS was able to give her a new ACII Plan.I thought this wasn't going to be possible?

Originally Posted by SCTelephoneMan

yes

in general, any already downloaded gin app will go around the block. which is why it is important to delete vzw tones deluxe from a kid's phone, because the block won't block it

the gin block blocks further downloads, but doesn't usually prevent those apps already on the phone from accessing the network

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

BTW, my Corp VZW rep told me that AmericasChoice calling plans are still available for CORPORATE LIABLE lines... But they are not available for personally liable lines.

Originally Posted by Turthurt

Hi guys. I was wondering i haven't done any tethering with my cell phone yet, but i am planning on getting a laptop at some point within the year. As of right now i have ACII Family Plan for 1400 min w/ five serperate lines. I have NE2 and was looking at a Voyager, Venus, or EnV. From what i've read if you get a Voyager you have to upgrade to the Nation Wide calling plan(unless you get lucky) and from the general consensus of what i read is, it sucks.

So if i'm looking to tether using DUN in the future it would be in my best interest to just get either the Venus or EnV and stick with my current plan. If I decide not to tether using DUN then go for the Voyager. Say i go the latter route, what are my options using my phone for internet access with a laptop? Also if i switch to Nation Wide would the cost of my plan or minutes change?

Originally Posted by Turthurt

...what are my options using my phone for internet access with a laptop? Also if i switch to Nation Wide would the cost of my plan or minutes change?