vB Easy Archive - Data Usage: Billable vs. non-Billable List for VZWs "Nationwide" Plan

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Data Usage: Billable vs. non-Billable List for VZWs "Nationwide" Plan
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Posted by: cinderbloke

I've been reading a multitude of posts regarding phone features that may or may not use and be charged for MB data. Like many of you, I'd like to have answers to the burning question: Specifically what DOES USE data and what IS and what IS NOT charged for MB under VZW's Nationwide Calling Plans? (assuming the line is not "Premiere" and has no Vpak subscription).

So here's an itemized list of those phone features with an initial (not guaranteed) stab at filling it out by 9Dodge19 (

) and me. I've also reviewed it with a couple CSR/phone techs to get the latest.

In the list below after each feature there is a "DATA" column (does this feature use data?) and, most importantly, a "$MB$" column (if data is used, is it charged for this particular use?). A "NO" means that data is not supposed to be charged for this use. A "NO *" indicates that there have been reports from some users that data has been charged. A "YES" means that there should be no question, this is billable use.

Since there's been so much variation reported by users about VZW's data billing, until VZW itself publishes a similar list, no one can guarantee 100% accuracy. That's where all you VZW-billing-knowledgeable HoFoers come in - please update this thread with your (accurate) up-to-date info. And please site sources and/or evidence (I got billed for it, CSR/DTS told me so, I'm from VZW and I know, etc.). If anyone has any comments, or would like to add to the list of features that might/could use MB, please post that accordingly. Here's hoping one of the mods will monitor and edit this OP to make changes as newly verified info is reported.

- Disclaimer: This is a work in progress - it should NOT be considered "gospel" (yet).

#:--DESCRIPTION OF FEATURE:-------------------------------------DATA:Y/N - $MB$:Y/N
01--TXT messages with a TXT plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:NO - $MB$:NO
02--TXT messages without a TXT plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:NO - $MB$:NO

03--MMS messages with an MMS plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO *
04--MMS messages without an MMS plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO *
----NOTE per VZW: Sending, receiving & uploading MMS messages to/from Pix Place uses MB (on NW) and MOU (on AC).

05--Downloading/updating IM app with a messaging plan. . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES
06--Downloading/updating IM app without a messaging plan. . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES
07--Using IM with a messaging plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO *
08--Using IM without a messaging plan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO *

09--Accessing and browsing MW/WAP or HTML . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES
10a-Accessing "My Account Handset" (done via MW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES *
----(NOTE: NEW per VZW: Initial access to MAH thru MW will be charged $MB$. Once in MAH, no addl' MB charges.
10b-Browsing/reading account info on "My Account Handset" . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO *

11--*228 Programming or PRL update (manual or "pushed") . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:NO
12--Spontaneous "Registering Apps" after a PRL or F/W update . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:NO *
13--Any other spontaneous phone housekeeping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO

14--#DATA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:NO - $MB$:NO
15--#BAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:NO - $MB$:NO
16--#MIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:NO - $MB$:NO
17--#PMT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:NO - $MB$:NO
18--FOTA (if/when available) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:???

19--Browsing Vcast Music catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:YES
20--Downloading Vcast music or videos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES

21--VZ Navigator (disclaimers, map updates, positioning, etc.) . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO
----(NOTE: Downloading/updating the VZnavigator application itself will be charged $MB$.

22--Mobile TV (schedules, summaries, etc.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:NO
----(NOTE: Downloading Vcast Videos from the MobileTV menu will be charged $MB$.

23--Downloading "free" GIN apps (Backup Assistant, SongID, etc.) . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:YES
----(NOTE: For MyAccount members, data used to download the BA app is credited back to the account.
24--Using "free" Backup Assistant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:NO *
25--Using "free" Vcast SongID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:YES
26--Using "free" Song ID's "Automail" feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:???

27--Browsing GIN catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:YES
28--Downloading paid GIN Apps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:YES
29--Downloading paid GIN content (ringtones, games, etc.) . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES
30--Using paid GIN Apps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES

31--Downloading GIN Games use $MB$. Some also that use $MB$ while being played (add more):
- Guitar Hero III . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES
- Scrabble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES
- JEOPARDY! Deluxe. . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES

Posted by: Steve.G

Nice to see you guys finally compiled a list. Good work.

Posted by: blacam00

For number 23, the note you have there isn't exactly correct.

It's only credited if you are registered on My Account. Secondly, if you are registered then the MB charges for downloading the app is credited back to any line regardless if they are pri or sec.

Posted by: XFF

If by "DATA" you mean packet data (technically everything that goes across the airlink is data, but only packet data is typically called "data" in this context), then #14-17 should not say YES for DATA. Those services are initiated through a voice call and respond via a standard text message (same as #01/02), there are no packet data involved.

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacam00

For number 23, the note you have there isn't exactly correct. It's only credited if you are registered on My Account. Secondly, if you are registered then the MB charges for downloading the app is credited back to any line regardless if they are pri or sec.

Thanks blacom00!
You're absolutely correct in stipulating BA download data use is credited only for registered My Account holders. Regarding Primary v. Secondary line credits, my initial note came fresh from VZW this morning. Nonetheless, I've edited my original post per your input until further confirmation either way.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFF

If by "DATA" you mean packet data (technically everything that goes across the airlink is data, but only packet data is typically called "data" in this context), then #14-17 should not say YES for DATA. Those services are initiated through a voice call and respond via a standard text message (same as #01/02), there are no packet data involved.

Thanks XFF!
I've edited my original post accordingly.

Posted by: 1XRTT

Might I suggest a sticky?

Posted by: TheUncleBob

Correct me if I'm wrong, but pretty much everything that's a "Yes" in the Data column takes airtime if you're on an ACII plan, right?

Posted by: nhanson

for vcast song id automail feature i would say no because of the fact the song is already known by your phone and by the system at that point and it would be the systems job to email it you not your phones....

maybe it would be chargeable based on the first set up of the email (sending the system your information)

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheUncleBob

Correct me if I'm wrong, but pretty much everything that's a "Yes" in the Data column takes airtime if you're on an ACII plan, right?

It certainly would make sense that data-MOU and $MB$ usage are triggered the same way in VZW's billing system, but I can't say for certain since I specifically researched only NW's data behavior.

On my ACII plan, since I usually access most of my GIN (no, not the booze kind) and MW on N&W, and therefor rarely exceed my monthly MOU, it's never been an issue. It's a bigger deal on NW because I'm not willing to shell out $60 more per month for 4 lines of Vpak or $70 more for Premium just to do the same things I do now on ACII for a few in-plan MOU (or free N&W).

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by nhanson

for vcast song id automail feature i would say no because of the fact the song is already known by your phone and by the system at that point and it would be the systems job to email it you not your phones....

maybe it would be chargeable based on the first set up of the email (sending the system your information)

Excellent points, you're probably right.

But since VZW doesn't consider dialing our own number (VM) an "IN" call, and charges 2XMOU for forwarding a call that never reaches our handset, I'm not 100% sure what they do (particularly if you don't have a messaging plan).

Posted by: XFF

Forwarding to a non-VZW line counts the same as calling that line directly, ie. 1xMOU, not 2xMOU.

Posted by: nhanson

i suppose the only way to find out would be to a month without data except using that feature....which would be near to impossible

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFF

Forwarding to a non-VZW line counts the same as calling that line directly, ie. 1xMOU, not 2xMOU.

When I researched call forwarding scenarios with VZW last year I was told that if an off-network line calls a VZW line and that call is forwarded to another VZW line (even on the same account/FSP), both VZW lines are charged full MOU (no "IN" applies between VZW lines in this case). Is that not true?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinderbloke

I believe the data is at least slightly different on the older AC plans with MOU--for example, MMS messaged definitely incur a charge in the form of airtime.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinderbloke

That is what I recall from a fairly recent thread on the topic as well.

Posted by: CanAm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrade DM

I believe the data is at least slightly different on the older AC plans with MOU--for example, MMS messaged definitely incur a charge in the form of airtime.That is what I recall from a fairly recent thread on the topic as well.

This sticky is a list of Data Usage: Billable vs. non-Billable for the Nationwide Plan. Not sure why we're getting on the America's Choice. Someone else can sticky that. I'm afraid this thread is going to get off topic quickly.

Posted by: XFF

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinderbloke

No, it's not. In the case of forwarding from one VZW line to another, the one that's doing the forwarding is being billed an IN call, the one that's being forwarded to is being billed as if the original caller had called it directly, ie. not IN.

In general, if A calls B and B forwards to C, then:

A is being billed for a call to B (as if B had answered without forwarding)
B is being billed for a call to C (as if it had called C manually)
C is being billed for a call from A (as if A had called C directly without forwarding)

Once you understand that you can plug in all the specifics with same network, other network, whatever, and get the particulars for your case. But the above always holds true, no matter what.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9Dodge19

I was simply responding to an ongoing AC part of the conversation, just to point out that there are differences. It would be good probably to have an equivalent thread for AC, or, even better if there was just an extra column in all the data in this thread for MOU--the data column would stay the same, the MB coulumn would show what's charged for NW plans, and the MOU column would show what's charged for AC plans--all in one place to reference and see the differences at the same time. It would take some more information from someone "in the know" though to get the official equivalent AC information (although I think aside from MMS messaging and possibly some Mobile IM and/or Backup Assistant functions incurring MOU charges it should be pretty much the same in terms of what uses data and what of that incurs charges).

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFF

A is being billed for a call to B (as if B had answered without forwarding)
B is being billed for a call to C (as if it had called C manually)
C is being billed for a call from A (as if A had called C directly without forwarding)

Once you understand that you can plug in all the specifics with same network, other network, whatever, and get the particulars for your case. But the above always holds true, no matter what.

It seems like the conclusions from a recent thread about this at http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1347115 might be somewhat different (in at least the sense that, if I understand it right, that B would be billed both, for a call from A and for the forwarded call to C at the same time).

Posted by: XFF

I've been using Call Forwarding feature for years and line B has always been billed as I described (only for the forwarded portion to C, which may or may not be an IN call, but not for the incoming portion from A). If it works differently for you then I don't know what to tell you, but that's been unequivocally my experience.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFF

I've been using Call Forwarding feature for years and line B has always been billed as I described (only for the forwarded portion to C, which may or may not be an IN call, but not for the incoming portion from A). If it works differently for you then I don't know what to tell you, but that's been unequivocally my experience.

I am not personally saying that it works differently (for me or otherwise), I'm just pointing out what's been mentioned in another recent thread on the topic by at least a few people, at least one of whom is a fairly reliable and knowledgeable VZW rep.

Posted by: XFF

If you're referring to 9Dodge19, nothing he said contradicts what I said, so ??

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFF

If you're referring to 9Dodge19, nothing he said contradicts what I said, so ??

As far as I can tell, at http://www.howardforums.com/showpos...80&postcount=12 he confirmed something another user said at http://www.howardforums.com/showpos...00&postcount=10 which talks about being billed (on B's end) for the call from A to B as well as for the forwarded call from B to C at the same time.

Posted by: XFF

I see. In that case I will disagree with 9Dodge19 then and maintain that you will not be charged twice for forwarded calls.

Posted by: CanAm

Quote:

Originally Posted by XFF

I see. In that case I will disagree with 9Dodge19 then and maintain that you will not be charged twice for forwarded calls.

I maintain what I said, but why is this conversation taking place in the sticky Data Usage: Billable vs. non-Billable?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9Dodge19

I maintain what I said, but why is this conversation taking place in the sticky Data Usage: Billable vs. non-Billable?

Agreed, it came up kind of out of nowhere earlier in the thread and seems to have stuck, but a thread like http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1347115 would probably a better place for that particular discussion.

Posted by: Lenagainster

Navigator is airtime free and should be free of any other usage charges on a data plan, right? The only time data or airtime charges are incurred for Navigator is downloading the application itself, or upgrading it. It costs $10 per month or $2.99 per day, or is included in the premium plans.. But no additional 'charges' to airtime or data usage based on how much Navigator is used.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lenagainster

Navigator is airtime free and should be free of any other usage charges on a data plan, right? The only time data or airtime charges are incurred for Navigator is downloading the application itself, or upgrading it. It costs $10 per month or $2.99 per day, or is included in the premium plans.. But no additional 'charges' to airtime or data usage based on how much Navigator is used.

Yes, that's what's in item 21 in the first post as well.

Posted by: 1XRTT

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1XRTT

Might I suggest a sticky?

Yay! Sticky!!!

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinderbloke

24--Using "free" Backup Assistant . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:NO *

If you notice your phone displaying a screen that says "New Get It Now Message" and the data icon is active, don't be concerned about data usage. According to VZW that only occurs while BA is performing an auto-backup and is not charged airtime or MB.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinderbloke

That does happen on various phones, although there's been talk of people seeing that message even without it being related to BA, so in cases like that it might be tied to an application that does use data that incurs charges (like Mobile Email perhaps, or something like that).

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Comrade DM

I wondered about that too, so I had a discussion with VZW DTS about this today. They said the only time this happens is when BA attempts an auto-backup (in which case the data used is not charged). They also said that, when BA experiences an outage (as it did last night that continued through this morning), they get reports from customers who see that message repeatedly during the day as BA tries to catch up with its chores. Most folks aren't used to seeing this message since they set their BA auto-backup schedule to "Nighttime" (12-6 am).

I get the feeling that VZW has been conscientiously working on their billing to plug the data-charge leaks. Hopefully they will soon be able to separately report free vs. chargeable data in near-real-time along the lines of what they can do today with MOU so we can accurately track and pace our data usage.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by cinderbloke

03--MMS messages with an MMS plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Data:YES - $MB$:NO *
04--MMS messages without an MMS plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO *

Quote:

On America's Choice calling plans, airtime applies when sending, receiving and uploading Picture and Video Messages to Pix Place. On Nationwide calling plans, megabyte usage applies when sending, receiving and uploading Picture and Video Messages to Pix Place

Which to me, according to that statement.. sending and receiving pix/vid messages DOES fall into the billable $1.99 per MB useage... as does uploading to Pix Place.

(if that link doesn't work... then.... Visit Verizonwireless.com... Click on Plans. Under the headding for Voice plans click BASIC from under Individual... Pick either 450, 900 or 1350 minutes.... then use the select & continue button. Pick a phone, enV for example, by using the select button. On the Select Features & Accessories page... click on the description for the $15 per month... Unlimited IN Messaging PLUS 1500 additional messages plan... and read that pop-up descrpition of the feature....)

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Where was this info derived from?

I ask becuase of "NO *" = Not supposed to, but people have seen charges.... The above would imply that VZW says MMS messages should not be charged, yet people claim to have seen it on their bill, right?

Now read... -> http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/...&featureId=2107 Which to me, according to that statement.. sending and receiving pix/vid messages DOES fall into the billable $1.99 per MB useage... as does uploading to Pix Place.

Good find, Mark. There still are vague and contradictory statements on VZW's website that could use clarification or correction. I did the best I could with the information I could squeeze out of VZW - and you know how hard I tried on the VCC too (since last December I think). If I had tried to do this with Sprint, I would have been fired as a customer half-way through the process.

As I said before, there are cases where data usage is not supposed to be charged MB according to a consensus of VZW folks. These included several DTS and CS folks I reached both through multiple direct phone calls to VZW and via HoFo PM. Where there is still debate, where customers still claim they're being charged for data, I added the * asterisk.

It may be that sending MMS to PixPlace is the only case where that data is charged. Hopefully one of the VZW HoFo members could investigate that contradictory MMS statement and either post back or PM me with what they find. Then I could request that one of the mods corrects, or adds a note of clarification (like I added about MyAccount Handset), to the list.

Until VZW itself publishes a non-ambiguous list of their own, the best my list will ever be is a "work in progress".

Posted by: CanAm

On Nationwide plans, the only time MMS will charge is if you are sending to Pix Place. Thats it. Its one of the nice things about Nationwide vs. America's Choice where it used approximately 1 minute of airtime to send/rec pix messaging.

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9Dodge19

On Nationwide plans, the only time MMS will charge is if you are sending to Pix Place. Thats it. Its one of the nice things about Nationwide vs. America's Choice where it used approximately 1 minute of airtime to send/rec pix messaging.

Thanks 9Dodge19! On the VZW web site, it claims that "On America's Choice calling plans, airtime applies when sending, receiving and uploading Picture and Video Messages to Pix Place. On Nationwide calling plans, megabyte usage applies when sending, receiving and uploading Picture and Video Messages to Pix Place.

So, would it be appropriate for a mod to edit my OP with a note under items 3 and 4 that reads:
----NOTE: Sending, receiving & uploading MMS messages to/from Pix Place uses MB (on NW) and MOU (on AC).

EDIT: Also, since sending an MMS to PixPlace uses MB/MOU, is there any chance that sending an MMS to an email address also uses MB/MOU? If so, maybe a better way to address this on the list would be to put YES after MMS and add a note that says:
----NOTE: Sending and receiving MMS messages between mobile device is NOT charged MB/MOU. All other uses do.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9Dodge19

Sorry, but I remain skeptical until I see it in writing from VZW.

That link I posted does say AC is charged Min, but also says NW is charged MB for the same things.. [i["sending, receiving and uploading Picture and Video Messages to Pix Place"[i]

Why include "sending" and "receiving"? if not to mean sending or receiving text/mms messages?

I know you can upload or "send to" pix place... But can you "receive" from pix place?

If I do get billed for sending/receiving MMS messages, is there something I can point to in order to get VZW to take the charges off?

Posted by: CanAm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Mark, the ONLY time it will use MB usage is if you are sending a picture/flix from your cell phone to Pix Place...thats it with Nationwide. There are no other times its charged for data transfer. You remain skeptical on this, thats fine but its not charging you to send/rec pix/flix from your cell phone to other cell phones or their email addresses. I look at MB usages all day at work and that is not one that shows up.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Quote:

Originally Posted by 9Dodge19

Its not that I doubt you.. but I remain skeptical becuse I don't see it written anywhere to assist in any dispute if a charge occurs. Yet I see it written in a way that would allow VZW to "win" a dispute if a charge occurs..

Posted by: Roshan_Ali

Ok so am I understanding this right? Chargeable data only occurs when you are first downloading the applications or updating the software with the exception of BA if you are registered for My Account? The actual usage of VZNAV, Song ID and BA doesn't use billable data? What about when you sync with VZ Nav online through your phone? Sending and receiving new contacts with BA doesn't used billable data either? What about sending Song ID info when the phone says "Analyzing Data" and when it downloads the requested Song ID? If none of these use billable data then I have a bone to pick with them.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Although I do agree about having it in writing, so to say, for "technical" reasons, I'm more interested in the actual pratical practices and what VZW representatives know and believe to be true. There are too many written things that aren't really being followed through anyway, and without a huge undertaking in time and effort it would be hard to follow through on arguing with VZW over them. Not to mention that although ambiguous, what's currently written can be interpreted the way the VZW representatives (at least the knowledgeable/competent ones) have been interpreting it (that it applies to PIX Place basically). So, in the end, I'd rather have VZW representatives and know and believe that something is true (which seems to be the case here), rather have something clearly spelled out in writing--although I'd really want to have that as well, it's just that between the two that would come second.

Posted by: blacam00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

I also covered this as well. I posted a while back that the faq sites were updated to no longer read as being charged data for pix/flix...soon the rest of vzw.com will be corrected as well. You can see here:

http://support.vzw.com/faqs/Picture...ing.html#item16

So there. It is in writing, you do not get billed data for sending/receiving pix/flix...

Posted by: cookie1989

hi...i just wanted to add something concerning 'my account' for BAsst...as long as you are able to log into your acct and see your billing info, then you get BAsst for free...what I mean by that? when the website upgraded, each number on a multi-line account now has the ability to register independently with it's own username and pswd, however only one number has the privledge to view billing info--you can choose whatever number on the acct you want to have that ability, but only one number can. for single line accounts, it works the same way...when you register, in the beginning of the process it asks you a question 'are you the one who pays the bills?'-answer yes and your able to view billing, answer no and you are not. now, for multi-line accts, as long as there is an 'acct holder online' (number chosen to view billing) then all of the other lines can download BAsst for free. if at anytime the 'acct holder online' de-enrolls their acct, then those lines will start being billed the regular 1.99/mth fee for BAsst unless you choose another number to take the 'acct holder online' role to view the billing.

i hope this makes sense to everybody!!

Posted by: cplclegg

What about Mobile Email? I didn't see it on the list (unless I am blind) or mentioned in the thread.

Posted by: axemurderer

This is the Answer to your question, it is very much worth the read.

I would like to say, I was as confused as everyone else here on the subject of how verizon charges Data vs Text.

Here is the skinny on my experience.
I have a pda phone (6900). I opted for the unlimited data plan for 45.00 per month. Beside the voice plan I have with verizon, I also have 250 txt messages for an additional $4.99 per month. I had specifically called verizon and spoke with a "Data spcialist" to ask the following question. If I use a messenger service, such as msn live messenger, aim, yahoo, or any other messenger service. Will this be considered data? Or will this be deducted from my 250 txt messages. I was told, it would indeed count as text messaging. I argued with the person on the other end of the phone for at least 18 minutes, explaining to them that this type of messenging is going out over the web and should not be counted as txt. They would not change their tune, so I eventually hung up.

This sat with me for almost a week, I then did some research on the web, only to find other poor saps like myself. So I decided to call back and rattle the cage. After another confusing phone call with the specialists, I was told something slightly different. If you login to a messenger service.. and there is a period of inactivity, you will be sent an sms message telling you your phone is in sleep mode, or something as rediculous. I continued to press the issue with them and told the person on the phone I needed an absolute correct answer to my question.

Finally... I was told, that you need to have the "Good Mobile Messages" Service activated on your plan in order not to incurr any txt charges at all, when using any type of messenger service.
This is a Free Service. I recommend to everyone out there, to call verizon and be sure that this service is active on your plan. Other wise you will get the royal verizon Screwing. Messenger sevice is charged as data and should not count as txt.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by axemurderer

This is the Answer to your question, it is very much worth the read.

I would like to say, I was as confused as everyone else here on the subject of how verizon charges Data vs Text.

Here is the skinny on my experience.
I have a pda phone (6900). I opted for the unlimited data plan for 45.00 per month. Beside the voice plan I have with verizon, I also have 250 txt messages for an additional $4.99 per month. I had specifically called verizon and spoke with a "Data spcialist" to ask the following question. If I use a messenger service, such as msn live messenger, aim, yahoo, or any other messenger service. Will this be considered data? Or will this be deducted from my 250 txt messages. I was told, it would indeed count as text messaging. I argued with the person on the other end of the phone for at least 18 minutes, explaining to them that this type of messenging is going out over the web and should not be counted as txt. They would not change their tune, so I eventually hung up.

This sat with me for almost a week, I then did some research on the web, only to find other poor saps like myself. So I decided to call back and rattle the cage. After another confusing phone call with the specialists, I was told something slightly different. If you login to a messenger service.. and there is a period of inactivity, you will be sent an sms message telling you your phone is in sleep mode, or something as rediculous. I continued to press the issue with them and told the person on the phone I needed an absolute correct answer to my question.

Finally... I was told, that you need to have the "Good Mobile Messages" Service activated on your plan in order not to incurr any txt charges at all, when using any type of messenger service.
This is a Free Service. I recommend to everyone out there, to call verizon and be sure that this service is active on your plan. Other wise you will get the royal verizon Screwing. Messenger sevice is charged as data and should not count as txt.

When dealing with PDA/BB phones, the whole data part is rather different than it is for feature phones, which is what this thread is mostly about--meaning that most of the items discussed here probably wouldn't really apply, or at least not in the same way. The VZW PDA/BB sub-forum might have some more information about it all as well.

Posted by: spear'd

A question about that Data usage, if I block data on a smartphone, can picture messages still be sent/received? She wants a smartphone without the internet.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rasuarez1915

A question about that Data usage, if I block data on a smartphone, can picture messages still be sent/received? She wants a smartphone without the internet.

Interestingly enough, given the question, the original thread you found at http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1139662 would really be the one that deals with something like that (I believe it has some information about it as well).

Posted by: spear'd

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

I found it with some in-thread searching. Thanks

Posted by: trebb

This question was probably asked before but I've gotta run and don't have time to search.

Does the $30/mo Blackberry plan include text messages? So, if not, it's $15+$30 for everything? ($15 for unlimited in+1500 out)

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trebb

This question was probably asked before but I've gotta run and don't have time to search.

Does the $30/mo Blackberry plan include text messages? So, if not, it's $15+$30 for everything? ($15 for unlimited in+1500 out)

It just covers data, which is unrelated from messaging. http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1139662 should be of some more help when it comes to BB/PDA phones (and data).

Posted by: <<M>>

If you have a phone like the Voyager or Glyde and opt for the Vcast VPak ($15) then do you still have to pay data charges or use minutes? And can you browse the full web in HTML (without vzw issued restrictions on what sites you can visit).

??

Thanks,

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by <<M>>

If you have a phone like the Voyager or Glyde and opt for the Vcast VPak ($15) then do you still have to pay data charges or use minutes? And can you browse the full web in HTML (without vzw issued restrictions on what sites you can visit).

??

Thanks,

With V CAST VPak all data used on the phone is covered (you are not charged for it basically). You can browse basically whatever the browser will support.

Posted by: <<M>>

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

With V CAST VPak all data used on the phone is covered (you are not charged for it basically). You can browse basically whatever the browser will support.

You don't even get charged minutes?

....on another note:
btw, thanks for the quick responses. You answered my post in another thread (Dataplans are mandatory...) as well, and you weren't a jerk about it even though it was a clear oversight. We need more of that in the forums

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by <<M>>

No problem. Yeah, you would not even use up minutes. You would only get charged minutes on an older America's Choice plans, instead of basically being charged certain amount for each MB, which is what happens on the newer Nationwide plans instead of using airtime. With V CAST VPak, no matter which plan you are on, all data used on the phone is covered (in the case of AC plans the airtime for data is covered, in the case of NW plans the charges per MB are covered).

Posted by: cinderbloke

Mark_Venture has a post in the stickied Official Nationwide (NON-UNLIMITED) Calling Plans thread that may explain the source of some of the surreptitious data charges that are still being seen on the bills of NW customers that have the pay-as-you-go data plan - even with full data block applied.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Also, even though I have all data blocks on my account, she (VZW CSR) told me something I found VERY INTERESTING...

She suggested I re-program my short cut keys to prevent accidental attempts to access Get-it-Now and Mobile Web (pre-programmed on two of the short cuts)...

This is because even with full data blocks in place... ATTEMPTS to access these services, even if blocked, will cost data!!

I suggested that instead Verizon should re-do the firmware to prompt the user warning them and asking "do you want to continue" so that unsuspecting people do NOT get charged for things they dont know could cost them extra $$$.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

I was asked to share this in this thread too...

At about lunch time on Friday the 13th... I upgraded my parent's two phones in store. Even though we got two Moto W755's I was FORCED to switch them to NationWide plans.

I had asked that they also give me FULL DATA BLOCKS on the account as I didn't want them to accidentally launch anything and encoure additional charges.

The receipts reflect all the blocks, and Mom's phone went back in the box.

On Sunday, I switched my parents line and mine to a Family Share (i know, its nationwide).

Two PAYU PER MB charges show on my Mom's line for Friday the 13th per the My Account Web page. A .33MB at 11:50am, and another .33MB at 1:31pm. for a total of .66MB.

yesterday I called VZW's Customer Service 800#...

Per my call to Verizon's 800 number...

I was told the useage was for Backup Assistant which I should not be charged for. She credited the account $1.99.

Neat, considering Mom's old phone didn't have BA, nor does her NEW phone.

Also, even though I have all data blocks on my account, she told me something I found VERY INTERESTING...

She suggested I re-program my short cut keys to prevent accidental attempts to access Get-it-Now and Mobile Web (pre-programmed on two of the short cuts)...

This is because even with full data blocks in place... ATTEMPTS to access these services, even if blocked, will cost data!!

I suggested that instead Verizon should re-do the firmware to prompt the user warning them and asking "do you want to continue" so that unsuspecting people do NOT get charged for things they dont know could cost them extra $$$.

yes, this doesn't make scense to me. As other have stated.. if data blocks are on there, why should someone get charged to get an error message. I agree, just passing along what I was told by a VZW rep who said it happened to her on both her and her daughter's lines!

In addition to my line, I now have 3 other lines on my account as part of a NationWide Family Share plan. I have one of those 3 (just purchased for my Great Aunt) in my hand until this weekend. I'll see Mom and Dad (they have the other two) tomorrow night. Per the My account page and the CS rep at the 800# I talked to, full data blocks are in place for these three lines in an attempt to limit my parents and great aunt to only being able to make/take calls and voice mail, no data services or anything billed Per MB.

I will try to test this and see what happens. I am hoping that she is wrong. that I wont see per MB charges if we hit Mobile web since the blocks are on.

Posted by: blacam00

The other rep that told you it was BA has no clue, there is no way for them to see what the actual data charges are from.

The little add on data blocks (like you had the sales rep add) still leave you open to be billed for data just as your post states.

However, you can add the block nationalaccess feature to your parents lines which blocks all data including pix/flix and you will never 100% be billed for data. call customer service and have them add it.

Posted by: ttupa

I have a question that I hope belongs in here. If I were to download the email client from GIN, and I have the VPak, would there be any additional charge for the application or use? I know VZNAV is a subscription-type app, so I'm wondering if the email client is the same. If so, I'll just use webmail.

Posted by: Mark_Venture

Just to follow up...

The CS rep (at the 800 number) added "BLOCK NATIONALACCESS ROAM-MB" to each of my additional 3 lines.

Per the my account web site, I show no additional data useage...

However, via the My Account web page, I don't see data useage on my line (with the Vcast Vpack on it) either, and I HAVE BEEN using data.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttupa

I have a question that I hope belongs in here. If I were to download the email client from GIN, and I have the VPak, would there be any additional charge for the application or use? I know VZNAV is a subscription-type app, so I'm wondering if the email client is the same. If so, I'll just use webmail.

Like VZ Navigator, Mobile Email is also a subscription application that isn't included as part of V CAST VPak (but is part of Premium plans, if you have that).

Posted by: ttupa

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

Like VZ Navigator, Mobile Email is also a subscription application that isn't included as part of V CAST VPak (but is part of Premium plans, if you have that).

Thank you. I will just go to gmail/hotmail sites to access email then.

Posted by: MarcusFenix

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

Just to follow up...

The CS rep (at the 800 number) added "BLOCK NATIONALACCESS ROAM-MB" to each of my additional 3 lines.

Per the my account web site, I show no additional data useage...

However, via the My Account web page, I don't see data useage on my line (with the Vcast Vpack on it) either, and I HAVE BEEN using data.

This is wrong. "Block National Access Roam-MB" is going to prevent data roaming on the extended network, basically acting like old America's Choice. You need "BLOCK NATIONAL ACCESS." They are two different things.

And to add onto a previous post, here is clarification of the data block. On an individual block, such as BLOCK MOBILE WEB, when a user attempts to access the service via Up-Key or through News & Info, the phone makes an active data connection & then acknowledges that the access is restricted (from the block.) This will result in a minimum $1.99 charge. This block would be more useful (for example) for someone trying to minimize a child's data usage if they are on Mobile Web quite a bit. It will still result in a minimal charge, but will allow pix/flix, and prevent heavy usage.

BLOCK NATIONAL ACCESS is a complete data block, severing the handset from making any data connection what so ever. This means a guarantee of no MB usage, however no pix/flix on the handset either.

Posted by: blacam00

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcusFenix

block national access is what the old americas choice plans use. The block national access roam-mb is what the new nationwide plans use.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark_Venture

I thought with vpak it wont display?

Posted by: kevlo911

So I will get charged to download VZNavigator, but I won't get charged when I use it?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevlo911

So I will get charged to download VZNavigator, but I won't get charged when I use it?

That's correct, at least in terms of being charged for data.

Posted by: kevlo911

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

That's correct, at least in terms of being charged for data.

Goood, so I can have some verizon features w/o paying per month

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevlo911

Goood, so I can have some verizon features w/o paying per month

You won't be charged for the data used by some VZW applications, like VZ Navigator, but any other fees that might be associated with them, like monthly/daily subscriptions or anything else still apply--data usage and the way its charged for has nothing to do with that.

Posted by: EvilLost

05 -Downloading/updating IM app with a messaging plan. . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES

I have spoken to multiple reps and have been told repeatedly that I should NOT be charged for downloading/updating my IM app when I have unlimited text/pix/IM.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvilLost

05 -Downloading/updating IM app with a messaging plan. . . . . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:YES

I have spoken to multiple reps and have been told repeatedly that I should NOT be charged for downloading/updating my IM app when I have unlimited text/pix/IM.

Using Mobile IM should not incur data charges (it's likely representatives might have been confusing things with that, let alone that quite a few of them unfortunately don't really know how most things really work), but actually obtaining/updating the Mobile IM application itself would generally use data as Get It Now/Media Center would, which is chargeable data.

Posted by: mrbojangles8367

i'm on the nationwide family plan with 2 lines and i have the 30 dollar a month unlimited texting plan. will i be charged mb usage to use mobileIM or not?

Posted by: dcpark1982

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrbojangles8367

i'm on the nationwide family plan with 2 lines and i have the 30 dollar a month unlimited texting plan. will i be charged mb usage to use mobileIM or not?

This thread may but of some help: http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1348470

Posted by: C DM

You should not be on the NW plan, although in practice people have had some differences in their experiences. A good thread about all of this would be the stickied one at http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1348470.

Posted by: DOTsucks

ok, I am new to this data deal, vcast, premium stuff. I have asked a couple of reps on the phone, but I want to make sure by asking here on HOFO.

I switched my primary line to the premium plan. Which the way I understand it, I should not see any data charges by being on this plan. What I do on the plan is as follows....I send/recieve pics and flix. I do email. I use the web browser. I do the navigator. I browse videos on vcast video. I browse GET IT NOW applications. I know there is a charge for the actual item you get such as a ringtone, but no data charges should occur. And the way I understand it, the difference between the vcast add on, or switching to the premium plan is basically navigator, and email.

Have I been explained the way it works correctly, or am I going to have a big bill by doing any of the above, not including any charges for GIN applications downloaded. And I am not using airtime for anything. Even on the share lines, the pics/flix do not use airtime anymore. And if I add vcast to the share lines at $15/month, they will have everything I have on the primary line except for navigator and email. This is how it was explained to me, did the reps do a good job, or not...thanks

And if it matters, I have the DARE, which I will say is a awesome phone!!!!.

Posted by: tobenning

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOTsucks

ok, I am new to this data deal, vcast, premium stuff. I have asked a couple of reps on the phone, but I want to make sure by asking here on HOFO.

I switched my primary line to the premium plan. Which the way I understand it, I should not see any data charges by being on this plan. What I do on the plan is as follows....I send/recieve pics and flix. I do email. I use the web browser. I do the navigator. I browse videos on vcast video. I browse GET IT NOW applications. I know there is a charge for the actual item you get such as a ringtone, but no data charges should occur. And the way I understand it, the difference between the vcast add on, or switching to the premium plan is basically navigator, and email.

Have I been explained the way it works correctly, or am I going to have a big bill by doing any of the above, not including any charges for GIN applications downloaded. And I am not using airtime for anything. Even on the share lines, the pics/flix do not use airtime anymore. And if I add vcast to the share lines at $15/month, they will have everything I have on the primary line except for navigator and email. This is how it was explained to me, did the reps do a good job, or not...thanks

And if it matters, I have the DARE, which I will say is a awesome phone!!!!.

If I understand you correctly, you have a family share premium plan. All the stuff you are doing is included in the price and all the secondary lines can do all that stuff for no additional charges.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOTsucks

Quote:

Originally Posted by tobenning

If I understand you correctly, you have a family share premium plan. All the stuff you are doing is included in the price and all the secondary lines can do all that stuff for no additional charges.

You can actually have secondary lines simply on the Select plan while the primary line is on the Premium--with the advantage being that in those cases the secondary lines are only $9.99/month (and still get unlimited messaging, although not V CAST VPak, VZ NAvigator, and Mobile Email), instead of being $29.99/month (but also getting all those other things).

Basically you have it down pretty much correctly. Keep in mind, that if you really don't use VZ Navigator or Mobile Email, you can technically switch to a Select plan and simply add on V CAST VPak, and basically save $5/month that way. Pretty much the same goes for secondary lines while your primary is on the Premium plan, in the sense of that they can simply get V CAST VPak separately each for $15/month (as you mentioned) or can actually just get on the Premium plan themselves for a total of $29.99/month and also get VZ Navigator and Mobile Email in addition to V CAST VPak, if that's really desired, in which case it would just cost $5/month more than just the V CAST VPak alone.

Posted by: DOTsucks

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

Thank you. Sounds like everything was explained to me correctly.

I am on the premium plan with 4 additional lines, which I left on the $9.99 per line, so they only get the unlimited texting deal. I was going to only do the vcast addon, but by switching to the premium plan, it included navigator and email, and I get the employee discount off the cost of that plan where just adding vcast to my select plan, there would be no discount. After the discount is figured in, there is $2/month difference between the plans, so I went with the premium, it is worth $2/month to have the convienence to get email thru the phone and have the option to use navigator, being a truck driver, I am sure that will come in handy here and there.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DOTsucks

Yeah, I forgot to factor in any discounts, that certainly help things out when it comes to primary line plans (and even more with higher priced plans), so it sounds like you essentially got the best combination of features for the price.

Posted by: MountainBikerMark

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

this sounds like exactly what I need. I dont see it as an option on the verizon site though. does it have to be done with 611 or am I missing something on the site.
I have the family select 1400 and it looks like to get a 1 day of vznav for my trip is going to cost 2.99( maybe the 9.99 one since I will be traveling over the area Im going to for a week and Im not familiar with it at all) for the app, 3.98 mb charge( 1.52 mb ) to download it , 3.99 for the weather app( 600kb) Im going to need, then it takes me over the 2 meg so its another 1.99 to download then more megs to use it.
the premium will be my best value I believe but dont see signing the primary only as an option on the web
thanks

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainBikerMark

Yeah, I think they generally do it so that the first two lines are on the same plan online, so if the option is not there to put the second line on a lower type of plan, you might need to do it over the phone or at a store.

Posted by: MountainBikerMark

thanks Comrade

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainBikerMark

thanks Comrade

No problem.

Posted by: Delphi99

What about the Dashboard feature?

I don't see that in the chart.

Do you get charged $MB$ for that?

I got a new Chocolate 3, and I'm afraid that every time I explore its features (sometimes by inadvertently clicking a shortcut button that I didn't know about) I'm racking up data charges.

Thanks.

Posted by: cinderbloke

This is the latest info I have regarding data usage charges for the new Visual Voicemail Application which is now available to download for Voyager (requires F/W VX10KV09).

According to VZW: (YMMV)
- The application itself is free but,
- you will incur $MB charges for the data used to download the app (if you're not on an U/L data plan).
- The service is not free to use - it is $2.99/month.
- You will not be charged data to use it (just like VZnav).

Posted by: WITCHDOCTOR98

i was told by CS that if you download apps, games etc. from verizon's website to your
phone, that you wouldn't be charged for MB....just if you used your handset to do so.
does this sound right?

Posted by: Chaos Inc.

You'll be charged with the normal packet data charges.

Posted by: drocpsu

Is using Get It Now (browsing, not downloading) considered data usage on the Nationwide plan? I was looking at my usage this month and I'm getting data usage showing up. The only thing I can think of would be when I was browsing the GIN and Verizon music store offerings one night (after 9pm).

Do they charge per MB for GIN browsing on the Nationwide plan? If so, that is ridiculous! It's akin to charging me a fee to walk into a Verizon store to see what new phones are available! That means that since Verizon rounds UP to the nearest MB, I just got charged $2 for the 3 minutes and .1MB I spent browsing their games.

At least with my previous America's Choice plan I could browse the music store or GIN offerings for free (nights and weekends, or airtime usage) to determine if there is anything worthwhile to download BEFORE I was forced to pay for something.

Posted by: areusche

Yes they count as billed data even if you aren't downloading anything. Browsing pulls data from Verizon so it will be billed accordingly.

http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1348470

That thread has a lot more specific answers to your questions! Good luck

Posted by: sixbennetts

Call CS and ask politely to be switched back to ACII. Make sure you tell them that the data charge was not explained well enough to you, and you would not have chosen the plan if you knew about how it works, (which is the truth, right?)

This will not work if your current phones require NW. You'll have to determine that yourself, as I am not sure.

Posted by: drocpsu

Quote:

Originally Posted by sixbennetts

This will not work if your current phones require NW. You'll have to determine that yourself, as I am not sure.

This is the case with my phone (and is the only reason i switched over to NW.) I understand how the plan works, I was just unaware that even just browsing GIN is now considered data. I guess it's pretty simple. All calls = airtime, all SMS/MMS = messages, everything else = data. I still think it sucks that I can't even browse without getting charged for it now though.

Posted by: taoman54

Quote:

Do they charge per MB for GIN browsing on the Nationwide plan? If so, that is ridiculous! It's akin to charging me a fee to walk into a Verizon store to see what new phones are available! That means that since Verizon rounds UP to the nearest MB, I just got charged $2 for the 3 minutes and .1MB I spent browsing their games.

Pretty outrageous, isn't it? And your analogy is dead on. This is why if you're going to be doing much of anything involving network data on your phone you should probably have the $15 monthly Vpak. This is also why I plan on staying with my old plan just as long as VZW allows it. If that means I have to stay with an older phone then so be it. Although I may upgrade to an Env2 if they ever get the "pocket dialing" issue resolved. I think I can stay on my current plan with that phone.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drocpsu

There are some exceptions, like data used by VZ Navigator (when it's running), fro example, which should not incur charges. Certainly though more detailed information is in the stickied NW data thread.

Posted by: Moderator HF 6

Threads merged.

Posted by: The Machine

Quote:

Originally Posted by cplclegg

What about Mobile Email? I didn't see it on the list (unless I am blind) or mentioned in the thread.

I still haven't seen this answered. Does Mobile Email use mb? If so, if I use the email daily, how much mb usage is that? Well over 1 mb?

Posted by: sundrop74

I think all of this is an undercover attempt to get everyone to spend $15/month for Vcast. Anyway, I want to make sure that I'm not going to get charged 1.99 or more every month, so I am considering asking for a full data block on my line. The only concern I have is how that might limit receiving multimedia messages like pictures, videos, etc. Does anyone know?

I guess I'll also have to learn to live without Backup Assistant.

Posted by: 100South

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundrop74

I think all of this is an undercover attempt to get everyone to spend $15/month for Vcast. Anyway, I want to make sure that I'm not going to get charged 1.99 or more every month, so I am considering asking for a full data block on my line. The only concern I have is how that might limit receiving multimedia messages like pictures, videos, etc. Does anyone know?

I guess I'll also have to learn to live without Backup Assistant.

Data block as follows-
Smartphone will block MMS
Regular Phone-Will not block MMS.

I have every single block on my account except for messaging and it works just fine.
Thanks

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 100South

Data block as follows-
Smartphone will block MMS
Regular Phone-Will not block MMS.

I have every single block on my account except for messaging and it works just fine.
Thanks

I'm pretty sure that a complete data block will block MMS no matter what the phone is.

Posted by: cinderbloke

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

I'm pretty sure that a complete data block will block MMS no matter what the phone is.

Yup, from my experience full data block (completely removing national access) does block MMS on all devices (of any "IQ").

It's a shame that VZW can't (won't?) find a way for us to block only billable data so we can continue to use all the features whose cost already includes whatever data is required for the service.

Posted by: sundrop74

What is meant by "completely removing national access"? Are you saying that having a data block will limit my ability to make and receive calls, too?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sundrop74

What is meant by "completely removing national access"? Are you saying that having a data block will limit my ability to make and receive calls, too?

It basically refers to putting on a general/complete data block (that would affect/block all data on the phone), it's not related to calls or even text messages.

Posted by: franz

If I am understanding this correct does that mean I can use an LG Dare on a Family National Calling plan to browse the web and only be charged per mega byte total bytes used each month? Does Mobile Web use the same browser and capability as having a Data Plan on the LG Dare or any other web capable phone?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by franz

If I am understanding this correct does that mean I can use an LG Dare on a Family National Calling plan to browse the web and only be charged per mega byte total bytes used each month? Does Mobile Web use the same browser and capability as having a Data Plan on the LG Dare or any other web capable phone?

Mobile web is basically the internet you access on your feature phone, no matter what the browser you might be using. In case of Nationwide plans and feature phones, you would simply be charged at $1.99/MB for all the data you use up in a billing cycle (month). This is not just from mobile web, but basically most of any other data use on the phone. So, if in the end of the month you used up 10.2 MB of data total (from mobile web as well as almost anything else that uses data) you would be charged for 11 MB (since usage is rounded up to the nearest MB in the end) and charged just a bit under $22 for that.

Posted by: bluediamond2077

I really wish they would change how they bill . I got hit up for $6 the first month with verizon for MBs they say I used. I called them and told them i want everything blocked because i don't want any more data charges . I was told it was done. now 3 months later i look online and they got me for 0.01 MBs ... What the heck .. once i hit the wrong button and it said connecting and i freaked out and hit the hang up button. nothing went threw i thought. guess i was wrong.. I called them today any found out i cant block some things because i have a DARE and if i do ill lose picture texts

the guy told me he would refund the 1.99 charge but next time i have to watch out.

I really dislike that it's so easy to get charged for hitting the wrong butten. they should make a page that says if you go past this page there will be a mb charge.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluediamond2077

I really wish they would change how they bill . I got hit up for $6 the first month with verizon for MBs they say I used. I called them and told them i want everything blocked because i don't want any more data charges . I was told it was done. now 3 months later i look online and they got me for 0.01 MBs ... What the heck .. once i hit the wrong button and it said connecting and i freaked out and hit the hang up button. nothing went threw i thought. guess i was wrong.. I called them today any found out i cant block some things because i have a DARE and if i do ill lose picture texts

There's been talk that VZW will be going to something like that at some point soon, but nothing really definitive. You can certainly block data in general and completely avoid data charges that way, but that will leave you without the ability to use picture/video messaging (although text messaging will still work fine).

Posted by: SCTelephoneMan

to *fully* block the ability to accumulate MBs on the Dare, Glyde, Voyager and PDAs, you have to kill picture messaging.

but really, why do people want the block? why buy a fully featured data device, only to never use it? because it looks cool?

Posted by: daredevil1

Quote:

Originally Posted by SCTelephoneMan

to *fully* block the ability to accumulate MBs on the Dare, Glyde, Voyager and PDAs, you have to kill picture messaging.

but really, why do people want the block? why buy a fully featured data device, only to never use it? because it looks cool?

Because of Qwerty, touchscreen, phone quality, etc. etc. etc.

Posted by: Mattwood440

So if I go in and change the wap proxy settings to something other than verizon, am I still going to get charged for MB usage? If so, when did that change? It wasn't like that back in 06-07.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattwood440

So if I go in and change the wap proxy settings to something other than verizon, am I still going to get charged for MB usage? If so, when did that change? It wasn't like that back in 06-07.

I guess this question still comes up. It all depends on the plan you are on--if you are on an older plan like AC then you can do that and only get charged airtime/minutes for data, but if you are on a newer NW plan (which came out late last year as I recall) then you would get charged per MB for data, no matter what WAP proxy server you use.

Posted by: Mattwood440

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

Oh that bites. I renewed in August and I'm sure I got switched. I'm liking them less and less every year

Thanks for the info.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattwood440

Oh that bites. I renewed in August and I'm sure I got switched. I'm liking them less and less every year

Thanks for the info.

Did you change your plan in some way or got a phone that required you being on a newer NW plan? I'm surprised you weren't told you would be switching plans.

Posted by: Mattwood440

I got a "new every two" phone upgrade. I went from the LG VX8100 to the Motorola W755. I didn't change my minutes or anything, but I'm not surprised at all that they would change me without telling me. They added a ton of extra cost features to my plan when I got my new phone without telling me, also, and yeah I was listening to be sure, because they did that to me before. Then I got the first bill and went ballistic, again. I had gone to the Verizon retail store in Westland, MI to get my phone and resign another 2 year agreement, which is a store I've had issues with in the past as far as charging me for things I never asked for and they never told me about. The first time, their sales guy even got in MY face when I said that I wasn't paying for those services (that was in 06). I guess they haven't changed. The only reason I went to that store again was because the first store I went to, Dearborn, was out of stock on the phone and said that the Westland store had several. IMO, this stuff shouldn't happen at an actual Verizon store. It shouldn't happen at all because, IMO, those are lousy business practices. I HATE having to call someone to cancel things I didn't ask for before I get billed for them, and then being harassed by the person I'm trying to get to cancel the services. Seems businesses today are more interested in tricking people into taking their services and making it harder to cancel. My rant.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mattwood440

I got a "new every two" phone upgrade. I went from the LG VX8100 to the Motorola W755. I didn't change my minutes or anything, but I'm not surprised at all that they would change me without telling me. They added a ton of extra cost features to my plan when I got my new phone without telling me, also, and yeah I was listening to be sure, because they did that to me before. Then I got the first bill and went ballistic, again. I had gone to the Verizon retail store in Westland, MI to get my phone and resign another 2 year agreement, which is a store I've had issues with in the past as far as charging me for things I never asked for and they never told me about. The first time, their sales guy even got in MY face when I said that I wasn't paying for those services (that was in 06). I guess they haven't changed. The only reason I went to that store again was because the first store I went to, Dearborn, was out of stock on the phone and said that the Westland store had several. IMO, this stuff shouldn't happen at an actual Verizon store. It shouldn't happen at all because, IMO, those are lousy business practices. I HATE having to call someone to cancel things I didn't ask for before I get billed for them, and then being harassed by the person I'm trying to get to cancel the services. Seems businesses today are more interested in tricking people into taking their services and making it harder to cancel. My rant.

Sounds like you need to avoid that store and perhaps report it via www.verizonwirelesssurvey.com and/or www.planetfeedback.com. Beyond that, it's basically always a good idea to truly confirm everything and ask for a read back or a print out when you are upgrading or changing and then also to double-check it online or over the phone to make sure nothing changed or otherwise unexpected happened.

Posted by: MarkLG

I just got a Palm Centro, one of the few that does not require a data plan. I've got the unlimited txt, pix and flix NW family plan. As far as I can determine, mms messages still use data, but only about 1k per message. That would mean that it is not the actual picture or audio data that counts, or it would be much larger, but only some sort of handshake or control message for each mms message that gets charged for. Can anyone confirm this? I've not seen this explicitly stated in this forum, only that mms messages "sometimes" use data on pda phones.

Thanks

Mark

Posted by: rbdtanasi

5 GM limit Problem and Warning

If you use an air card on your laptop, Verizon VZ Access Manager Software is NOT accurate. It is way off. If you use the log date it only shows about half your real usage, at least according to Verizon. I was told by the agent when I signed up to check my usage via VZ Access Manager Log file.

I recently had a bill that was well above the 5 GB limit. My VZ Access Manager Log showed only 2.4 GB (actually it shows this in Megabytes). Conferring with Customer Service and my store manager, I got the excess credited to my account.

The store manager had seen this issue before but their training was to rely on the VZ Access Manager Log file as being accurate. After working the issue for two hours with others in Verizon, he was told the log file was NOT ACCURATE and to only rely on the usage checked on-line at Verizon.

Looks to me like Verizon has a very large liability issue. There are millions of customers relying on the VZ Access Manager software to provide correct information on their usage.

Posted by: Looboo

I have been expressing my concerns about the Nationwide Plan and how unfair it really is. Well today, something amazing just happened. For the past several months we have been getting $1.99 charges on our line that we were not using. All services (excepting picture messaging) we blocked. Each month I would ask for a credit and they would comply. Well today, my line had a .01 data usage (which I didn't use). I talked to tech supervisor and she told me it was because I had turned on the music player (which I hadn't). But this is what I discovered. If someone had downloaded a song (for free or otherwise) even after the song was paid for, everytime that person launches the music player, it incurrs a data usuage, so anyone on the Nationwide plan is going to get charged $1.99 for that month. How about that for double dipping?

I explained again how I "hated" the Nationwide plan and told her how I was forced into it by upgrading to an LG Decoy for my wife. She put me on hold a minute and then came back with this amazing bit of information: The LG Decoy does not and never did require an Nationwide plan and she would try to get me back on America's Choice. She called me back several hours later saying she was still working on this.

Anyway the moral of this story is: watch your bill carefully if you don't have any intention of accessing data. This is a flaw in their plan. And I just can't understand why you have to pay for listening to a song that you have already purchased.

I plan on writing a letter to Verizon suggesting that they allow no charge for the first MB of data usage and then a $3.98 charge for the second MB with $1.99 per MB thereafter. This, to me, would solve all of these problems and allow Verizon to continue this plan with minimal lose, unless of course they are making a ton of money on these .01 MB charges that people incurr. I will post this letter when it is completed, with the hope that others will follow suit.

Posted by: Looboo

For more discussion please see

http://howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=1491771

Posted by: Looboo

Well bad news- I come up looking like the fool. Although I trusted the word of the tec supervisor who told me that she would contact me last Wednesday (Feb 11), she never did. So I decided to call today (Feb 16). I was told that the switch was denied since it had been more than 60 days. No one ever told me this, and I have lost complete faith in Verizon Wireless Customer Service. They should read the blog in this forum to see how much I depended on their word, and now I look like a fool. I should have listened to those who told me that this would never happen. Well as I promised, I have written a snail mail letter to Verizion which I am posting below. Anyone who wishes to mail one themselves, feel free. Anyway- The End.

To: Verizon Wireless Customer Service

RE: Problems with the Nationwide plan

Since being forced into the Nationwide plan, some of our lines are continually being charged for data usage that we are not using. My suggestion to you is to allow for the first mb of use for free and then after that charge $3.98 for the 2nd mb and $1.99 for each one after that. Even if you were to give the first .5 mb use for free, it would solve a lot of problems and complaints by customers, including this one.

It is completely unfair to pay for a song and then have to pay again for accessing the music player to play it each month. There is no reason to have to pay for a .01 use of mb. Please, something must be done to solve this problem. I have talked to several customer service reps about this problem and all they keep saying is that they understand and that I should write to customer service. I would very much like to talk to someone who is part of making these decisions about pricing. How would I be able to do that?

On one of my lines I have everything blocked to access data, yet there is always a miniscule use of data each month. I am not about to block picture messaging, which I am told is the only way to solve this problem. With America’s Choice this was never a problem and if I wanted to access the internet I could sign up for a $5 a month plan and use my minutes during the day and have free use on nights and weekends. Verizon keeps coming up with new plans to enhance their service, yet all of the new service enhancements seem to cost more money. A prime example is the new Friends and Family plan. Well this is great for the people who spend their lives on the phone, but what about the others like my family? I have a 700 minute plan so I am ineligible for the Friends and Family unless I upgrade to 1400 minutes. Well if I did that then I wouldn’t need Friends and Family- get it? Of course Verizon gets it.

Please, I am asking someone to look at this data plan seriously without just throwing this letter away. Please consider something to change the way data is billed on this Nationwide plan. Even if the first .20 were free, it would save the customers a lot of headaches. Here’s a question: How much income does Verizon Wireless receive for customers who use less than .10 mb of data? If they receive any income from this, then that is shameful. If Verizon must charge for data, then make it a charge for people who really use it. Thank you for listening.

Verizon Wireless
Customer Service Department
PO Box 761
Bedminster, NJ 07921

Posted by: Looboo

I have since changed this letter and have eliminated the part about Friends and Family. Need to stick to the point.

Posted by: proview3r

I look at the chart in the first page and still confused. I have the Nationwide Family Select SharePlan (unlimited text msgs), Can I use Mobile IM and count in those unlimited text msgs? or is VZ going to charge me for Mobile IM?

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by proview3r

I look at the chart in the first page and still confused. I have the Nationwide Family Select SharePlan (unlimited text msgs), Can I use Mobile IM and count in those unlimited text msgs? or is VZ going to charge me for Mobile IM?

In most practical experiences it seem that Mobile IM will end up using only TXT messages, so you shouldn't get charged with data usage for it (unless perhaps there's an updated version of the Mobile IM application itself that you download and install).

Posted by: CanAm

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

C DM wins the prize in this round.

Posted by: CanAm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Looboo

she told me it was because I had turned on the music player (which I hadn't).

Looboo, what music player are you referring to and on which phone? This is simply not true about it using data usage. Even if that phone was deactivated and not active on an account, you could use that music player (if its the one built into the phone) and still be able to play your music through it.

I take MB usage calls every day, and they are some of the most difficult calls to take honestly. Some things that can trigger MB usage is VZW Song ID, and even if you have blocks on your phone, if this was downloaded before the application downloading was added to your line, the VZW Song ID still works, and will use a slight bit of KB usage. Same goes for previously downloaded games that could use kb usage, such as Guitar Hero. If the phone has the VZW Tones Deluxe, get rid of that too.

Hope this helps a little bit. I'd love to come back here and read that something I posted here was the culprit for you. Not every call center rep realizes what I said in my previous paragraph is true.

Posted by: fredandbetty

Quote:

Originally Posted by C DM

Good to know because i just cancelled the vpak on the line that is the heaviest user of AIM! trying to shave a cpl $ here and there, ya know?

Posted by: Looboo

It's that slight bit of kb usage that forces me to have called Verizon every month for a $1.99 credit- that's all I have used.

Posted by: cinderbloke

After playing around some more with VZnav on a NW test line with PAYU data charges I discovered the following and
have confirmed these with VZW:

Original Post item # 21:
21--VZ Navigator (disclaimers, map updates, positioning, etc.) . . . . . . . Data:YES - $MB$:NO
----(NOTE: Downloading/updating the VZnavigator application itself will be charged $MB$.

Even if you already have VZnav (pre)installed on your device, program updates to VZnav, including voices and
---new program functionality (like speech recognition) WILL incur data charges if you do not have a bulk-data plan.

Text messaging within VZnav (like place messages and syncing Favorites/Places with VZnav on the web)
---WILL incur text charges if you do not have a texting plan.

Posted by: wcdad

Can I essentially "block" MB usage and charges by disabling EVDO (using 1X only mode)? This interests me because I don't want to have to call VCS to block/unblock MB usage all the time, but at the same time I want to protect myself and the other 4 lines on my NW FS account from getting nickle-and-dimed by VZW due to accidental hits of the MW or Vcast buttons or from browsing GIN. From what I have read on other threads here at HOFO this sounds feasible. As a test I have disabled EVDO today, so I will eventually get my answer, but I wanted to find out it anyone already knows the answer. TX!

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcdad

Can I essentially "block" MB usage and charges by disabling EVDO (using 1X only mode)? This interests me because I don't want to have to call VCS to block/unblock MB usage all the time, but at the same time I want to protect myself and the other 4 lines on my NW FS account from getting nickle-and-dimed by VZW due to accidental hits of the MW or Vcast buttons or from browsing GIN. From what I have read on other threads here at HOFO this sounds feasible. As a test I have disabled EVDO today, so I will eventually get my answer, but I wanted to find out it anyone already knows the answer. TX!

Simply disabling EVDO will not prevent you from using data as you will simply use it at slower speeds over 1X.

Posted by: pamela80

It's kind of ballsy for verizon to charge data to use mobile im when they are charging u text messages for your im's and data for the navigator when u pay $10 a month for it but that's just imho.

Posted by: C DM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pamela80

It's kind of ballsy for verizon to charge data to use mobile im when they are charging u text messages for your im's and data for the navigator when u pay $10 a month for it but that's just imho.

It likely would be if they did that, but they actually don't.