6GB Data x2??

[dezzo]

Hi all,

I recently called Bell and had my 6GB non-shareable data option changed to a 6GB shareable data option.

The agent told me the change would take effect on the next billing cycle, and indeed until my next cycle I could see the change on my account listed as "pending". I didn't give it much thought after this.

Today, about a week into my new cycle, I decided to use the Self Serve app to check my data use.
My phone says I have used 534mb, however this is what Self Serve says I have used:
0.2960 Mobile Browser Usage: Unlimited
1.1186 Mobile Browser Usage: In-Plan
0.0039 Service Zone

I don't recall ever seeing the word "Unlimited" anywhere on my data use before, so it prompted me to log into the Bell website and check my usage there.

Under the "Included Features" section I see "6GB data Share for iPad-Smart" for $30 which is what I'd expect.

However, when I go to the Usage section and expand the Data column, it says, "Data included in plan (MB): 12288"... If I then click "View Breakdown" it says, "6 GB data - Smartphone Data Usage (0/6144 MB)" and "6GB data Share for iPad-Smart Data Usage (1.12/6144 MB)".

Below that it says "Unlimited (MB)" and when I view the breakdown it says, "Service zone (0 MB)" and "Zero Rated Data Overage Data Usage Unlimited (XIP/PDS/RIM) (0.3 MB)"


So, it appears I have two 6GB data options, though am only being charged for one according to the list of chargeable items on my plan. Also, even though the data monitor app on my phone says I've used 534mb, that is not reflected anywhere on my data usage.


I'm mostly just curious if anyone has seen this sort of thing before.
I highly doubt that I will be able to successfully use 12GB of data but it's curious nonetheless.

I was told that "Service Zone" simply meant data used for Self Serve or other things that don't count towards your data use. (Mobile TV??)

I've never seen "Zero Rated Data Overage Data Usage Unlimited (XIP/PDS/RIM)" before. That is something new that has just appeared on my account. Any idea what it, and the codes associated with it all mean?

[WorldIRC]

All this is likely due to proration. As soon as the counters reset and your next bill cycle starts, you will be ok.

Zero Rated Data - there is another thread on this just a few posts below.

[dezzo]

The agent specifically said he put the change into the system for the next billing cycle so that it would not show up as a proration.
So, that may not be it.

Anyone else have any thoughts on the other stuff I mentioned?

[Rogido]

I think it's as World said. Weird stuff shows up on the initial bill when features are added/deleted. Bell's data counter, on the other hand, it's a whole separate matter. That is just plain weird. I've got the 6GB, and I've never been clocked for more than about 22 MB in a month. This billing cycle, with a week to go, they've got me at 7 MB used! I've got a Virgin sim that I'm using on a tablet only a few days here and there for just general browsing, IP camera stuff, and I was over 350 MB last month. So go figure.

[dezzo]

OK, so I used the online chat tool to talk to several different agents to ask about the "Zero Rated Data Overage Data Usage Unlimited (XIP/PDS/RIM)" feature which was appearing on some accounts.

Finally I got an agent who was able to do what no other agents apparently could... which is to search the system internally for the "Zero Rated Data Overage" phrase and come up with an answer.

Apparently sometime in June or July, some customers are going to be receiving a communication from Bell Mobility. The agent pasted me a copy of the message that is to be sent to customers, and I have included it here below.

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Dear (customer name),

Thank you for choosing Bell as your mobile service provider. We want to inform you of a change that may impact your wireless account.

Due to a system limitation your data usage and associated data charges may have been understated on your past bills. A system update was made on May 24, 2012 and as a result the actual amount of data that you use and the corresponding charges will be reflected on your future bills. You will not be charged for any past data used above your data bundle.

We want to ensure that you have time to monitor how much data you use in a given bill period. Therefore, you will not be charged for any data used that is above your data bundle until October 1st, 2012. We encourage you to monitor your data during this period to give you the opportunity to adjust your rate plan or bundle accordingly to ensure that you are getting the best possible rate based on your needs.

You can monitor your usage anytime in two simple ways:

- Download or select the Self serve app from your mobile
- Register or log in at bell.ca/mybell If you require more information visit bell.ca/info, dial *611 free from your mobile or call us at

1 800 667-0123.

Sincerely,
Andy Wright
Vice President, Loyalty
Bell Mobility

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