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Verizon forces data plan for other smartphones

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sskother

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Hi,

One of my friend is selling me a Droid incredible since his current contract is up with Verizon.

I currently don't have a data plan with Verizon. I am trying to switch phones and Verizon is stating that I *must* take up the $30 data plan.

I told them I have already blocked data plan on my line and would like to continue to have it blocked. But all Verizon reps are saying that all smartphone will use data even though it is blocked. I asked them what is the meaning of "blocking data plan" then? They said this is what their "policy" is.

Any recluse against Verizon?
:mad:
 
Hi sskother, I've moved your post to the Verizon sub forum, there's a better chance of someone being able to answer your question here.

Welcome to AF! :)
 
Unless you plan on only using your Inc to make phone calls and text, you will inevitably use data. Data constitutes: Email, Facebook, Apps, browsing the internet, syncing services, etc.

It has always been EVERY carrier's policy to require a data plan for smartphones because what differentiates smartphones from regular ones are the data-intensive features. If you don't want to use data, you are limiting ALL of the smartphone's abilities, and you might as well have a cheaper feature phone.
 
In a way yes, but it's not inconceivable that you only do these things when connected to a WiFi network?

You are limiting the phones capabilities yes, but it's not impossible to own a smart phone without a data plan.
 
El Presidente said:
In a way yes, but it's not inconceivable that you only do these things when connected to a WiFi network?

You are limiting the phones capabilities yes, but it's not impossible to own a smart phone without a data plan.
Click to expand...

Yes but my understanding is not on the Verizon wireless network. If you have a smartphone activated on the Verizon wireless network, you WILL see a data plan charge on your bill.
 
there is only one way to activate a smartphone without a data plan on verizon, but by doing so you wont be able to make or receive calls or texts as it blocks all of your 3g service. right now we do have a 20$ 300mb promo feature. sure its expensive for the amount of data it gives, but if your really not going to use the web outside of wifi it shouldnt matter, and your saving 10$ a month.
 
Thanks for your responses so far.

My objective was 2 fold:
1) to use the phone's Wi-Fi capabilities and
2) consolidate my contacts (addresses inclusive) into one device

As a consumer, I really think it is unfair for a carrier to strong-arm me to buy a data plan just because I have a smart phone. Verizon can "block" data... can't they? (which is essentially what they currently do to my regular phone anyway).

I don't think it is unreasonable for me as a consumer to argue that it is Verizon's problem that they can't block data plan. If I am using their network for data... sure enuf, I need to cough up the additional $$$... which I don't plan to.

also gallandof... you got grand-fathered from an earlier plan. Since this is a plan that they want me to get into today, they will offer me plans only that they offer now... and $20 plan is not one of them. They used to have $10 plan, don't know if they offer that still.

Anyway, all this only reminds me of Shakespeare's story about the loaner demanding his "pound of flesh" !!

Hmm..
 
Forcing you to get a data plan when it's not actually required (although is limiting as others have pointed out) seems criminal. None of the carriers over here do it, you have your talk and text plan (it might usually have a nominal amount of data included, 200-300MB), then you buy bundles on top of that, normally about
 
As was said before all US carriers will require you to have a data plan for a smartphone (you can get around it possibly using prepaid but it isn't the easiest thing to do). You may not agree with it but on the same note no carrier is forcing the consumer to use a smartphone. It is up to the consumer to choose if they want to use a smartphone and if they do they must agree to the carrier's terms as well. Trying to say you shouldn't need to pay for data because you don't need it is the same as saying you shouldn't have to pay for minutes because you won't be using a phone for calls.

I think you may be better served by not activating the Droid incredible, keep it in airplane mode, and using it as a media player. You don't have to have an activated phone to use the OS and you could keep your contacts stored in it and use it for wifi. Then just keep the feature phone you have.

I know that isn't the answer you are looking for but VZW will not allow you to activate the phone without data, they have their contract reviewed by legal teams before they make them available so I don't think you will have a legal case to make against VZW.
 
I have been following these threads regarding the forced data plans on smartphones. It appears that there are alot of people who would like the ability to have a smartphone and only use "data" when connected to wifi.

With so many people wanting this ability, I will suggest you start getting in contact with each other in order to form a group. Pool your money and get in touch with a lawyer to investigate the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the US wireless carriers. If you can get enough people involved it will keep the cost more reasonable. For example, if you can get 1000 people together, and each throws in just $10, that will get you $10,000 total. I know you can get a lawyer interested for less than that.

So, bottom line, stop complaining about the problem and take some action to solve it....

Best of luck, seriously.....
 
Prepaid carriers are a good option. I have two Verizon Android devices activated on Page Plus (a Verizon MVNO). Data is paid for by the MB, but I have mobile data disabled on both devices, so they only use Wifi.
 
Wow, this data rule stinks to all... can you imagine if the cable company charged you more because you got a TV with more features, or if they said you couldn't watch TV if you didn't get the internet package, its wrong, sorry you cant have the nice new Ford Mustang unless you get the Boss package... I agree its wrong to force anyone into buying something they don't need.
 
Just get a small wi-fi only tablet. That sounds like it will do what he wants. If you can get one small enough.
And just get a cheap, small flip or candy-bar phone for calls / texts.
 
I am a little confused about what you would sue about? Verizon did not break a contract with you. You want to sue to force them to sell you a service they don't want to sell? I don't understand how that is the basis of a lawsuit.

dirkbonn said:
I have been following these threads regarding the forced data plans on smartphones. It appears that there are alot of people who would like the ability to have a smartphone and only use "data" when connected to wifi.

With so many people wanting this ability, I will suggest you start getting in contact with each other in order to form a group. Pool your money and get in touch with a lawyer to investigate the possibility of filing a lawsuit against the US wireless carriers. If you can get enough people involved it will keep the cost more reasonable. For example, if you can get 1000 people together, and each throws in just $10, that will get you $10,000 total. I know you can get a lawyer interested for less than that.

So, bottom line, stop complaining about the problem and take some action to solve it....

Best of luck, seriously.....
Click to expand...
 
UncleMike said:
Prepaid carriers are a good option. I have two Verizon Android devices activated on Page Plus (a Verizon MVNO). Data is paid for by the MB, but I have mobile data disabled on both devices, so they only use Wifi.
Click to expand...

I have to agree.

I have my daughter's Palm Pre Plus on this MVNO also. For $29.95/month you can have 1200 mins, 3000 txts and 100mbs of data. That's plenty of data if you only very infrequently need to check an email and will leave data off most of the time and use Wifi only. The older devices used for PIM's were all synched at the desktop and had functionality - yes you will give up some functionality but you will gain battery life and you will gain functions you don't have now.

PagePlus has many other plans as well. I highly recommend using Kitty Wireless as a dealer - I have been completely satisfied with their support and advice for the phone I have with PagePlus and I have several friends who use them as well.

The best part is that the phone will be on VZW's network so the coverage is excellent.
 
edshropshire said:
I am a little confused about what you would sue about? Verizon did not break a contract with you. You want to sue to force them to sell you a service they don't want to sell? I don't understand how that is the basis of a lawsuit.
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Heck, I don't know exactly they should sue about either. But I do know that in this country you can sue anybody for anything..... doesn't mean you will win, but you can file.

I was just saying with so many people complaining about Verizons policy, (and knowing that complaining here will get you nowhere because you know Verizon won't be voluntairily giving up on a revenue stream) get together with some like minded people and actively do something about it instead of just whining about it.

All your points about not breaking a contract and forcing them to sell something they don't want to sell are 100% correct. I'm just saying that you don't need a good basis to file a lawsuit.... you probably do to win though. Also, I'm sure Verizon had more attorneys that you have fingers look over thier plan to require data plans with all smartphones.

Oh, and screamingbuick.... If next year Ford decided they would no long sell any Mustang except Boss Mustangs.... I guarantee there would be no way you could talk them into building you one that wasn't a boss Mustang. I'm not saying it would be a sound business decision on Ford's part, cuz they sell lots of Mustangs, I'm just sayin' if that's what they decided to do, you'd be outta luck if you wanted a 6 cylinder Mustang. Off of a Ford factory assembly line anyway...

Best of luck to all of us,
 
dirkbonn said:
Heck, I don't know exactly they should sue about either. But I do know that in this country you can sue anybody for anything..... doesn't mean you will win, but you can file.

I was just saying with so many people complaining about Verizons policy, (and knowing that complaining here will get you nowhere because you know Verizon won't be voluntairily giving up on a revenue stream) get together with some like minded people and actively do something about it instead of just whining about it.

All your points about not breaking a contract and forcing them to sell something they don't want to sell are 100% correct. I'm just saying that you don't need a good basis to file a lawsuit.... you probably do to win though.
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So basically you are advocating frivolous lawsuits? Its people with this kind of thinking that we have to thank for costly medical bills, car insurance, and ummmm...... everything else.
 
To be fair, this has been Verizon's policy for a long time now. They aren't just springing this on you out of nowhere. When I bought my Incredible in April 2010 it was already well established that smartphones required a data plan. I'm not sure about other carriers, but I suspect they have similar policies.

You could just use it as a wifi-only device with no phone service? It'll still have all your contacts and stuff. Hell, with google voice you could even text. And carry a small dumbphone for calls? I realize this is not optimal but at least you could give verizon the finger and get what you want.
 
jason81 said:
So basically you are advocating frivolous lawsuits? Its people with this kind of thinking that we have to thank for costly medical bills, car insurance, and ummmm...... everything else.
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With Verizon's lawyers they would could not only get the original claim dismissed pretty easily but also counterclaim for all of their costs. Considering what Verizon pays for lawyers this could be quite the bill.

Generally when I hear someone saying they want a smartphone but don't want to pay for a data plan because they won't use it, they then list items they want to use like GPS Maps that will take data. Also, they will also be the first to scream when their bill comes and it is big because they messed up and used data. The easiest solution is just to use prepay plan.
 
If you really want to show VZW that you won't pay for a data plan they require the most effective way is to change carriers, either pay the ETF and go to another carrier or once your contract is up do not allow them to retain you as a customer.

Often large companies hire 3rd party companies to follow up with past customers to find out why they decided to go somewhere else. If they follow up with you provide your opinion say you didn't want to pay for a data plan you will not use.

Remember VZW is not the cheapest telecom company in the US. By using a smartphone you are using a device that has a potential to use more data than feature phones. Because of this the risk of you using more data and causing a greater strain upon the network is increased. You pay more so they can maintain the network and expand it. It is insurance for VZW so they don't get in a situation like AT&T did when the iPhone was released and they had a network that was not able to support the stress.

If you want to pay less go to a prepaid network. Many of the lease network access from larger carriers. Because they aren't trying to expand their own network they generally cost a lot less monthly, however remember you will generally get what you pay for.
 
jason81 said:
So basically you are advocating frivolous lawsuits? Its people with this kind of thinking that we have to thank for costly medical bills, car insurance, and ummmm...... everything else.
Click to expand...

Heck no, I'm not advocating frivolous lawsuits. What I'm saying is either live with what Verizon is offering or don't, it's your choice. If you don't choose to live with it, fine, then do something about it. Protest outside thier corp offices, start a media compaign, or (if you really think you have a case, which I personally don't) file a lawsuit if you want. That's why I made the comment about more Verizon lawyers than you have fingers has already reviewed the mandatory data policy, and obviously approved it. Companies make buying things mandatory all the time. For example, try to buy a cadillac without air conditioning. You'll get a "Sorry, that's a required option" (something akin to Verizons required data package with smartphones)

It just this incessant whining about... it's just a Verizon "money grab" or it's criminal that they're making us buy something we don't want, etc. I say they're not holding a gun to your head and making you sign the contract. If you don't like what's in the contract, then don't sign it.... go to another carrier whose contract is more to your liking.

"Isn't fun the best thing to have?" Quote by Arthur, from the movie of the same name. (The original movie with Dudley Moore)
 
It is impossible to add a smartphone to your verizon phone line without a data plan. The feature is auto added by the billing system by esn and it can not be removed.

Having a data block will not let data through--particularly a national access block.

Sell the incredible and put the proceeds toward a basic phone that meets your needs.
 
jason81 said:
So basically you are advocating frivolous lawsuits? Its people with this kind of thinking that we have to thank for costly medical bills, car insurance, and ummmm...... everything else.
Click to expand...

Adding rights to consumers by battling strong arm tactics to force the purchase of products & services not needed is hardly frivolous.
 
IOWA said:
Adding rights to consumers by battling strong arm tactics to force the purchase of products & services not needed is hardly frivolous.
Click to expand...


This has been a policy for several years. With the rise in social media, people are using more data services. I have seen way too many instances where people using pay as you go data vehemently dispute data charges every month. It makes business sense to move to this billing.

I am quite confident the individual with an old Smartphone on a pay as you go plan sees the value in the plans after that bill they got for over $20k in data usage came in the mail. And most people don't like the national access block because they can not send mms messages.

The OP should sell the phone and buy a basic phone that meets his needs.
 
butthead007 said:
This has been a policy for several years. With the rise in social media, people are using more data services. I have seen way too many instances where people using pay as you go data vehemently dispute data charges every month. It makes business sense to move to this billing.

I am quite confident the individual with an old Smartphone on a pay as you go plan sees the value in the plans after that bill they got for over $20k in data usage came in the mail. And most people don't like the national access block because they can not send mms messages.

The OP should sell the phone and buy a basic phone that meets his needs.
Click to expand...

Or they could just disable data completely if people want it that way, which is quite easy. No per byte fees, no data, pretty easy. Their policy (and other carriers too) is stupid.
 
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