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Verizon Sent me a Network Extender?

gonzoguy24

gonzoguy24

Android Expert
So I recently had my Incredible replaced due to a bad Wi Fi radio...The replacement they sent me had some serious rebooting issues...like boot loops galore...SO I was basically left without a phone for a night. Not too big a deal but I needed a phone for work. Anywho I did not have a phone for one night and the next day I got another incredible in the mail and all was good. Fast forward a week and I got a text message saying I may qualify for a FREE network extender...I called them and they are now sending me a Network Extender free of charge...I have NO idea why...It may be due to the trouble I had with the Inc replacements...I am not sure...

Anyone else have this happen to them??!!

I have never gotten anything for free just "because" before. I have had my own account with them since I graduated College in '09 and have always paid my bill...and my parents have been customers for like 10 years...I dunno...

welp...Thanks Verizon!!
 
gonzoguy24 said:
So I recently had my Incredible replaced due to a bad Wi Fi radio...The replacement they sent me had some serious rebooting issues...like boot loops galore...SO I was basically left without a phone for a night. Not too big a deal but I needed a phone for work. Anywho I did not have a phone for one night and the next day I got another incredible in the mail and all was good. Fast forward a week and I got a text message saying I may qualify for a FREE network extender...I called them and they are now sending me a Network Extender free of charge...I have NO idea why...It may be due to the trouble I had with the Inc replacements...I am not sure...

Anyone else have this happen to them??!!

I have never gotten anything for free just "because" before. I have had my own account with them since I graduated College in '09 and have always paid my bill...and my parents have been customers for like 10 years...I dunno...

welp...Thanks Verizon!!
Click to expand...


I want a free network extender. :(
 
If you get bad reception in your house (Which I don't) you plug it into your cable modem and it acts like a mini cell tower for 1x (new one does 3G too). Pretty cool. I wonder if there is a stipulation like I have to send it back when I am done with it or if I can sell it?
 
It also helps reduce battery drain on your phone...pretty cool I s'pose...since it does not have to grab a signal from so far away...buttt I need new snowboard boots/bindings...plus I want to get one of the sweet dual core LTE phones coming out...
 
would love one for my gf's house. Reception is really spotty out there. im gonna call tomorrow to see if I can weasel one
 
Yeah...really I have NO idea why they decided to contact me to give me one for FREE. Just does not add up...
 
Maybe there are a few people in your neighbourhood with similar issues, and if one of you plugs it in then they can all get better coverage. Essentially you are giving them a free (if short range) transmitter without all the hassle they would normally have with installing their own.
 
txrxio said:
Maybe there are a few people in your neighbourhood with similar issues, and if one of you plugs it in then they can all get better coverage. Essentially you are giving them a free (if short range) transmitter without all the hassle they would normally have with installing their own.
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I am wondering if it is people in my neighborhood who had complained...but the odd thing is that we get great coverage in my neighborhood. Still just a very odd ordeal.
 
That's pretty nice. I don't think you would have to give it back - if you don't need it I would go ahead and sell it.

Also: I get really jealous whenever I see your sig. ND is my top choice - I applied a couple weeks ago. April is a long way away haha
 
I have one, its OKAY

You will still have terrible signal until you make or receive a call, then it connects to the extender and boosts you to 5 bars

Also doesn't hold the connection very well, very often it drops the call in the middle of a conversation.
 
Was there a certain number that they had you call?

A co-worker was also recently offered this, and he also does not need one. I'm half underground in an apartment and could really use this.
 
yes! They had me call a number!!! Maybe it was because I had to pay 50 bucks in overages this month...and they felt bad??? haha jk jk
 
gonzoguy24 said:
yes! They had me call a number!!! Maybe it was because I had to pay 50 bucks in overages this month...and they felt bad??? haha jk jk
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haha.. they don't usually show pity on users... they just cash in.

did you call the standard customer service number or was it a specialized number?
 
So my buddy and I came up with a theory at lunch...When I was on the phone with verizon they said I was a frequent data user. Maybe they are anticipating a huge BOOM in network strain with all the new android headsets and most likely with the iPhone coming soon that they are sending these to those who hog data to take the strain off the network...This makes the most sense so far!
 
sail4fun201 said:
That's pretty nice. I don't think you would have to give it back - if you don't need it I would go ahead and sell it.

Also: I get really jealous whenever I see your sig. ND is my top choice - I applied a couple weeks ago. April is a long way away haha
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Actually I am jealous of you since you still have college to look forward to!

Good luck! I will light a candle for sure. ;)

Go Irish!
 
gonzoguy24 said:
So my buddy and I came up with a theory at lunch...When I was on the phone with verizon they said I was a frequent data user. Maybe they are anticipating a huge BOOM in network strain with all the new android headsets and most likely with the iPhone coming soon that they are sending these to those who hog data to take the strain off the network...This makes the most sense so far!
Click to expand...

Not sure how a network extender would relieve network strain... It doesn't add more capacity, just extends the signal so it's more accessible... actually creating more data usage and more strain.

Are these things new? Maybe you just got into some random test group for a new device their trying out.
 
cipher6 said:
Not sure how a network extender would relieve network strain... It doesn't add more capacity, just extends the signal so it's more accessible... actually creating more data usage and more strain.
Click to expand...

That's what I thought at first, that it was a cell repeater, but looking at the website it uses your home broadband internet to provide signal. So basically it's VOIP, but connecting to your cell phone OTA.

And it makes some sense. Move some of the big Data hogs, who are on relatively fresh contracts (so won't be on a Tiered data plan in year/s) to the network extender.

Are these things new? Maybe you just got into some random test group for a new device their trying out.
Click to expand...
They've been around for years, but the current version, that supports 3g/Data just came out in October (based on CNET reviews). Maybe they bought too much stock, or are making a 4g model?
 
cipher6 said:
Not sure how a network extender would relieve network strain... It doesn't add more capacity, just extends the signal so it's more accessible... actually creating more data usage and more strain.

Are these things new? Maybe you just got into some random test group for a new device their trying out.
Click to expand...

Yeah. You are wrong. It does plug into my network router. I use about 2-3 GB a month at the moment. I really think they are trying to avoid network issues like ATT had with the iPhone. I think it is a brilliant idea!

And it is the Samsung one that came out in October that does 3G and 1x.

I got it tonight. Whoever said it works "OKAY" must have an older one. I have full bars on 3G and on 1x 100 percent of the time now...I was usually at 2-3 bars in the house before. My housemate has full now on his OG Droid when he got 2-3 before also.

Thanks Verizon!
 
Anyone want to buy mine for a discounted price can send me a pm with your offer! it is brand new and works pretty awesome!
 
Seems strange that Verizon can cash in on you using the network extender since it is using your cable to access the internet/network and NOT their cell towers. Looks like they get to take advantage of YOUR cable and still charge YOU for it AND it takes usage/traffic off of THEIR network when you do!

Hmmm....
 
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