Verizon tether plans ??

[taxiron1]

Someone posted a Verizon flyer that said Mobile hotspot tethering would be $20 per month if you are on grandfathered unlimited plan. A Verizon rep says he doesnt know anything about discounted hotspot plans ? He wanted $30. On MyVerizon site, it says $40 for 4GB !!!!


Anyone have the real deal ???

 

[robrecht]

If you're grandfathered on unlimited data for $30/month, you can add unlimited tethering for an additional $30/month. You can cancel and add back and and cancel, etc, and only pay a prorated $1/day.

 

[dguy]

Am I understanding you correctly that I could turn on unlimited tethering for a day and turn it off before the day ends and only pay $1? That is pretty awesome.

 

[WormDoes]

You can cancel and add back and and cancel, etc, and only pay a prorated $1/day.

Do you have a link supporting this? I'm not calling you a liar, it just seems like such a good deal it's heard to believe it's true. Essentially I could call VZW every other day for a month straight and add the hotspot feature for only $15 for unlimited data for those 15 days? Since when did VZW become so generous?

 

[robrecht]

Do you have a link supporting this? I'm not calling you a liar, it just seems like such a good deal it's heard to believe it's true. Essentially I could call VZW every other day for a month straight and add the hotspot feature for only $15 for unlimited data for those 15 days? Since when did VZW become so generous?

Do you want a link to another discussion forum where this has been verified by a few people? Not sure if that's allowed or welcome here.

Last time I checked, which was way back on the day that the tiered plans were introduced on 7/7, it was not listed on Verizon's website with this explanation, and the Verizon phone support staff was rather confused. But it also never really explained on Verizon's website for the 3G tethering feature, either, and this is the way 3G tethering was always administered as well.

As for adding this feature, it has been confirmed by Verizon in response to a tweet:
@VZWSupport I dont see the option to add Unlimited 4G hot spot on my Tbolt for $30 on my account on my verizon. Do u have the feature code?

@VZWSupport: @tgousetis It doesn't look like we have that feature available online yet. It was just added to our system. The code should be 76153. ^MSF

You should also be able to see that adding the hot spot feature from the phone is $30, which does not correspond to the price of the hotspot for any of the tiered, limited plans.

BTW, it's a good thing you are not calling me a liar; that would be very rude and uncalled for.

 

[DILands]

Do you have a link supporting this? I'm not calling you a liar, it just seems like such a good deal it's heard to believe it's true. Essentially I could call VZW every other day for a month straight and add the hotspot feature for only $15 for unlimited data for those 15 days? Since when did VZW become so generous?

My wife has done this several times when we've gone away on vacation with no WiFi. Stop at the VZW store on the way to get it added, stop on the way back to have it removed. It doesn't sound like, even with the new rules, that this will chance. The place we're going in August has WiFi - so - I won't be able to check.

 

[WormDoes]

My post was not meant to seem hostile, I'm sorry if it came off that way. With the way VZW has been giving it to it's users lately this just seemed like way too good of a deal (pro-rated tether usage) that's all.

 

[DILands]

My post was not meant to seem hostile, I'm sorry if it came off that way. With the way VZW has been giving it to it's users lately this just seemed like way too good of a deal (pro-rated tether usage) that's all.

Funny - that's the way I'm feeling - there's a thread about Voice Over LTE -saying that VZW won't charge against data caps for it. My first thought was just what you said. . .

 

[robrecht]

My post was not meant to seem hostile, I'm sorry if it came off that way. With the way VZW has been giving it to it's users lately this just seemed like way too good of a deal (pro-rated tether usage) that's all.

I can still link you to other discussions of this if you want. Pro-rated tethering shouldn't really seem too good to be true; it is the way that Verizon has always dealt with this feature for those with unlimited data plans. Even though unlimited data plans will no longer be available to new customers that are not grandfathered, they are still available to those of us who are grandfathered. I appreciate that you are not trying to be hostile, but sometimes you cannot get the verification that one wants without actually going through the process with Verizon. Oftentimes, the sales support people are not familiar with grandfathering situations. Back in the 3G days, I verified verbally with Verizon several times that they really didn't mind if I added and removed the feature on an as needed basis, but it was not written this way.

 

[UBRocked]

I can still link you to other discussions of this if you want. Pro-rated tethering shouldn't really seem too good to be true; it is the way that Verizon has always dealt with this feature for those with unlimited data plans. Even though unlimited data plans will no longer be available to new customers that are not grandfathered, they are still available to those of us who are grandfathered. I appreciate that you are not trying to be hostile, but sometimes you cannot get the verification that one wants without actually going through the process with Verizon. Oftentimes, the sales support people are not familiar with grandfathering situations. Back in the 3G days, I verified verbally with Verizon several times that they really didn't mind if I added and removed the feature on an as needed basis, but it was not written this way.

I haven't heard about this but VZW prorates our Global data plan when we have an employee traveling abroad. We turn on Global Data before they leave and we turn it off when they get back...we only get charged the difference in the amount of the plans for the specified days.

So I'd say it sounds reasonable that VZW prorates data for tethering as well.

 

[robrecht]

I haven't heard about this but VZW prorates our Global data plan when we have an employee traveling abroad. We turn on Global Data before they leave and we turn it off when they get back...we only get charged the difference in the amount of the plans for the specified days.

So I'd say it sounds reasonable that VZW prorates data for tethering as well.

Traditionally, all their "features" are prorated on a daily basis. There was some confusion as to whether this would only be part of a plan and not a feature so I was glad to see Verizon refer to it as a feature in their tweet. But, of course, it won't be such a feature for those who buy a plan without grandfathering. There have been very some complicated discussions with Verizon reps on how it will be prorated when this is part of a nonunlimited, tiered plan. Glad I'm not in that category.

 

[eriet30]

Im still lost.

The other day I got caught off guard and it wouldnt automatically add the $30 on my phone (acted like it but gave error).

When i called the rep said that i would get 2 gb for $30 and $10 for every bit over 1gb there after. I thought it was wrong but didnt have time to debate. So i talked with chat tonight:

Please wait for a Chat Representative to respond.
Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless. My name is 'Keon', how may I assist you?
Keon: Thank you for visiting our Verizon wireless chat service. My name is Keon. How may I help you today?
you: I have a Thunderbolt and i added the hotspot feature but am limited to 2gigs for $30 It was my understanding that there was a grandfather code for Tbolts for hotspot unlimited at $30
you: Im not talking about the phone unlimited data i know that stayed the same this is specific to the hotspot feature
Keon: We offer the mobile hospot at 5gb for $15 or 2gb for $20 depending on the phone device allowance.
Keon: I can look into the account for you. Before we begin, may I have the mobile telephone number starting with the area code, please?
you:
Keon: It is procedure to have the account verified so that you can be properly assisted with all of your needs. May I have your name and the billing system password, please?
you:
Keon: Thank you, . One moment.
Keon: The 4g hotspot at $30 is currently on file. No other hotspot promotions are currently shown at this time.
you: is that unlimited then?
Keon: I can look into the feature. One moment.
Keon: It has 4gb of allowance. About 41, 000 web pages of usage.
you: ok because when i called to add it the rep said 2gigs and that is not what i understand Thunderbolt users to have. So your saying the $30 gets me 4 gigs
Keon: That is correct. I can look into other data hotspot options for you.
Keon: We offer the 4gb at $50 which includes the hotspot and data package together.
you: ok but that doesnt make sense since i have unlimited data on the phone. As long as the 4g $30 is 4 gb i should be ok for now
Keon: Awesome! I'm glad I could go over the needed data plan information. Did you have any other questions or concerns at this time?
you: no i guess ok for now


So I have no clue what i have now but they have $30 more of my money.

 

[robrecht]

Here's my attempt to get you all some verification:

Please wait for a Chat Representative to respond.
Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless. My name is 'Lekita', how may I assist you?
Lekita: Hi. How may I assist you tonight?
Robrecht: Hi, Lekita. I have an HTC ThunderBolt with an unlimited data plan for $30/month. I want to verify that I can add unlimited MHS/MBBC to my plan as a feature for an additional $30/month and that this feature can be added and taken off on an as needed basis, prorated for $1/day.
Lekita: I can help you with the hotspot feature. May I have your name and number please?
Robrecht: Just plain old Robrecht, 123-456-7890
Lekita: Thanks Robrecht! May I have the last four of the social?
Robrecht: 0000
Lekita: Thanks for the information Robrecht.
Lekita: I do see that you have the 4g device and can add the 4g hotspot feature.
Lekita: The hotspot feature is 4g and it is unlimited access.
Lekita: It is also 30.00.
Robrecht: What about adding and removing it on a prorated basis?
Robrecht: Lekita, are you still there?
Lekita: Yes.
Lekita: I do apologize for the delay.
Lekita: If you remove the feature in the middle of the billing cycle then you will be charged partial of the fee of the feature.
Robrecht: Prorated at $1/day? I've also been told that it is the same as the former tethering feature, ie, that it can be added and removed on an as needed basis. Can you verify that, please?
Lekita: If you remove the feature then you will be charged partial of the feature.
Robrecht: Yes, I understand that. Is the partial fee $1/day?
Lekita: It will be 15.00 for the month.
Robrecht: Earlier, you said it was $30/month.
Lekita: Yes. It is 30.00 per month but if you remove the feature in the middle of the billing cycle if will be 15.00.
Robrecht: Are you sure about that? So, for example, if I use it for 1 day, I will supposedly be charged $15???
Lekita: Yes if you remove the feature.
Robrecht: This is very different from what others have been told when adding this feature. Can you point me to where this policy appears in writing?
Lekita: I do apologize but there isn't a policy.
Robrecht: Then how do you know that I would be charged $15/day??? Why are some people being told they will only be charged $1/day?
Lekita: Because that is the way that it works.
Robrecht: Seriously??? Different people are charged different daily rates without any kind of policy?
Lekita: Would you like to add this feature?
Lekita: Are you still with me?
Robrecht: I want further clarification about this pricing, for which you say there is no policy. What you are saying is VERY DIFFERENT from what I was told by Elizabeth on July 7th. Elizabeth said that she would verify the policy her supervisor and get back to me but I haven't heard back yet.
Lekita: It is a dollar a day.
Robrecht: So you were wrong earlier?
Lekita: I wasn't understanding you correctly. I do apologize for the confusion.
Robrecht: So can I add and remove the feature several times in the same month, the same way I used to be able to do with the tethering feature?
Lekita: Yes.
Robrecht: Thank you. Can you please annotate my account that this is the policy? I do not need it today but I wanted to verify the pricing for when I go on vacation next month.
Lekita: Okay. Is there anything else that I can do for you tonight?
Robrecht: No, not tonight, thanks.
Lekita: Thank you for choosing Verizon Wireless. It was my pleasure assisting you and I look forward to speaking with you again. Have a great day! If there

 

[Yeahha]

For what it is worth this is the only article I found on the topic droid life doesn't have any source linked but they have a screen shot of tweets from Verizon discussing the plan. Verizon always pro-rates their features they have to per the contract. You may have to call and actually talk to a person to get the correct plan or go to the store but still not a bad deal at all

 

[taxiron1]

Can anyone find the 4gb of data hotspot, for unlimited customers, in writing anywhere ?

 

[mrterry]

re: robrechts post above: thanks for taking the time to deal with the headache of vzw 'tech support'. im still on an a855 but very near to upgrade time, and keep coming back to the thunderbolt. i was considering just getting a 4g usb modem, but with what you found out, it seems that i would be doing myself a disservice by feeding them a monthly fee for only needing a couple of days a month usage of tethering.

 

[robrecht]

re: robrechts post above: thanks for taking the time to deal with the headache of vzw 'tech support' ...

No problem; I wanted it in writing too.

 

[vic867]

I just changed phones yesterday from iPhone to Thunderbolt. I had $30 unlimited data plan and $20 2GB tethering plan. The Verizon sales person offered me $30 unlimited data plan plus $30 unlimited tethering. I called verizon today to make sure if I have those plans and they confirmed I have those plans.

 

[jennay22]

So does anyone have any more experience with this? We're visiting my family up in NOVA and would like to activate the MHS for 3 days (mainly while traveling to and from and at the beach). Will I only be charged $1/day for unlimited tethering?

 

[CharlzO]

So does anyone have any more experience with this? We're visiting my family up in NOVA and would like to activate the MHS for 3 days (mainly while traveling to and from and at the beach). Will I only be charged $1/day for unlimited tethering?

I made a trip to FL down and back last weekend. I turned on the hotspot on the 4th when I left, off on the 10th I think. I haven't pulled the paper bill out of the mail yet, but online when I checked my bill, it went up by $7.77 this month over last. Which, conveniently, works out to basically a pro-rated $1 a day plus tax.

For what it's worth.

 

[TxGoat]

$1.00 a day sounds about right if it's $30 per month and there are roughly 30 days a month. Also keep in mind that rooting is available.

 

[treeboat]

That does not sound right. Say, if the price is $30 per month for 2B of tethering. And, I use 1 GB in a single day and then stop the tethering plan, will I only be charged $1?

 

[CharlzO]

That does not sound right. Say, if the price is $30 per month for 2B of tethering. And, I use 1 GB in a single day and then stop the tethering plan, will I only be charged $1?

You are charged for a month, or pro-rated if you close out the feature early. So, the $30 a month plan is for the unlimited tethering option for those who are grandfathered into the unlimited plan from back before it changed. So, $1 a day. And it doesn't matter how much you use in that day. It's effectively a dollar a day, for however many days you have it on for the month. If you only have it active a day, you'll only see a day's worth of charges.

If you're on the new data plan, where it'll be a capped hotspot feature (i.e. the $50 data plan - $30 for your 2GB phone data, $20 for the extra 2GB for hotspot), you're still in the same deal. Only instead of being charged $1 a day, it's more like 67 cents (20 a month div by 30ish days per month). However, it'll show up differently on your bill, since you're dropping the $30 data package for phone only, adding a $50 plan for data + hotspot, and then going back after you switch back. The end result should still result in basically a "per day" difference.

 

[00smurf]

You are charged for a month, or pro-rated if you close out the feature early. So, the $30 a month plan is for the unlimited tethering option for those who are grandfathered into the unlimited plan from back before it changed. So, $1 a day. And it doesn't matter how much you use in that day. It's effectively a dollar a day, for however many days you have it on for the month. If you only have it active a day, you'll only see a day's worth of charges.

If you're on the new data plan, where it'll be a capped hotspot feature (i.e. the $50 data plan - $30 for your 2GB phone data, $20 for the extra 2GB for hotspot), you're still in the same deal. Only instead of being charged $1 a day, it's more like 67 cents (20 a month div by 30ish days per month). However, it'll show up differently on your bill, since you're dropping the $30 data package for phone only, adding a $50 plan for data + hotspot, and then going back after you switch back. The end result should still result in basically a "per day" difference.

The one thing you have to be aware of with changing data packages on the capped plans is prorated data allowances. IE start your billing cycle with the 30$ 2GB plan and then a week into your billing cycle you goto the 50$ 4 GB allowance (not sure how that works if it's 2 GB on phone and 2 GB hotspot or 4 GB for both) but it will prorate the allowance between both old pacakge and new package and then the same for a second time if you remove it during the billing cycle as well. Just wanted to put that out there.

00smurf

 

[CharlzO]

(not sure how that works if it's 2 GB on phone and 2 GB hotspot or 4 GB for both)

It's 4GB total between either way you use it. You could use all 4GB on your phone at that point, and 0 on the hotspot, or the other way around...but yeah, the prorating on the data plan changes might be wonky. I haven't seen anyone go to it, and then back in the same bill cycle to see what the net effect is yet.