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Verizon Admits 5GB Wireless Broadband Cap
Still advertises unlimited -- Verizon exec comments on our report...

We've long discussed how Verizon Wireless's EVDO broadband service was advertised as "unlimited," but featured an invisible download cap. If users download more than the allotted amount -- easy to do since everything but browsing and e-mail violate the TOS -- you get one of these warning letters. While Verizon didn't used to detail exactly what the cap was, CyberNet (via Slashdot) notes that the company is now at least admitting the cap is 5GB per month in the TOS.

We'll also note that after a quick glance, their website no longer uses the word "unlimited," unless our users can spot it? Has the press attention finally worked some four years after we first mentioned this?

Update: User RustyTheDog notes that while the website no longer uses the word "unlimited," the TOS is still chock full of references. Ironically they're under the section that shows you just how limited the service actually is:

"Unlimited Data Plans and Features (such as NationalAccess, BroadbandAccess, Push to Talk, and certain VZEmail services) may ONLY be used with wireless devices for the following purposes: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access (including access to corporate intranets, email, and individual productivity applications like customer relationship management, sales force, and field service automation). The Unlimited Data Plans and Features MAY NOT be used for any other purpose."
Update 2: User ignatiuskc also points to a recent press release that continues to use the term "unlimited".

Update 3: Verizon Wireless's Jeffrey Nelson has stopped by our forums to comment on the TOS changes:

"Been reading and want to acknowledge that we added the 5GB language to the Ts and Cs of our "Unlimited FOR" BroadbandAccess plan several months ago. And, as some have noted here, while the Ts and Cs have remained the same, for those who don't go through the fine-print and get their impression of what the "plan" is just from advertising, we've been migrating the visuals away from a big "unlimited for" to providing more detailed information about our monthly broadband plan."

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brianiscool
join:2000-08-16
Tampa, FL

brianiscool

Member

hah

What a rip off!
mlundin
join:2001-03-27
Lawrence, KS

mlundin

Member

Re: hah

I suppose that depends on the price...

Jerm
join:2000-04-10
Richland, WA

Jerm

Member

Yep 5GB

I haxor'd my VZW RZR phone and get free EVDO on my laptop now. I've known about the 5GB for a long time now. I'm paranoid and don't go over a few hundred MBs.
brianiscool
join:2000-08-16
Tampa, FL

brianiscool

Member

Re: Yep 5GB

Hopefully you will get caught and arrested. In which will give you a large fine and possibly some jail time : ) (grin)
53059959 (banned)
Temp banned from BBR more then anyone
join:2002-10-02
PwnZone

53059959 (banned) to Jerm

Member

to Jerm
wrong. I h4x3d my old lg phone to get free evdo, verizon did nothing.
matrix3D
join:2006-09-27
Middletown, CT

matrix3D

Member

Re: Yep 5GB

uh huh
bigbasement
join:2007-04-07
Monroe Township, NJ

bigbasement to brianiscool

Member

to brianiscool

Verizon Shooting Themselves in the Foot

"Unlimited" was discussed many times during my recent purchase of this service from an in-store Verizon Rep in NY. In addition, "Restrictions" were discussed.

.........The rep response "No Restrictions, Totally Unlimited".

A few points..

-5GB is a very low bandwidth usage figure with a REV-A card. At this rate you are better off using standard Edge service from T-Mobile at around 100kbps with unlimited usage. (I actually have turned my Blackberry into a modem.)

-They are looking at your private traffic patterns which are impossible as you can tunnel(ssh) any application data. Hence they are just looking at your total bandwidth usage. If they are looking at what type of traffic you are downloading they will be peering into your personal traffic and proof should be provided as this is legally bound. This equates to a packet sniffer. Remember, internet services are not always bound to specific tcp ports.

-Verizon is just shooting themselves in the foot as most of the people who create the buzz on this stuff are people like us who use the Internet aggressively. We are the same people who make larger decisions within major corporations..

-The marketing is completely misleading when you have to magnify the fine print to reveal the opposite of "Unlimited".

So I will be evaluating the offering from Cingular/AT&T this weekend and make my rounds to the Verizon store this week for open an honest conversation..

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD

pnh102

Premium Member

Truth in Advertising

I wonder what got Verizon to finally stop lying about its wireless broadband offerings?

jojojo
@spcsdns.net

jojojo

Anon

Re: Truth in Advertising

Gotta wonder why Verizon is so draconian about this while Sprint doesn't have this limit.

Could it be Verizon really does have less capacity than Sprint?
»/archi ··· sdns.net
»/archi ··· yvzw.com

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD

pnh102

Premium Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

said by jojojo :

Gotta wonder why Verizon is so draconian about this while Sprint doesn't have this limit.
I have a friend of mine who cannot get wired broadband at his house and who uses a Verizon PC Card as his main broadband connection. He jokes with me that he wants to purposefully break the limit and get cancelled so he can go with Sprint.
cghh
join:2001-01-15
Milpitas, CA

2 edits

cghh

Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

said by pnh102:

I have a friend of mine who cannot get wired broadband at his house and who uses a Verizon PC Card as his main broadband connection. He jokes with me that he wants to purposefully break the limit and get cancelled so he can go with Sprint.
Not sure why one would want to do that. You owe the $175 ETF if they cancel you for violating the TOS!

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD

pnh102

Premium Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

said by cghh:

You owe the $175 ETF if they cancel you for violating the TOS!
They cannot (legally) charge you the ETF if they cancel you. If you cancel before the term is up, then you legitimately owe the ETF.
CMoore2004
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI

CMoore2004

Premium Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

Have you read the contract? Or are you suddenly a legal expert?

From their customer agreement (contract for you legal experts):

AN EARLY TERMINATION FEE WILL APPLY IF YOU CHOOSE TO END YOUR SERVICE BEFORE BECOMING A MONTH-TO-MONTH CUSTOMER, OR IF WE TERMINATE IT EARLY FOR GOOD CAUSE.

Harvard? Yale?

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD

pnh102

Premium Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

said by CMoore2004:

Have you read the contract? Or are you suddenly a legal expert?
You do know that you could put a clause into a contract that states you would give them your first-born son if they choose to cancel you as well. I've known of one person who was cancelled in this manner and he was not charged the ETF.

Companies can put anything they want into a contract. Such provisions can only be enforced if the law allows for it.
CMoore2004
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI

CMoore2004

Premium Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

The law does allow for it. You agreed to the terms. Some people get charged, some don't.
matrix3D
join:2006-09-27
Middletown, CT

matrix3D

Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

I love people who discredit another person for not being a professional and yet insist on making statements like they are. That particular clause in the contract doesn't mean crap simply because there was no proper consideration given by both parties at the time the conditions were changed. If there is no consideration, it is no longer a valid contract. How do you think all these people were recently able to wiggle out of their contracts because Verizon added/increase a particular line item charge on their bills? Because Verizon changed the terms of the contract on their customers without their consent.
patcat88
join:2002-04-05
Jamaica, NY

patcat88 to CMoore2004

Member

to CMoore2004
said by CMoore2004:

The law does allow for it. You agreed to the terms. Some people get charged, some don't.
Making a contract on murder and releasing liability to someone else doesnt make it legal.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

1 edit

FFH5 to jojojo

Premium Member

to jojojo
said by jojojo :

Gotta wonder why Verizon is so draconian about this while Sprint doesn't have this limit.

Could it be Verizon really does have less capacity than Sprint?
Could it be that Sprint has been losing money on their data service and Verizon doesn't want to follow them down the path to yearly loses?
»www.thestreet.com/_googl ··· m_ite=NA
Sprint now has the industry's highest churn or monthly customer defection rate.

Turnover in the executive offices has also been high. Three key leaders jumped ship last year: onetime chairman and former Nextel chief Tom Donahue, strategy man Tom Kelly and operations head Len Lauer.

Meanwhile, with its eroding customer base, falling long-distance and wholesale prices and weakening business services unit, Sprint managed to turn in four consecutive quarters of disappointing financial results last year.
CMoore2004
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Jonesville, MI

CMoore2004

Premium Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

How do you get "Sprint has been losing money on their data service" out of anything in that article?

TScheisskopf
World News Trust
join:2005-02-13
Belvidere, NJ

1 recommendation

TScheisskopf to FFH5

Member

to FFH5
False equivalence. Non sequiter. One does not equal the other.
ignatiuskc
join:2006-02-13
00000

ignatiuskc to FFH5

Member

to FFH5
said by FFH5:

Could it be that Sprint has been losing money on their data service and Verizon doesn't want to follow them down the path to yearly loses?
Sprint has the highest DATA ARPU of all carriers. If you exclude iDen users, it's even higher for CDMA.

»rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl ··· 002/1008

Sprint clearly leads when it comes to data. It's not really even questionable. They have a larger EVDO network, more RevA, faster on average, roams EVDO on Alltel and no download limits. Customer support is another matter.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: Truth in Advertising

said by ignatiuskc:
said by FFH5:

Could it be that Sprint has been losing money on their data service and Verizon doesn't want to follow them down the path to yearly loses?
Sprint has the highest DATA ARPU of all carriers. If you exclude iDen users, it's even higher for CDMA.

»rcrnews.com/apps/pbcs.dl ··· 002/1008

Sprint clearly leads when it comes to data. It's not really even questionable. They have a larger EVDO network, more RevA, faster on average, roams EVDO on Alltel and no download limits. Customer support is another matter.
ARPU doesn't take in to account costs. I'd be more interested in seeing their Avg Profit per Unit numbers.
kthompsett
join:2007-04-05
Hyde Park, NY

kthompsett to FFH5

Member

to FFH5
Keep in mind,regarding the turnover, that most of these folks are leaving with a golden parachute after the close of the merger. Remember there are 2 sets of executives representing each side, Nextel and Sprint, and all are not able to retain their positions. Trust me, these folks got paid well when they left. Sprint isn't losing money.

en102
Canadian, eh?
join:2001-01-26
Valencia, CA

en102 to jojojo

Member

to jojojo
Yeah...
Sprint has pretty much 30MHz licenses across the country on PCS as well as any gained licenses from giving back some of Nextel's SMR band.
Also, Sprint has approximately of the customers that Verizon Wireless has on its network (CDMA that is... iDEN is doesn't do data cards).
Sprint is a little more desperate to keep the customers is has (iDEN is bleeding right now.. and not all are converting to CDMA).

batterup
I Can Not Tell A Lie.
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ

batterup to jojojo

Premium Member

to jojojo
said by jojojo :

Gotta wonder why Verizon is so draconian about this while Sprint doesn't have this limit.

Could it be Verizon really does have less capacity than Sprint?
»/archi ··· sdns.net
»/archi ··· yvzw.com
Looks good, Spring should eat Verizon's lunch and be the provider of choice. How much bandwidth do you use a month?

EF
@myvzw.com

EF to jojojo

Anon

to jojojo
Verizon is not set up to do evdo. I live in an area that is suppose to be well covered (outside Detroit michigan 48225), and Verizon was eager to sell me the usb 720. After months of daily calls because of slow speeds(100k on broadband) the techs finally came out and said my area does not receive a good evdo signal. The tower is 1 mile from my house. Of course they refuse a refund for my modem, after blowing me off long enough for the warranty to expire. VERIZON FLAT OUT LIED TO ME TO SELL ME A PRODUCT THAT DOES NOT WORK IN MY AREA. I learned the hard way, I hope other people stay away from Verizon before they loose their money.
Anyone out their have info. on Sprints evdo usb 720 coverage for the 48225 area? Thanx, Eric

inteller
Sociopaths always win.
join:2003-12-08
Tulsa, OK

inteller

Member

5Gb not bad....

I can think of a lot worse caps, like 1gb. You would have to travel in EV-DO areas most of the time to actually hit this cap, which with Verizon is unlikely.
bfncbs18
join:2005-11-16
Charlotte Hall, MD

bfncbs18

Member

Re: 5Gb not bad....

Verizon did misrepresent there offering and it sucks that alot of people found out the hard way....I knew before I even signed up that it was limited so I was well aware of the alloted bandwidth I had. For me 5gb a month is plenty. I just need it for work and surfing. I only average 2-3gb a month.

I choose VZ based on the coverage and the discount for using there wireless phone service. There phone service quality at least for me exceeds all others by a mile.

Kudo's to them for finally admitting there mistake. But I think there ultimate goal is to get that $175 termination fee now if you exceed the 5gb limit. Prior to this they just terminated you with no charge. I can definitely see this changing now.
VansHSI
join:2005-01-29
America

VansHSI

Member

Sprint

For evdo - Sprint is the choice. case closed
bfncbs18
join:2005-11-16
Charlotte Hall, MD

bfncbs18

Member

Re: Sprint

for now yes. If you are a heavy downloader then Sprint is the choice. This will change though. Either Sprint is going to institute a cap of there own or VZ will finally change there stance and go unlimited just as Sprint is today.

Right now it's a no brainer for the gamers and downloaders.
VansHSI
join:2005-01-29
America

VansHSI

Member

Re: Sprint

I think they did change their stance, and their stance is now we have limits and we're not unlimited.

Loker
Premium Member
join:2004-07-11
Fargo, ND

Loker

Premium Member

Re: Sprint

said by VansHSI:

I think they did change their stance, and their stance is now we have limits and we're not unlimited.
not yet.

evdoyes
@spcsdns.net

evdoyes to VansHSI

Anon

to VansHSI
Sprint's EVDO is clearly preferred over on evdoforums.com. A lot from that site are switching from Verizon to Sprint when it comes to data. VZW fans seem to think voice is better but in case of data, Sprint clearly wins in just about every category.

With combo WiMAX/EVDO cards coming end of the year at a lower cost, VZW won't be able to touch Sprint.

As far as churn, it's poor on the Nextel side, but they are gaining CDMA customers. And now Sprint has far more towers than VZW so indeed does have more data capacity and better voice coverage.
jameswade
join:2001-12-09
Hot Springs, NC

jameswade to VansHSI

Member

to VansHSI
That's easy to say if you have a Sprint tower in the county...

RideRed
Vista needs a popup blocker for Vista
Premium Member
join:2005-06-18
USA

RideRed

Premium Member

Now if only other providers...

...like Comcast would get rid of their phantom caps.

Glaice
Brutal Video Vault
Premium Member
join:2002-10-01
North Babylon, NY

Glaice

Premium Member

Re: Now if only other providers...

And OOL's "excessive" upload

sonofjay
Mission Accomplished - Bush May 1, 2003
MVM
join:2001-05-14
Malden, MA

sonofjay to RideRed

MVM

to RideRed
said by RideRed:

...like Comcast would get rid of their phantom caps.
I do not think anyone is asking them to get rid of them, just made it know to customers instead of playing games and preventing users from becoming compliant with their rules. It is known that they have a cap so they should publish it.

ftthz
If love can kill hate can also save
join:2005-10-17

ftthz

Member

well duh

... but finally they admit it

Noah Vail
Oh God please no.
Premium Member
join:2004-12-10
SouthAmerica

Noah Vail

Premium Member

Verizon and.....honesty?

Verizon is openly honest about a TOS policy?

Surely THIS is a sign of the Second Coming.

NV
listenup
join:2006-09-05
Alexandria, VA

listenup

Member

Re: Verizon and.....honesty?

said by Noah Vail:

Surely THIS is a sign of the Second Coming.
No, just a sign to build another Ark.
(Sorry, couldn't resisit.)

Anonuser
join:2003-01-03
Milwaukee, WI

Anonuser

Member

.

I Do 5+ gigs/month just on my handset alone. Between pictures and orb.

Thank god I have Sprint.
I downloaded all my pictures from my picture mail account online, and I have around 30 gigs of pictures stored on sprint's servers @_@

RustyTheDog
Premium Member
join:2003-05-27
Trenton, NJ

RustyTheDog

Premium Member

Pioneers

It's the new "Limited Unlimited" account. I do give them kudos for at least admitting what the cap is. Hopefully they all follow suit.

cableties
Premium Member
join:2005-01-27

cableties

Premium Member

Re: Pioneers

Or "Unlimited Limitations!"

BTW, Verizon just pulled a fast one with TXT messaging. They raised their normal usage limit rates and are "coercing" those that go a message or two over into a "Just $10 month for 1000 more TXT msgs".

Screws.
jameswade
join:2001-12-09
Hot Springs, NC

jameswade

Member

Re: Pioneers

They certainly tried to pull a fast one there. Why even charge for text messaging? It's certainly cheaper than voice to provide.

They also stopped free holidays, now (late) nights and weekends only. I don't remember being notified about this and got a big surprise in the bill!

JNels
@verizonwireless.com

JNels

Anon

Verizon Wireless - that's me . . .

Jeffrey Nelson here - in corporate comm. at Verizon Wireless.

Been reading and want to acknowledge that we added the 5GB language to the Ts and Cs of our "Unlimited FOR" BroadbandAccess plan several months ago. And, as some have noted here, while the Ts and Cs have remained the same, for those who don't go through the fine-print and get their impression of what the "plan" is just from advertising, we've been migrating the visuals away from a big "unlimited for" . . . to providing more detailed information about our monthly broadband plan.

We're pretty famous (notorious?) about protecting our networks at Verizon Wireless - which means we take short-term hits occasionally, to support the long-term vision - and long-term quality of service - that our customers expect and pay for. Not apologizing for that - but understand that others may have a different point of view. We've paid a lot for the right to use RF spectrum, have spent billions to build out the best voice and data network in the country, and offer services at prices that provide value to millions of customers. And we're going to protect those relationships and expectations.

Appreciate the opportunity to respond.
Jeffrey Nelson

••••••••••••
ke4pym
Premium Member
join:2004-07-24
Charlotte, NC

ke4pym

Premium Member

Heh

Now all they have to do is change the verbage on my bill. My bill clear as day states "unlimited megabyte/month plan" on it.

Kinda hard to argue with that.

••••
BlitzBoy
join:2005-10-30
Portsmouth, VA

BlitzBoy

Member

This is old news...

Verizon has been admitting the 5GB cap in their TOS for the longest time already. This is nothing new...
spaceman8
join:2007-04-04
West Chester, PA

spaceman8

Member

2007-04-04 Transcript of Online Chat With Verizon Sales Rep

Please wait for a Verizon Wireless sales representative to assist you with your order. Thank you for your patience!
A Verizon Wireless online pre-sales specialist has joined the chat. You are now chatting with Chris
Chris: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
You: I presently have cell phone service through Verizon. I am interested in a wireless PC Card. Are there any limitations on the amount of internet usage under your consumer plan?
Chris: I'd be happy to help you with that.
Chris: If you get a wireless aircard then you would get a wireless aircard plan.
Chris: What type of laptop do you have?
You: What are the use limitations of the wireless aircard plan?
Chris: What do you mean?
Chris: It is unlimited data.
You: Is the wireless aircard plan unlimited for downloading of all data?
Chris: That is correct. What type of laptop do you have?
Chris: Click here for aircard plans
Chris: Click here for wireless aircard devices.
You: I have a Gateway with Vista OS
Chris: You will also get a $20 discount on the aircard plan monthly for having cellphone serivce.
Chris: What type of slot does it have?
You: It has a PC Card slot - no express card slot
Chris: What type of pc card slot, pcmia, type II, etc.?
You: I believe so.
Chris: Which one?
Chris: The USB 720 Modem is our alternative to PC Cards and Express cards for all you lap tops. This Modem has been designed to be compatible with all devices that support the Type A USB Port. The USB720 has the some of the following great features: increased upload and download speeds, gives you access to VZAccess Manager, has a flip up antenna, and is small, compact, and light weight to give you the best connectivity for wireless use. How does that sound?
Chris: You will get free shipping as well.
You: I did not know that there was more than one type. I will have to check
Chris: The device listed above will work for you and it is faster than a regular aircard as well.
Chris: Does that device work for you?
You: My computer specification states Type I or Type II PCMCIA card bus
Chris: The USB 720 fits the usb slot. Every computer has one of those.
Chris: The Verizon Wireless AirCard 595 PC Card is the newest card to our line-up. The 595 AirCard offers you the fastest upload and download speeds and is equipped with an LED indicator. This phone will offer you an external antenna connector that will help boost signal strength and help with network connectivity in sparse areas. This card offers you 400-700 kbps connectivity and with Broadband or National access you will have the best connection for all your web browsing. How does that sound?
You: Am I able to try different cards/modem at a Verizon store?
Chris: No but we do have a return policy. The devices listed above will work with your laptop.
Chris: Do you need further help with your order today?
Chris: We provide a 15-day satisfaction guarantee on any product you buy from us. You pay only for the service you've used. See our return policy page for details: »www.verizonwireless.com/ ··· rnPolicy.
Chris: Based on the information that I provided, are you ready to make a purchase today?
You: I read an article on the net today that provides:
"Unlimited Data Plans and Features (such as NationalAccess, BroadbandAccess, Push to Talk, and certain VZEmail services) may ONLY be used with wireless devices for the following purposes: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access (including access to corporate intranets, email, and individual productivity applications like customer relationship management, sales force, and field service automation). The Unlimited Data Plans and Features MAY NOT be used for any other purpose."
You: Are you sure that there are no limitations?
Chris: Nope. Do you plan on downloading the whole library of congress or something?
You: I read that CyberNet (via Slashdot) notes that while Verizon advertised "unlimited usage" that it is now admitting the cap is 5GB per month? Is that correct? As you know, almost any web site you enter downloads something. Is it correct that there is a 5GB cap?
Chris: No there is not. You are welcome to try and see. We have a 30 day trial period.
Chris: Based on the information that I provided, are you ready to make a purchase today?
You: Thank you for your assistance. I will retain your information and get back to you in the near future.
Chris: Do you need further help with your order today?
Chris: I have not heard from you for a few moments. Would you like me to keep this chat session open for you?
Chris: Since I have not heard from you for several minutes, I am going to assume you have everything you need and end this session. Please do not hesitate to click on a chat button again if you need any further assistance. Thank you.
Your chat session has been ended by your Verizon Wireless online agent.

batterup
I Can Not Tell A Lie.
Premium Member
join:2003-02-06
Netcong, NJ

batterup

Premium Member

Old news, Verizon said that last year.

Net neutrality will fix those pesky caps.

markymarrk
@alascop.com

markymarrk

Anon

iTunes downloads???

So if I read this correctly, then downloading "Lost" episodes from the iTunes Store would be a violation, since that technically does not fall under "internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access". An episode of "Star Trek TOS Remastered" that I recently downloaded clocked in at 521 MB. That kind of activity will chew though the 5 GB limit in a hurry!

KitchMD
@rr.com

KitchMD

Anon

5GB

Looks like this one is prime for a class-action lawsuit. Misrepresentation just like the V710. When is Verizon going to get their head out of their a** and stop this stuff. The $45/month is just plain ridiculous, especially now that it's actually "limited."