Verizon DOES CHARGE WIFI USAGE!

[freeza]

Sprint FTW!

[haus]

Verizon's long-standing requirement for data plans with Pocket PC phones has nothing to do with WiFi. You're not being charged for using Wifi, you're being charged for having a data-capable phone. I'm sorry that you had to learn this in a bad way. It is possible that had you bought a replacement phone outside the system (Ebay, craigslist, etc.) and activated it online, you might have slipped by without a plan change, but Verizon's system might now be smart enough to see that even an online activation of a PPC phone without a data plan is not allowed.

I'll grant that if they *could*, Verizon would charge customers for using Wifi, but they can't track such usage. I try to maintain the distinction because there have been confused customers on other less-technical sites who have been duped by Verizon reps into thinking that they would pay per-KB charges for Wifi usage, which is simply not true.

Since cost is a major factor for you, Sprint might be a better choice, assuming you can maintain coverage. Another option is to deactivate your TP, carry a cheap flip phone with a voice plan, and just use the TP as an offline device with Wifi. There's no harm in that.

And (seriously) you may find out that Verizon sometimes allows devices to remain on the network and use a data connection. When I turn on my Verizon 6700, it still connects to the data network as if I'm a paid subscriber. I've been with Sprint for over a year now. Not that I would bank on the long-term availability of that; I just think it's kind of funny.

[AceXMachine]

This is the dumbest thread ever. You are not being charged for WIFI usage. VZW has no WIFI service and has no way of monitoring or 'counting' your WIFI usage against you. If these are in fact data charges, then you are connecting to Data, plain and simple. You say you deleted the connection. I'd sooner believe your phone is connecting anyways without it then you are being charged for WIFI usage.

[Geekcop]

Originally Posted by AceXMachine

This is the dumbest thread ever. You are not being charged for WIFI usage. VZW has no WIFI service and has no way of monitoring or 'counting' your WIFI usage against you. If these are in fact data charges, then you are connecting to Data, plain and simple. You say you deleted the connection. I'd sooner believe your phone is connecting anyways without it then you are being charged for WIFI usage.

And yet, you with 23 posts but over two years membership, are proclaiming this to be the dumbest thread ever. Hardly think you're in any position to make such a claim. OP has a concern about data useage vs wi-fi and your response is to proclaim him an idiot....nice

Originally Posted by Geekcop

And yet, you with 23 posts but over two years membership, are proclaiming this to be the dumbest thread ever. Hardly think you're in any position to make such a claim. OP has a concern about data useage vs wi-fi and your response is to proclaim him an idiot....nice

What's the number of threads he has contributed in have to do anything with his knowledge? Post counts aren't relevant.

[MidwestDrummer]

Originally Posted by haus

Verizon's long-standing requirement for data plans with Pocket PC phones has nothing to do with WiFi. You're not being charged for using Wifi, you're being charged for having a data-capable phone. I'm sorry that you had to learn this in a bad way. It is possible that had you bought a replacement phone outside the system (Ebay, craigslist, etc.) and activated it online, you might have slipped by without a plan change, but Verizon's system might now be smart enough to see that even an online activation of a PPC phone without a data plan is not allowed.

I'll grant that if they *could*, Verizon would charge customers for using Wifi, but they can't track such usage. I try to maintain the distinction because there have been confused customers on other less-technical sites who have been duped by Verizon reps into thinking that they would pay per-KB charges for Wifi usage, which is simply not true.

Since cost is a major factor for you, Sprint might be a better choice, assuming you can maintain coverage. Another option is to deactivate your TP, carry a cheap flip phone with a voice plan, and just use the TP as an offline device with Wifi. There's no harm in that.

And (seriously) you may find out that Verizon sometimes allows devices to remain on the network and use a data connection. When I turn on my Verizon 6700, it still connects to the data network as if I'm a paid subscriber. I've been with Sprint for over a year now. Not that I would bank on the long-term availability of that; I just think it's kind of funny.

QFT.

I wish people would educate themselves before going off on mindless rants.

[MoonZ*BabysH]

Thats retarted, even a phone that is not on any plan what so ever can use wifi. i did it with my extra diamond before i gave it to my bro. I say jump ship n go with sprint.

[Darkjedi]

any company that needs to trick their own consumers to boost revenue is not a company worth patronizing in my opinion

[Geekcop]

Originally Posted by darkjedi007

any company that needs to trick their own consumers to boost revenue is not a company worth patronizing in my opinion

Quite true, but unfortunately that company is also the only one that provides reliable coverage in a given area

[ou2mame]

i have sprint and i pay 50 a month for 1200 minutes (+ 5 bucks per 100 extra if i go over), nights starting at 7, unlimited text/data/picmail.. i can't imagine getting a plan even close to this on verizon.