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Using Verizon Wi-Fi access with UML290

I am trying to connect to a Verizon Wi-Fi access hotspot. There are 5 listed in Access Manager. When I select one from the list in Access Manager and try to connect, it gives me the error WAFF72 and tells me that I need a qualifying mobile broadband plan ( I do) and that an activated mobile broadband modem must be present (it is). I can connect to the 3G, but the signal is poor. The Wi-Fi is on my laptop is on as stated to do in the online instructions.

I called VZW tech support. After waiting on hold for 30 minutes, they told me there was no such thing as Verizon Wi-Fi access hotspots and that Verizon did not have wireless hotspots available for VZW mobile broadband customers. I told them it was listed in their directory and showing up in Access Manager. He said there was no such thing and that I would "need to find a McDonalds and use theirs" So no help there. Anyone else have this issue and how did you fix it? Thanks!

Comments

unknown

Did you go to where the hotspot is located?

enyalius

Also, what computer are you using (PC/Mac), what OS, what VZAM version, etc?

KellyW_VZW

Hello,

Depending on your location and whether or not you have the correct software version installed, and proper equipment, It should be working. Please review the information outlined below:

Requirements:

Who qualifies for Verizon Wi-Fi?

Both new and current Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband and GlobalAccess monthly service users with a month-to-month, 1 or 2-year contract agreement and an eligible device qualify for Verizon Wi-Fi.
How do I know if my Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess device is eligible?

Verizon Wi-Fi requires a Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess device activated on a monthly Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess service plan. Eligible devices are as follows:
- USB Modems
- PC Cards
- ExpressCards™
- MiFi 2200 Intelligent Mobile Hotspot
- Netbooks/Notebooks with Mobile Broadband Built-In
Supported devices subject to availability. Visit www.vzam.net to check if your device is supported. Click “Supported Devices” to view if VZAccess Manager version 7.2 or higher is available for your Mobile Broadband device.

Please download the VZAccess Manager link that coincides with Pantech UML290 and the Operating System you are running on your computer, which can be found at the link below:

Link to VZAccess Manager

What equipment do I need to access Verizon Wi-Fi hotspots?

If you already have a Wi-Fi-enabled notebook or netbook and a Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband / GlobalAccess device, no additional equipment is needed to use the Verizon’s Wi-Fi service.

If you don't have a Wi-Fi-enabled notebook or netbook, you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi network card or adapter and plug it into your computer (sold separately, please refer to manufacturer for additional information).

You can find more information on Verizon Wi-Fi at the link below:

Verizon Wi-Fi

Thank You.

KellyW@VZWSupport

Neander

Ojustin; I too have been trying out the Wi-Fi locations. And I have often gotten the "WAFF72" error as well as the "qualified device & plan" error. It's not your fault. I called the customer service number and the person I talked to at least seemed to appreciate that I was reporting problems & that she said would be reported. When you try other locations they'll work fine (well as well as a crummy 3G can anyway)

I'm not sure what you meant by "picking from the list", but you could only have gotten those error messages from a Verizon Wi-Fi location on a Verizon device so you're doing it right.

Who ever you spoke to that said there are no hotspots had to be an idiot because they're right there on the right-most tab of the Access Manager. Verizon thought they were important enough to put 'em there and update them weekly. And if he told you to go to McDonalds to get a connection he should have be fired.

HELLO KellyW; Lots of nice fluff, but Ojustin has the equipment and the plan. You need to provide the service!

BrianJayGould

I have the same problem. I called the phone number included in the VZAccessManager messaage and the support person assures me that there is no WAFF72 error message and I am not having the problem that I am having.

BrianJayGould

Kelley,

You seem to know something about this -- though when I called the number, I was assured that no such error exists. Your response doesn't seem to help. Clearly, I have the latest 4G access device and WIFI on my computer. It identifies the WIFI hotspot as a Verizon WiFi Access point. It shows 4 bars.

So why do I get WAFF72? The tech assured me that the tab on VZAccessManager of WiFi hotspots is totally useless and I should ignore it. Yet, when I connect it bothers to update that list.

**bleep**??!!!

Neander

Hello Brian. It's been my experience that not all hotspots are created equal.   I've tried hotspots where I've gotten the WAFF72 error, then went a few miles away and connected at other hotspots with no problems.

It's the Hotspots -not the plan, equiptment, or operator error.   You can't get the WAFF72 if you're not doing it right!

When I contacted a COMPETENT Verizon service rep, she reported the failure and a week later, the WiFi location was working.

What Verizon needs to do is give us Beta-Testers (aka: customers) a call-in code that would enable us to HELP Verizon improve their WiFi coverage.    For a month or so I was the "Can You Hear Me Now" guy of local WiFi testing. It was fun, & depending on the response here, I may do it again.

When we call the help line we get a message saying "Calls may be recorded.." Well Verizon ought to monitor those calls because we seem to be getting a lot of stupid answers.

VL600_Boston

I agree, the software developers should be reading this forum. Perhaps they should be required to use their own software out in the real world.

Re the WiFi issue, unless a Wifi Access Point (WAP) aka a "hotspot" is totally open, some kind of authentication is required to get access. If' it's really open, you don't need to use VZAM software. Simply, exit the software, wait for the windows wireless software to take back control over configuration and connect using the windows screens. You could still use the VZAM database to find you nearest location. Some locations do not offer fully open and public access and need you to prove you are a Verizon subcriber. This requires some commands in VZAM and also in the hotspot. If those are not compatible, then it's unlikely you will be authenticated and allowed access. These days there are so many places that offer open wifi - it's probably easier to to run things from the windows directly. Of course, Verizon wants you to use Wifi when available to avoid overloading their mobile network esp in high density areas.

Neander

Update: The W-Fi Hotspots have been greatly reduced. 'Makes sense because they just duplicated the AT&T, free, "house" wireless services at most of the locations anyway. Still, it used to be one of their plan FEATURES offered.

I found myself at a Starbucks near the airport. The Verizon Wi-Fi location showed up in the VZAM availability line-up, but I got a WAFF7C error. I was immediately offered a Wi-fi Update & took it, figuring "OK, this'll fix it"

The update eliminated all the Starbucks, Barnes & Noble, Ruby Tuesdays, Sam's Club, FedEx Offices, and AT&T Retail Stores.

This pretty much left me with 2 hotels and an RV park. The "hotels" proved to be more like "motels" so I couldn't just drop into a large lobby & test the signals.

So I went over to the Jacksonville International Airport, that I remembered was on the list. -Not anymore! It's still on the list, but it ain't there (if it ever was?). It's no big deal, but things have changed folks.

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