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5G home internet External IP gatewayed in another city

Received the Verizon 5G home last week and have had great results with the service. My only issue that no one can figure out is from start up the external IP address assigned to my device is gatewayed in Minneapolis, MN, Iowa falls IA or Wichita KS and I am in Omaha NE. Verizon replaced my router but have the same issue, I enabled IP passthrough but same issue. Normally I wouldn't care where I am gatewayed, but my streaming service thinks I am in those cities and gives me local tv channels that are 2-6 hours from my location. I just figured out if I hard reset the device with a paper clip in the reset hole I get an Omaha IP address 75.212.219.xxx but after a reboot I get a Minneapolis IP 75.225.245.xxx. I know these are Verizon IP's as ERIN.net tells me these are owned by Verizon business. you can check your location of your external IP by going to iplocation.com. I have seen my IP changes every night so I do not want to have to do a hard reset daily to get an Omaha IP address. Verizon please fix your network so I am getting an Omaha IP address when my Verizon 5G home router reboots. FYI speedtests are 244 X 20 at my house, Other than this issue, I love this service!

Comments

SHansche

Same issue. Can’t watch the local news or keep up on tornados because it keeps saying I live in Dallas. I live in Louisiana.

Verizon_Support

Hey, SHansche, I'm sorry for the inconvenience when trying to watch the local news using your 5G Home service. This device utilizes a dynamic IP address as opposed to a static IP address so the location assigned when connecting may very well be in another city and can change over time. I hope this helps clarify things for you.

-Lauren

LoudOnVille

The customer service response on 10-10-2023 mentions dynamic IP address assignments as the source of the "location" problem. This is an explanation of what is happening, but not an answer to the problem still happening to our Verizon Internet Gateways.

The addresses can be dynamically assigned, but Verizon must do better.

IP addresses, ( sometimes called IP address pools) are obtained and configured for use by labeling them with a geographic location. It appears Verizon has deployed fewer, larger pools of addresses, for dynamic assignment to Verizon Internet users when they establish connections. Combine this with the ability to borrow addresses from "nearby" pools if all the addresses in one pool have been "handed out" and are in use. This behavior would explain why one connection is listed in ERIN as Cleveland, OH, and another connection, through the same cellular tower a short time later is assigned an IP address listed as Cincinnati, OH, or maybe Indianapolis, IN.

IF THE ISSUE is Verizon's deployment of Internet Gateway devices is so successful that the technicians cannot balance the supply/demand for addresses among the various pools, they should at least say so.

"Hey, we got so many new customers in Cleveland OH that after most of the Cleveland customers connect their white boxes, we run out of IP addresses locally to give to them (dynamically!). So, we borrow IP addresses from other pools. We didn't think anyone would notice".

Well, we, the customers have noticed, and we want the situation fixed.

Thank you.

CanThisJustWorkPlease

I am having this same issue as well. It is especially irritating because I use YouTubeTV for my regular TV (Left Spectrum and went with the combo of Verizon Internet and YouTubeTV about a month and a half ago), and those with that service know that it limits your concurrent streams when you are out of your "Home Area". As of my last router reboot (and subsequent reboots as well) my devices all say they are connecting from the Chicago (where my new Verizon IP is based), but I live in Milwaukee. I called and talked to a YouTubeTV support person for over an hour yesterday that got me literally nowhere - they say Verizon needs to fix it. The result is that even though I pay YouTubeTV for the NFL Sunday Ticket I cannot watch multiple games at once (even though I am paying for them) because YouTubeTV thinks I am "traveling" and out of my home zip code. This is EXTREMELY frustrating. I am considering going back to Spectrum just for Internet to finally get rid of this Verizon issue. They clearly could address it as other Internet carriers do.

Wroche29

Yup! Same problem here! I live in Delaware, but have news, weather, and programming from Harrisburg, PA. My xfinity account used to give me local news, weather, and programming. I think I'll go back... I miss my local channels.

Verizon_Support

Hello, Wroche29. Help is here as we don't want to see you leave us. Please tell me more. Are you attempting to use a streaming service? Which one?

-Natasha

aralwood

I'm going to cancel my service later today. I'm in Tampa, Florida and it keeps bouncing me to Denver and Billings, Montana. Very frustrating.

PaleSaint

Yes! I am so glad I am not alone I thought I was going crazy. Verizon, I think it’s shameful that this isn’t fixed. A lot of streaming services rely in location, I am having issues with blackouts on my ESPN+ subscription and also my Arizona Coyotes streams on the coyotescentral app. Fix this problem please or I will have to go back to cable internet.

Verizon_Support

Hello, we are sorry for the inconvenience when trying to watch the local news using your 5G Home service. This device utilizes a dynamic IP address as opposed to a static IP address, so the location assigned when connecting may very well be in another city and can change over time. I hope this helps clarify things for you.

~Gilbert

Cigoss2017

Gilbert, thank you for your reply. Please provide instructions on how to resolve this problem. An IP address from another location is not okay for my service.

UnhappyinMKE

I have this problem too. Blaming YouTube tv or some other streaming service seems unhelpful. Verizon ought to be able to solve this or at least admit up front that it can’t be fixed. Even their techs don’t know that there’s no fix. I just spent 45 minutes on a chat with one of them before getting unceremoniously dumped off the chat. Then I found this thread.

Verizon_Support

We definitely want to help you with this concern. As a 5G Home user myself, using YoutubeTV, I can tell you that contacting YoutubeTV support will get this concern fixed. They can manually assign the location and it will be instant and will not change. I had Hulu Live TV previously and they were also able to manually assign the location. I understand its an extra step to set it up and we are always looking at ways to make it easier for our customers to use our services. I will be submitting feedback on this concern. ~Peter

UnhappyinMKE

I figured out how to deal with YouTube TV a long time ago. What about all my internet searches giving me results for the Chicago area? Verizon really needs to fix this -- it's a sloppy way to treat customers.

rteater1

My You Tube TV can be fixed using location settings, but it seems like I have to reset it every month or two. This does not fix other services that use the IP location such as Yahoo News. Yahoo says there is not a setting to change your location for local Yahoo News.

Cigoss2017

thanks for the reply and passing the continued frustration to Verizon. any word yet on when the issue will be resolved?

Also, its not just an app or streaming service. its all of the apps and streaming services, ie when I open maps, it shows me over a hundred miles away.

I don't want to contact other services support to resolve an issue with the ISP. that would create more problems in the future.

Verizon_Support

Hello, UnhappyinMKE. We hear you loud and clear as we are submitting feedback on this issue. Currently, we do not have a way to determine the location for the IP address.

-Natasha

Cigoss2017

got this back from pbs ...

You can also submit a correction request to MaxMind to update the location of your IP address. MaxMind is the third-party we use for location services. To request a correction:

Open this form on the MaxMind website.
In the IP range field, enter your IP address. This is the number taken from the error code appearing on your streaming device. For example, an Error Code P70-B200-S10-V50 is the IP address 70.200.10.50
Select your Country
Enter your City and Postal Code (zip code)
Enter your Email address. MaxMind will send you an update about your correction request to this email address.
Check the box to accept MaxMind's Terms of Use
Click Submit Request

MaxMind will receive and review your request to update your IP address's location. MaxMind updates their database on Tuesday of each week.

Note: The Maxmind site is not managed by PBS. PBS uses Maxmind's data for geolocation services. Maxmind will review your request and follow up with your ISP for further information.

Javaluvr

I use FuboTV. Ok- I can coax it to give me local news, but this doesn't do me a bit of good when trying to use my mlb.tv subscription to watch Chicago Cubs games. I ought to be able to do so, as I live in Milwaukee, but I'm frequently assigned a Chicago-area IP address, so I get blacked out. I don't care if the IP addresses are dynamically assigned. Verizon should be able to assign based on a subset of IP addresses that are close to me. Fix YOUR problem, Verizon!!

At least I already have the $200 Target gift card in my possession before I go back to Spectrum. They've got good deals on their wireless plans, too.

Verizon_Support

Hello, Javaluvr. Thanks so much for this info as we know how important it is to have access to the news and games you want. Have you tried accessing your admin page to set the location? Please see the link below.

https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-301456/

-Natasha

Verizon_Support

Javaluvr, I did some research on this issue and it does show you will need to contact FuboTV directly for assistance. Have you contacted them? Here is some info on how to set the local access. https://support.fubo.tv/hc/en-us/articles/360020738652-I-m-receiving-the-wrong-or-no-local-channels

-Natasha

Deermag

How did you connect FUBO for your local channel's?

Royal88

NOT ACCEPTABLE! Fix it! We are giving it another two weeks; if it isn’t fixed, it will be gone. Total joke! Service rep who came to our door gave us the song, dance and his number if we needed anything or questions. NEVER EVER HAS RESPONDED TO ANYTHING! Texts or call - just wanted help and nothing. You’re not the only one in the game. You can do better

Richardinthebay

Having the same issues, had Verizon internet for nearly 2 years but since June have had nothing but problems. Super slow internet at peak times <10mbps and currently have my location as Vegas when I’m in Phoenix.

Spent 3 hours on the phone to Verizon, going through all of the checks to be told it was a router problem (I knew it wasn’t because I was still getting 300mbps at certain times of the day). Tech support obviously knew what the real issue was but wouldn’t say.

replacement router was even worse than my current router since the like-for-like router is now capped at 100mbps. In future I’ll need to pay $70 for Home Plus to get 300mbps.

Customer service has been less than helpful, I’ll be switching to T Mobile.

EddieMan

Is there a fix that Verizon is working on? We want to watch local news but it gives me local news in Phoneix.

Verizon_Support

Hello, Richardinthebay. Help is here as you definitely deserve some answers and a resolution. We would never want to see you leave us. Please tell us more. Do you know if we submitted a ticket for you so that our network engineers could check the area?

-Natasha

Clkevans

I am having the same issue - I live in Sioux Falls SD and my Paramount Plus is streaming local channels from NE and Now IA - come on Verizon…- I’m sure my other internet provider would be happy if I went back- which I plan on doing - ridiculous!

Verizon_Support

That is odd. Did you recently move your device to a different room or location? Have you troubleshooted with your device, completed restart perhaps?

~Maria

Skerry27

This is a terrible response as it only explains what is happening without any potential solution. I live in Syracuse NY and yes my local streaming stations are either Albany or NYC. Not helpful!

Funbobby420

Dear Verizon Customer

In order to fix your issue with your IP address, we decided to send the Coyotes out of state too. Hopefully this solved your issues. lol

Matt2pat

It’s actually their network design. The could create additional subnets and assign more specific subnets for those locations. However, that creates more complexity and cost. Until enough people in your area get disgusted and leave, maybe someone up the food chain will notice and do something about it. Supply and demand baby!!!

LewkForce

I just fixed this, it took two minutes.

Follow this link and follow the instructions to get to your Admin page: https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-301456/

Once in the Admin page, click on IPv4 Address Distribution, then click "Connection List".

Once you're in the DHCP connections list, locate the device you wish to edit and click "Edit" on the right side.

Click in the box for "Static Lease Type"

And you're done!

Lostdiver

I will be dropping Verizon home internet this month because of the same problem! The closest IP address that I get is over 130 miles from my location and I frequently get located in Jacksonville which is 270 miles from my home. This causes me problems with all of my streaming services and also does not allow me to get local news or alerts. I will also be dropping my cell service as it does the same thing and I get emergency alerts for other areas and do not get them for my local area. This is a huge safety issue in hurricane season.

Verizon_Support

We are sorry to read that you are having issues with your location services. Could you tell us what app is having this issue or is this with all services?

~Freddy

UnhappyinMKE

I'm tired of getting these messages from V erizon tech support, so I had a conversation with Chatgpt about this situation. Here's what it has to say about this:

Why does verizon 5g home internet believe that I'm in the Chicago area when I'm actually in Milwaukee, about 90 miles away.

Verizon 5G Home Internet assigns dynamic IP addresses to its users, which can sometimes be associated with locations different from your actual physical address. This discrepancy occurs because the IP address may be registered to a location like Chicago, even though you’re in Milwaukee. Such mismatches can affect location-based services, including streaming local content.

This issue is a known characteristic of 5G Home Internet services. As noted by a Verizon representative, “IP addresses are dynamic, they may change at any time, and may impact location-based services.” (Verizon Community)

To address this, you can try restarting your 5G Home Internet gateway to obtain a new IP address, which might be correctly associated with your actual location. If the problem persists, consider contacting Verizon’s customer support for further assistance.

This always happens. I've spent hours with Verizon's tech support on this to no avail. Is this a characteristic of all 5g home internet services -- such as t-mobile?

Yes, the issue you’re experiencing with Verizon’s 5G Home Internet—where your IP address is associated with a location different from your actual physical address—is a common characteristic of many 5G home internet services, including T-Mobile’s. This discrepancy arises because these services often assign dynamic IP addresses that may be registered to locations far from the user’s actual location.

Users of T-Mobile’s 5G Home Internet have reported similar challenges. For instance, some customers have noted that their IP addresses are associated with locations hundreds of miles away, affecting services that rely on accurate geolocation, such as streaming local content. (T-Mobile Community)

This issue stems from the way 5G networks route traffic and assign IP addresses, which can differ significantly from traditional wired internet services. While restarting your gateway might occasionally result in an IP address closer to your actual location, it doesn’t guarantee a permanent solution.

If precise geolocation is crucial for your internet usage—especially for services like local streaming or location-specific applications—you might consider discussing this concern with potential 5G home internet providers before making a switch. Alternatively, traditional wired internet services, which typically offer more stable and accurate geolocation, might better suit your needs.

Thanks. Is this a problem that the carriers could overcome if they chose to -- i.e. is just a matter of cost for them?

Yes, in many cases, this issue could be addressed by carriers, though it would require additional investment and possibly changes in infrastructure and policies. Here are a few key areas where adjustments could help resolve this problem:

1. Regional IP Address Pools: Carriers could invest in assigning IP address pools to specific geographic areas more accurately, much like traditional wired ISPs do. This would mean allocating IP addresses that correspond more closely to the customer’s actual location. However, this would likely require additional routing infrastructure and could incur costs that providers may not find justified given current priorities.

2. Enhanced Location Services: They could integrate more accurate location-based tracking at the network level, using cell tower data or more precise geolocation algorithms tied to user devices. This could provide a more accurate real-time location for IP address assignments, but it would require more sophisticated technology and more processing resources.

3. Static IP Options: Offering static IP addresses tied to an accurate physical location, as some wired ISPs do, could be another solution. However, static IPs are more resource-intensive to manage and are generally not prioritized in 5G home internet services, where the focus is often on flexibility and mobility.

4. Network Infrastructure and Cost: 5G networks are designed to handle large, flexible, and distributed networks, but reconfiguring them to handle fixed geographic IP routing for home internet users would involve substantial changes to core network infrastructure. Providers may see this as a low priority compared to other investments, like expanding coverage or increasing speed.

So, while it’s technically feasible to address this issue, the investment required might outweigh the perceived benefit to most providers, especially since not all customers rely on precise geolocation. However, as 5G home internet continues to evolve and compete more directly with traditional wired services, it’s possible providers might prioritize this feature if it becomes a significant concern for a large portion of their customer base.

Interesting, this causes problems with streaming but the carriers seem to be marketing specifically to customers that are interested in streaming.

You’re absolutely right—it’s a frustrating irony. Carriers heavily market 5G home internet as a viable streaming option, but the IP-based location inaccuracies can lead to problems like incorrect local channels or regional blackouts. This could be especially disruptive for sports fans or anyone looking to stream local news.

The carriers’ marketing focuses on speed, data caps, and streaming capability, yet they sometimes overlook these location-based issues that directly affect the streaming experience. This gap suggests they might be betting on most customers either not noticing or not being as affected by these discrepancies. However, as more people rely on streaming for all their media, it’s possible that pressure from customers might eventually push carriers to prioritize more accurate IP geolocation in their 5G networks.

As it turns out I can solve (over and over again) my streaming problems, but I know that less technically savvy people would not be able to do so.

It’s great that you’re able to troubleshoot it, but you’re right—this could be a real hurdle for many others. The workaround processes, such as restarting the gateway, using a VPN, or configuring DNS settings, can be complex or intimidating for less tech-savvy users.

This gap in usability highlights a key area where carriers could improve by offering clearer guidance or even tools that automate IP refreshes or help manage location discrepancies. With more people moving to 5G home internet, user-friendly solutions for these common streaming issues would make a significant difference.

mhfarley

My IP address zip code is Nashville when it should be in the Birmingham area. Hulu says that I have used up all of my location changes even though I have never used the service away from home. If this issue isn’t resolved I will go back to Spectrum.

Verizon_Support

Hello, mhfarley. Help is here as we know how important it is to have your location settings configured. Please see the link below for more info on location settings for your Verizon Home Internet.

https://www.verizon.com/support/knowledge-base-227029/

-Natasha

NH-Hook

I too am in Phoenix and the location is Vegas. It was located in Phoenix until last summer. That’s when I started seeing political ads from Vegas. Searching auto parts and other things near me is also interesting. I’m glad I’m not alone and going crazy

NH-Hook

This doesn’t change the IP v4 address.

Verizon_Support

To change the IP address for a Verizon 5G Internet Gateway, you can do the following:

Sign in to the Admin WebGUI
Connect to the 5G Home Internet network
Click System Settings from the Router Home screen
Click LAN settings from the General Information screen
Enter the desired information into the following fields:
- Router IP Address
- Subnet Mask
- DNS Server
- DHCP Start Address
- DHCP End Address
- Lease Time
Click Save to update your preferences

Changing advanced settings, such as the IP address, may negatively impact the router's performance, stability, and security

~Gilbert

blueocean7

hello SHansche,

Thanks but your response is obviously NOT AT ALL HELPFUL! that is the kind of response that is causing Verizon to lose customers! Verizon NEEDS to fix their geographical IP assignments! Plus our problem has been compounded because Verizon (hungry for revenue) has over sold our area and now for 2 months they have been assigning us an IP that starts with 97, these are gap fill IP's which cause even more problems! When we started with the 5G home network the rep told us they will not allow areas to be over sold, NOT TRUE! Sales trickery! HORRIBLE! our growing issues are the same as with many of Verizon 5G home customers the service starts out great for a few months but as time passes the service degrades more and more! AND worse of all Verizon doesn't take accountability to rectify the problem because we're sure it will cost the company money - PROFIT OVER CUSTOMERS! After 27 years of being with Verizon on our family cell plans we're done and moving on!

Wheels1

Spent nearly 4 hours on the phone with Verizon today trying to get my local channels on my Disney+ bundle (Hulu through Verizon) with no solution. All devices that connect to my new 5G wireless show me in Utah when I live 6 hours away in Idaho. The only “solution” was to have me sign up for a business account and pay for a static IP. When my cell phones are on LTE and I search for local business locations, the default results are in Utah as well! What is the plan to fix this?

TinaMReecer

I have this issue with my internet and my phone. Grrrrt!!!! So frustrating! Do better Verizon!

Rebecca25

I have the same issue only I live in the Des Moines area and I get an Omaha IP address. Very frustrating!

User120

Here's what's wild. I can be watching TV and for example, Paramount+ with Showtime, gives you the local CBS station. The TV will be out of Cincinnati and my phone, on wifi, on the same router as the TV will be Columbus. When I jave YouTube TV, every time the TV app resets, I have to reset the location because it doesn't match. I tried HULU+ Live TV and no dice. It wouldn't let me have it at all on my TV but my phone was fine. Verizon need geo location in the routers like a phone.

InfinityBall

That does nothing. It's changing the IP on the network, not the IP computers outside your network see. it's like renumbering the doors in a hotel. It doesn't change the address.

InfinityBall

yes, the phone (and the box) know where you are because of the 4/5g signal they're receiving. Except for some reason the box doesn't use that feature,

UnhappyinMKE

I think everyone should have figured out by now that Verizon doesn't care enough about the problems people are having with this to do anything about it.

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