5GB Limit. Really?
Synexis
Newbie

Does anyone know if the 5GB cap has a legitimate purpose? Is there not enough bandwidth for everyone to share? If that's really the case then I can be OK (albeit unhappy) with the policy. But if it's just so Verizon can make a fortune on 5 cent per MB overage charges then that's another discussion. Just wanted to share my 410KB worth.

Cheers.

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84 Replies
Not applicable

I think his point is that 5 GB is not a lot of capacity and by inference, not intended for those uses.  I suppose you can use it anyway you want if you can keep your usage to 5 GB or purchase more than one plan.

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crimedoggies
Specialist - Level 1
Mobile broadband not intended to be plugged into a router to share internet on a home network? I don't believe that statement. Could you supply proof, other than by inference that Verizon doesn't sell routers? The folks I bought myservice, modem, router and antenna from would also disagree. Did you buy your service from a Corporate employee of Verizon Wireless? I would wager not. Most likely you purchased your service from a third party retailer that was just looking for a comission and would sell you whatever is required to collect that comission. Verzion corp employees are trained to convey to customers that broadband cards are not made to be networked (in fact im pretty sure i was once told that networking a broadband card is a breach of the contract that you signed with Verizon since the card is designed to provide a SINGLE secure connection, thus the need for the MIFI card to be developed.) Not intended to be used with an Xbox? Again, have you any proof? Plus, you assume too much. I have never played an online game and wouldn't know how. The Xbox has been modded to run XBMC and I use it as a media center to play content stored elsewhere on my network. It connects to the internet to display weather info on my TV. Even so, I have no idea how much bandwidth actually goes thru it, tho I suspect the amount is very small. Most users of an Xbox use the internet to play online games as well as update game data, this uses a huge amount of data. i have never heard till now somebody modding their xbox for using xbmc so your data use might be less, but displaying a full video image (weather or not) still requires a significant data flow It would be nice to be able to monitor bandwidth usage for my entire network from a central location. NetMeter and similar programs (VZAccess) don't do that as far as I can tell - they only work on one computer at a a time. I sent an email to Cradlepoint, the folks who made my router, and suggested they put that capability in their firmware but haven't gotten a response. And you won't. They manufacture a product to allow you to use another companies product in an unintended fashion. installing firmware to track the usage is a risk they wont take. should they provide you such capability and you went over when their system indicated you were within your limits what would the impact be to them?
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Sirreel
Newbie

I don't believe the Xbox downloads a video image to display weather info, just the data to stick in that video image.

 

I don't believe Cradlepoint's routers are using broadband modems in an  'unintended' fashion. Those modems are intended to receive and transmit wireless broadband data. The router doesn't change that at all. You might be thinking Verizon didn't intend for a single modem to supply access to more than one computer but I see their MiFi devices do just that.

 

I also see that Verizon's new modems have VZAccess built right in so the user can monitor all the bandwidth used no matter if the modem feeds a network. That shows me Verizon is working on the problem of inaccurate usage data. Good for them.

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Not applicable

The VZAccess software installs on your computer.  The usage meter reads the same two or three day old data you see if you log onto the Verizon website.  There is still no way to get accurate "real time" usage unless you install NetMeter on each and every networked computer.  Also, when you are using a router, you don't run VZAccess.

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Sirreel
Newbie

I was looking at the PC 770 Express Card modem. The ad states it has " VZAccess software on board".  I was hoping that meant it was in firmware and could monitor all data flowing thru the card. (Don't know why the font seems bold - I can't change it.)

 

I only used VZA once when I enabled my modem. I wasn't very impressed with it. I didn't use it to monitor usage so I don't know if it gets its usage data from Verizon or if it counts bits as they flow thru the modem. As I recall, VZA won't install on a computer until you connect the modem. My desktop has no provision for attaching an Express Card. Since then I upgraded my desktop and laptop to Win7 64 which doesn't support my modem so I can't install the new version of VZA on either.

 

No, you don't (can't ?) use VZA with a router. The computer running VZA needs to have the modem attached to it.

 

If VZA gets its data from Verizon and doesn't count bits, it doesn't really matter if it comes embedded in the modem. What is needed is some way to count data flowing thru the modem in real time and use that count to issue warnings based on trends and/or thresholds to avoid exceeding the 5 GB limit. Firmware in the modem would be a great way to do that, and firmware in the router would be great for older modems, like mine, without that capability.

 

If I have to suffer a 5 GB limit I wish I could get accurate usage data and set up some rules to avoid overuse so I just didn't have to worry about it. That hardly seems impossible. Are the overusage charges too lucrative to let that happen? If overuse causes problems for the network, and if protecting the integrity of the network is the goal of the 5 GB limit, it seems logical that Verizon would provide an easy way for users to avoid overuse. If making a bunch of money is Verizon's true goal, then inaccurate data monitoring and no automated way to avoid overuse makes perfect sense.

 

So, how about it, Verizon? Is your network overused? Would it suffer if customers could use their entire allotment (without fear of going over, wouldn't they be more inclined to use all of what you sell them?)? Are your overcharges pure profit? Do they shift the burden of protecting your network to the users? Do they waste millions of man-hours every year when each customer spends time monitoring usage to avoid overcharges?

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Not applicable

When it says VZAccess is loaded on the modem, that simply means it installs on your computer from the modem and you don't use a CD.  VZAccess does not keep track of usage.  It simply goes out to the Verizon site and downloads usage from there.  I don't think Verizon intentionally feeds us old information hoping we will exceed out 5 GB.  I think it's their systems capability that sucks.  The answer for me would be for CradlePoint to install metering capability in their routers.

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Deamorei
Enthusiast - Level 2

"Mobile broadband not intended to be plugged into a router to share internet on a home network?"

 

 

Actually the MIFI-2200 was designed to do this exactly. It just doesn't require a router for multiple connections. As to limits/caps I see those changing soon. AT&T and Verizon just lowered there wireless phone prices about 30 bucks a month. Why? To try and appease wireless customers who are being raked over the coals by them. They said it was to compete with other providers but that is simply untrue as there are no competitors. They did it to try and lessen the pressure from consumers that are tired of being ripped off. Net Neutrality, FTC and FCC investigations are on the move. Net Neutrality is going to pass and I expect these measly 5GB caps to be raised to allow us a fair amount of data for our money,

 

Oh BTW side by side Verizon Acess Manager and Netmeter reflect the same per session useage. Verizon just doesn't have a reliable way to maintain up to date useage reports on their site. They were 3 days behind earlier this week. This is unacceptable.

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OneBitterOldMan

 I just got my bill and went over the 5 gig by 111 mb. They told me it was from the last billing cycle but didn't come in soon enough to get billed. So I was dinged  $27.75, that is being hit at 25 cents a mb. I told her that I was on the 5 cents a mb plan which would be billed at  $5.55 and not $27.75. She looked it up and said yes ,I had switched to that plan in November. Now all of a sudden this rolled in from October and I'm not eligible for the that.  If they can't keep track of my usage from month to month how am I suppose to ? That **bleep** usage thing is all but worthless ,it shows the usage from 3 to 5 days previous I"m surprised  there isn't" more complaints about over usage.  5 gig a month is not enough but I could live with it if I had a fighting chance with my usage being more current, Getting hit now for something that happened in October is wrong., if they want to ding me 25cents a mb over They should have billed when it happened. I think getting hit now they should honor my .05 cents plan.  If you are on the 25cent plan you can call them and request that you want to go to the 5cent a mb plan when you go over the usage

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Sirreel
Newbie
OneBitterOldMan said: " Getting hit now for something that happened in October is wrong." You got that right. How did they explain the lag between the alleged overuse and billing? I was surprised, too, when I got a bill for an unreported overuse in November that showed up on December's bill. It was for data used on the last two days of the billing cycle. Those two days then showed up on my usage for the next billing cycle, so I was adding that into December's usage. I didn't know what the heck was going on and, after I got my bill, I'm guessing that's what was intended. That's right about when I started crabbing about limits and overuse charges on this forum. Verizon has to be reading these posts. They'd be crazy not to. So tell 'em what you think. They've been good about not censoring complaints. I like that.
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MidnightStar1
Newbie

WOW!!!

I was thinking about getting a mini netbook but now I'm not so sure about it

A 5GB cap. Huh. Not for me. I'd use that in about a week or less.

VZW should not sell a device with such limited plans. They need to make it unlimited.

If they can't hang with the increased bandwidth then they should stick to phones

I have comcast & get unlimited usage for $56.00 a month. Who said wireless was cheaper???

As far as wireless mobile the broadband plans do not seem worth it to me

The netbooks were meant to be portable so you could use them where ever you go but with only 5GB how much could you really accomplish?

When I started reading this post I thought someone was just using the cheapest plan but I see thats not the case. Gotta say I am disappointed. Was ready to surf the web mobile email etc.... Hum:smileysad: 

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Not applicable

5 GB is plenty for the intended purpose.  It is not meant to be your primary, at home, internet source for game playing and downloading music and videos, etc.  It is intended to be a supplement to use when you are traveling away from home.

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MidnightStar1
Newbie

I am well aware of this & I already have two computers at home to handle home usage

When I am away from home I would need well more then 5GB of usage. I use PCs as tools not toys plus I do not do gaming.  I was hoping that the mini netbook would provide me the capability to handle what I do which are necessities not downloading music which I also do not do, but the mini netbook cannot accommodate me for my needs.

I am a caregiver & I need access to lots of medical records, MRIs CTs X-rays & other important medical data on demand plus be able to email physicians frequently, email work, email medical insurance companies, as well as go to a world of medical related web sites, order meds from pharmacies on line, browse medical equipment sites, send & receive faxes, wireless printing etc... etc...

Would like to do all this & more on a netbook/mobile. Would have saved me a ton of time.

I need a small mobile wireless device capable of all this & much more. Still waiting. I could probably do all this on a netbook but I would go broke paying the overage fees.

Aside from the caregiver job while I am at my other job I would like to monitor my web site as well, plus catch up on all I miss while being a care giver. I also broadcast global weather data via the web every 2.5 seconds from my personal weather station to orgs like NOAA.  I need to monitor this daily & frequently. My station goes down or my software stops updating no one gets my data & I send to 4 different weather orgs. I do all of this & more daily so I think you can see now 5GB would simply be not enough. I think its a great idea. Just need more GB. An unlimited plan would be a problem solver for me

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Not applicable

MidnightStar1 wrote:

I am well aware of this & I already have two computers at home to handle home usage

When I am away from home I would need well more then 5GB of usage. I use PCs as tools not toys plus I do not do gaming.  I was hoping that the mini netbook would provide me the capability to handle what I do which are necessities not downloading music which I also do not do, but the mini netbook cannot accommodate me for my needs.

I am a caregiver & I need access to lots of medical records, MRIs CTs X-rays & other important medical data on demand plus be able to email physicians frequently, email work, email medical insurance companies, as well as go to a world of medical related web sites, order meds from pharmacies on line, browse medical equipment sites, send & receive faxes, wireless printing etc... etc...

Would like to do all this & more on a netbook/mobile. Would have saved me a ton of time.

I need a small mobile wireless device capable of all this & much more. Still waiting. I could probably do all this on a netbook but I would go broke paying the overage fees.

Aside from the caregiver job while I am at my other job I would like to monitor my web site as well, plus catch up on all I miss while being a care giver. I also broadcast global weather data via the web every 2.5 seconds from my personal weather station to orgs like NOAA.  I need to monitor this daily & frequently. My station goes down or my software stops updating no one gets my data & I send to 4 different weather orgs. I do all of this & more daily so I think you can see now 5GB would simply be not enough. I think its a great idea. Just need more GB. An unlimited plan would be a problem solver for me


 

I think 5 GB may be enough for all of this, but if not, you could purchase two 5 GB plans.  I would not recommend a netbook, however.  I would recommend a USB760 with a notebook computer.  For a business application, $120 per month would not be excessive.

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Deamorei
Enthusiast - Level 2

 


jimfitzgerald wrote:

I think 5 GB may be enough for all of this, but if not, you could purchase two 5 GB plans.  I would not recommend a netbook, however.  I would recommend a USB760 with a notebook computer.  For a business application, $120 per month would not be excessive.


 

 

It's a bit ridiculous to even consider having to pay $120 bucks a month for a measley 10GB of data. The silly part is Verizon will sell you 10GB for $199.00 a month last check. Last I checked FIOS cost $99.00 a month for unlimited TV, Phone and internet to the few that can actually get it. I'm willing to bet there are far less with access to FIOS then their are Verizon Mobile Broadband. The target market for Verizon Mobile Broadband is not travelers or mobile business users. They couldn't feed there families if that was the actual market because it would be so small.

 

Who in there right mind is going to pay 60 bucks to view/access the web on a silly smart phone. Very few. I know one of about 100 in my place of business that even uses his phone for the web. I know about the same amount that might use a laptop for  mobile web access. Most of those 100 have cell phones with no wired phones at home at all. Why pay for two phone services? So I'm offered free Verizon Wifi access at named locations with my MIFI? I don't need it most on the road locations offer FREE Wifi access for customer's what its worth most every McDonald's is a free WIFI access point. Have a Big Mac and check your emails, web, etc , etc if you must. You don't need a mobile broadband contract for that.

 

So you see the selling argument that wireless broadband is designed for on the road use primarily is just a sales pitch to try and justify the 5GB caps. Of the 30,000 residents of my county in Ohio only 10k of those live in small cities. The other 20,000 are rural people who don't live in town where wired is available. Most of Ohio not to mention a huge majority of most every state has a very large rural population whose only access to broadband is via cellular. We are tapping it and the suppliers were stupidly blind not to prepare for it. Their capacity is their problem and in the meantime we have to suffer as consumers because they are slow to invest or upgrade.

 

I would love to see these companies go back to the  "We will switch you for free" like they did many years ago. If you think you provide a fair product they I challenge Verizon to not only do away with ETFs but also make it so you no longer have to agree to a contract at all? It's going to eventually come to that and I'll be a happy camper when it does. Then a company will have to sell us a good product with good options. No company is too big to fall. Remember Microsoft.

 

Oh btw this is Verizon's sale pitch on the 5GB plan,

 

Mobile Broadband Plan—5 GB Monthly Allowance
Best for heavy users that:

    * Need a frequent mobile connection
    * Send or receive email with large attachments
    * Download or upload large files such as photos
    * Need frequent access to Web sites
    * Download music occasionally

See Details
5 GB (5,120 MB)
of data usage for
Internet access*
Verizon Wi-Fi
hotspot access
included
$59.99
monthly access
Buy Now

 

Best for heavy users? I'm a rural user of course I need a frequent mobile connection. I don't need VZW hot spot access nearly every fast food place or hotel has it for free via wireless network card.

 

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Not applicable

I pay Charter Cable $29.99 for unlimited, 10 mbps internet.  I pay Verizon Mobile $59.99 for 5 GB, 1.5 mbps internet.  I am happy with both because I understand the difference and use them accordingly.

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Doodle
Newbie

I'm SOOOOOOOOOO Happy you are HaPPPPPPPPPPPPy!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Sirreel
Newbie

 


Doodle wrote:

I'm SOOOOOOOOOO Happy you are HaPPPPPPPPPPPPy!!!!!!!!!!!!


 

Ha.

 

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gwhnewbie
Newbie
Any savvy IT product / service provider knows the way to market success is to listen to the market. In order to be successful in the long run, the attributes of the product / service being provided must match those attributes desired by the target users of the market. In other words, you gotta give the market what the market wants. The mistake you are making is assuming that YOU represent the market.. In my humble opinion, what you are doing is parroting back what you believe to be Verizon's market strategy and saying you agree with it. That hardly legitamizes what Verizon is doing. Nor does it make it right. I'd say it's fairly clear from reading these forums that the market's needs lie elsewhere, basically because you are, far and away, in the minority with your views. The approach I have described works best when there's mostly a level playing field. Unfortunately, that's not the case here. In particular, Verizon is lacking any real competition in these huge rural markets and, in my opinion, they are taking FULL advantage of it by limiting usage, imposing completely unfair overage charges, and diverting the market's attention by characterizing their product/service as being matched to "heavy users', as someone else describes here. (Whatever "heavy users" means.) When competition finally does arrive, and the competition provides unlimited service at half the price, a big chunk of Verizon users will drop Verizon like a yesterday's lunch. That's because there'll be no customer loyalty because so many people in these rural markets feel they are being ripped off simply because it is possible. Just my 12 Kb's worth.
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crimedoggies
Specialist - Level 1
Seems strange to bring up market conditions and target users without making at least a slight reference to the King Rule of Retail...supply and demand. Verizon has the supply, rural customers have the demand. Until another supplier invests enough to provide quality service, Verizon can name their price.
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gwhnewbie
Newbie
Yes, I opened up my post by saying "In the long run", which means a vendor has a vision. I also referenced the need for "a level playing field", referring to the lack of competition for Verizon, and how they are taking FULL advantage of this by sticking it to their customers. I closed by saying their customers will bolt just as soon as someone else enters the market, because Verizon will have engendered NO CUSTOMER LOYALTY, which is what all good industry players with a vision strive for. Because such vendors recognize there is more to a customer relationship than the almighty dollar. This is a big part of what is wrong with our country today. Greed for money drives the bottom line, which ultimately alienates the customers. As you say, Verizon can name their price. Just because Verizon can do this doesn't mean they should. Ultimately, in the long run, they will pay for this tactic. imho
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Sirreel
Newbie

 


jimfitzgerald wrote:

5 GB is plenty for the intended purpose.  It is not meant to be your primary, at home, internet source for game playing and downloading music and videos, etc.  It is intended to be a supplement to use when you are traveling away from home.


 

Declaring 5 GB is plenty doesn't make it so, even if the rest of the comment is true. That's a judgment call on jimfitzgerald's part. You need not believe him. I, for one, having used this service since last April, don't think 5 GB is plenty of data for $60 a month. That's a judgment call on my part and you need not believe me either.  However, that 5 GB limit is no judgment call, it's a fact we are forced to live with. One should  compare your own intended use against the 5 GB limit to see if the service is going to suit you. One problem with that is, having switched from a dial-up connection to broadband, I could not have accurately predicted what my data usage would be, even after being advised by Verizon of what they intended their service should be used for. The increased speed opened new avenues while the 5 GB limit leaves no gas in the tank with which to explore them. It is a bit frustrating.

 

 

Verizon may intend for it to be a supplemental service but for many it is the only fast internet available to them. May as well examine reality rather than intentions. For those people, 5 GB is not enough.    Considering downloading a copy of 64-bit Win7 ?   At  2.9 GB you'd better think twice. Even the download of XP compatibility mode to use in Win7 was over 500 MB, or 10% of the monthly allotment. It seems like the 5 GB limit doesn't jibe with the size of the files one encounters these days. It probably was quite a bit of data a few years ago, but 5 GB doesn't go very far these days. So, I complain, and I don't particularly care to be reminded by someone who apparently has all the fast internet access he needs that he thinks 5 GBs is plenty for us poor slobs who only have Verizon.

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