Mobile Hotspot Promo $0 Disappeared

[jpgenius20]

Before switching back to my old phone (Droid X) for a couple of days I saw under the plan features there was the Mobile Hotspot Promo $0. When I switched back to my Thunderbolt it was gone. Now is this feature necessary for the Hotspot promotion. I have been using the Hotspot feature quite a bit and I am not looking foward to a suprise bill. Anyone else notice this feature on there accounts? Or had the same issue?

[ctoppino]

All i know is that on May 15, 2011 the hotspot is no longer free

[LenaA_VZW]

Thank you for the information provided. The Mobile Hotspot Promo $0 is available on the Thunderbolt until 05/15/2011. When you switched from the Thunderbolt to the Droid X, the feature was removed as the promotion is not available on the Droid X. The Mobile Hotspot feature price and data allowance is yet to be determined after the promotion expires. This information will be available on or by 5/15/2011.

Thank you, 

[jpgenius20]

But I have since switch back to my HTC Thunderbolt and it is still has not shown up.

[KellyW_VZW]

Hello,

Thank you Community Members for being eager to assist. It is very much appreciated.

This special promotion is for new activations. Once you activate a different device to your line, it cannot be readded. I apologize for the confusion this may have caused.

To view our Mobile Broadband Hotspot information, please visit the link below:

Mobile Broadband Plans

Thank you.

KellyW@VZWSupport

[jpgenius20]

So your pretty much telling me that my next bill coming in is going to be through the roof? Because this promotion that should be on my account until May 15th is now gone even though I am back on the phone and had it since March 17th the day of its release? 

[gina7289]

I was never told u lose it if u drop the phone and then put it back. Palm had it for free they let u have it when u put it back. It's based on when u buy the phone. I have took no mine off and on. U have to remined them to make sure. I am getting my phone replaced for the second time third phone so I would know.

[gina7289]

There is no other plan for the thunderbolt mobile hotspot until may15th and if VZW was right in what they posted here the mobile hotspot wouldn't work unless u knew the plan they picked for u. They don't have a price yet since thing is a 4g mobile hotspot not a 4g usb and they told me they don't. I checked today because my replacement is coming today 3rd phone in a month. Result u shouldn't have lost it since u have to have it until may16th for free. I would tell u to go to the store but they don't have techs really anymore but they would know more. I like to ask multiple sources to make sure.

[jpgenius20]

You are right! there are no plans availiable as of yet. So why is the "VERIZON EMPLOYEE" refering me to these bogus plans is baffling to me. I am not setting foot into a store unless its to look at the new gadgets. Most store employee know nothing about whats going on. I am still able to connect to mobile hotspot and its not telling me anything as far as billing. I am patiently waiting for my billing cycle to end on the 20th. 3 phones? Iv'e had mines since day one.

[gina7289]

U can't use it unless it is the promotion for free or a plan. If u see anything ask for a credit when the bill comes. I had $115 for mysterious data charges I got a credit for it. She first said smartphone can use data without a data plan but I know that's wrong. Stick up for urself if it happens.

[VL600_Boston]

The latest broadand plan rates are published on the web site.   Users of  the HTC Thunderbolt do get a deal in that the device itself has a unlimited data plan.  Offering an unlimited data plan (esp. 4G speed) that alloweds wi-fi tethering (hotspot) would be unfair to all other users of 4G devices who pay about $10 per GB monthly.   Verizon now offers the hotspot feature for hotspot capable phones for an extra fee -   the feature is called    Mobile Broadband connect .    

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/?page=plans

I think Verizon needs to consider a more flexible approach based on data usage,  not the device used.   Clearly,  unlimited data capability allowing simultaneous use by multiple devices (e.g. via wi-fi)  would a financial problem for Verizon,  not to mention set up some pretty weird expectations.   So, it's got to be limted either by amount of data or number of simultaneous defices.  I prefer the data limitation method so I can have as many devices as I need running at the same time. 

http://support.vzw.com/clc/faqs/VZAccess/BroadbandAccess Connect.html

General Information  What is Mobile Broadband Connect?

1. Mobile Broadband Connect is a product offering from Verizon Wireless that allows you to use your device/handset as a modem if you subscribe to a qualifying data and/or calling plan. By using the adaptor cable that comes with the purchase of the appropriate mobile office kit, a connection can be made from your laptop computer to your Mobile Broadband Connect capable device. By linking your laptop to your Mobile Broadband Connect enabled device, you can establish a broadband connection anywhere within our Mobile Broadband Rate and Coverage Area. When you are outside this area, your laptop will connect using NationalAccess anywhere within the Extended National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area. If you have a BlackBerry® device or PDA/Smartphone, you also can roam on the Extended National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area. By using Mobile Broadband, you can transfer files, securely access corporate email and applications - even data-intensive ones - and download short video clips, audio files and Web graphics. Having a true desktop-like experience while out of the office will help you stay as productive and efficient as ever.

--------------------------

[gina7289]

Vl-600 r u jealous? We know what the Hotspot is but we are questioning why the VZW rep who responded gave us wrong facts. We are not qualified for 4g usb plan but she referenced this kind of thing. Why don't they have the plan ready for the 16th already. That's 7 days a way.

Unfair or not we were offered it and should keep it if it is still there. The unlimited reg data plan we are grandfathered into unless we remove it and they change the plan but so far it is normal for all 4g and non 4g phones. For all of the troubles we desirve it. Hotspot we know that it will change soon but until then we should keep it. Hotspot will not be the price listed like 4g usb because we can't make calls with it on. Min it will be 2g for $20. Rumor we might keep unlimited Hotspot later for little more then 20 tech support heard rumor and told me. Not right now but months down road so we might be $20 for 2 in a few but later it might change again.

[gina7289]

I just got a certified like new thunderbolt and on the receipt it says the promotion comes with it. So anyone who thinks there going to lose it there not.

[VL600_Boston]

Gina,  Noope I'm not jealous,  I like my  4G modem.  It's so tiny and light.        And I can tether any number of devices to it through my netbook with free hotspot software.     

But FYI,   there is no "grandfathering"  in any Verizon contract.  It's simply a biz practice that many providers do - they maintain the terms of a contract after the contract has expired.   Even duing the contract, they have the right to change several parameters of your plan - e.g. the speed of data downloads is not guarenteed in any way.  So you thay can limit you if you go above a certain amount of data and it may be hard to notice.    It's not even clear if the promo lasted all the way through the contract. 

In any case,  I agree that VZW employees should know their product -  but you should never consider what the say either definitive or binding.    It has to be in writing.  Ultimately, they are trying to sell you on things you may not want or need.   Caveat Emptor.   Of course,  if you feel you were mislead,  you should call for a credit on your bill,  and also file a complaint with the FCC consumer division if it's serious enough.   

[gina7289]

There is on features and plans if u don't change or remove ur phone from it. Some people have many plans from long time ago. This Hotspot would be grandfather except for the fact that they are telling u its going to be removed. I agree with u on most. I expect the unexpected that's why I triple check my info giving and being givin 2 me. I have a 5gig teathering plan that is not available on the incredible anymore. Now its only 2 for $20 Hotspot/teathering. I save money with the 5gig because u get 5 for 80 that's including average fees if u do 2 for 20. $20 pre gig over the 2. I have the thunderbolt to but that was to show u that there is the chance to be grandfather into a plan. Palm is grandfathered into free 5 gigs hotspot its been free since u bought the phone unless u go over then there will be a charge. There are instances it can be possible.

[#16 · Accepted solution]

Thanks for the vivid discussion about our 4G tethering.  Please note, the promotion for the mobile hotspot on the Thunderbolt has been extended until 6/15/11.  If you want to use the service after the promotion has expired, steps will be communicated to you, but it will not just sign you up for the feature at cost. 

I hope this clears up any questions.