SHOULDN'T "SET USAGE LIMITS" BE PART OF FREE DATA MGMT TOOLS?

[wendeemccee]

I moved to VZW from a carrier that has poor service, but offers unlimited data. So now, locked into a data allowance plan, it's essential for me to keep close tabs on utilization rates and, as well (if not, moreso), to have a mechanism that allows me the control needed to "set usage limits".

VZW calls this a "benefit" of "Familybase" for an extra $5/mo.

I have no need for the tracking, restrictions or blocking benefits of Familybase, though. Setting usage limits is the only reason I use Familybase... AND, because it's ONLY available through Familybase, paying to have it is, sadly, my only option.

Yes, it's only $5/mo extra, but I have a hard time wondering why it's not an extension of their highly touted and FREE "data management" tools. Am I crazy for thinking this seems lIke such a logical place for setting limits to be?

Claiming it as a "benefit" of their fee-based Familybase "feature" makes it hard for me not to think that the "benefit" extends less to us and more to VZWs pocketbooks.

... Hate to say, but just sayin ...

[bizzareone]

The choice is your on what to do...pay for the service or not. You can't knock Verizon for charging to provide a service.

If you decide to pay then just think of the money your saving by placing the limits on the devices...no $15 overage per GB, no having to spend more money to increase your monthly data to cover overages.

If you do not want to pay for the service then you can educate yourself on how to monitor the usage from the devices and find out how you can restrict the usage or turn off the data from the device when you don't need it. Don't think its possible? I have a 500MB plan with 3 smartphones and 2 tablets. How do I prevent from going over? DISCIPLINE and education of the devices I have paid thousands for. If you would like i'm sure some of us here can help you with the settings on your devices to monitor/restrict them.

[rcschnoor]

wendeemccee wrote:

VZW calls this a "benefit" of "Familybase" for an extra $5/mo.

I have no need for the tracking, restrictions or blocking benefits of Familybase, though. Setting usage limits is the only reason I use Familybase... AND, because it's ONLY available through Familybase, paying to have it is, sadly, my only option.

Yes, it's only $5/mo extra, but I have a hard time wondering why it's not an extension of their highly touted and FREE "data management" tools. Am I crazy for thinking this seems lIke such a logical place for setting limits to be?

Verizon is a fee based service. They determine there fees on what services their customers have. Many services are bundled into the base group of services and Verizon charges accordingly. If someone wants to use an "additional" service which MANY do not see a need to use, that customer pays extra. IF enough people start using that service, Verizon can simply increase their prices a bit and bundle that service in with their base plan. I see no reason for Verizon to increase their price to add a service MANY do not see a need to use AND would not like to have their price increase simply because some people would like the service.

Verizon has a method in place for those who would like to use the service WITHOUT penalizing those who do not feel it is necessary. That is a monthly fee for the service. YOU can choose to use it or not WITHOUT everyone having to pay for that service.