add us to the jetpack spiking usage dilemma and it stinks!
mikl0220
Enthusiast - Level 1

We have 2 people using the jetpack and our usage has only changed 'less' because our usage keep spiking. We no longer even open FB or Yahoo news, nothing that updates. AND our usage continues to climb! At the suggestion of VZN went into a store and they suggested sending us a new SIM card, that's great. We didn't receive it. Went back to follow up, nope--wasn't us. WTH is going on with Verizon? Clearly there is a problem with these jetpacks and to complain falls on deaf ears. I am now up to a 20G package which is doubling our connection cost and again, our usage SHOULD go down since we have modified all our usage at the suggestion of Verizon, because of course, it MUST be us..not them.

And, well the jetpack is out of warranty (even though our contract is 2 years with them, the jetpack is only 1 year) so we would have to purchase a new one at retail pricing! Seriously??

What can be done about this? We have a small business and the building we are in does not have any other internet access options. Others are using satellite internet which seems even worse (i.e. slower) than these jetpacks. I'm so frustrated and no idea what options.

Guess my next option is to turn off the jetpack for 3 or 4 days and see how the usage continues. I'm sure then we will be questioned by Verizon--well, how do we know you really turned it off? I don't know, just so sick and tired of dealing with technology issues, ready to go back to pagers and fax machines! Anyone else have any productive suggestions to this phenomena that has been resolved without additional hours of anguish and pain? 

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John_Getzke
Champion - Level 1

> And, well the jetpack is out of warranty (even though our contract is 2 years with them, the jetpack is only 1 year) so we would have to purchase a new one at retail pricing! Seriously??

Yes.  That is how support/warranty works.  When its out you pay for repairs and replacements on your own.

> What can be done about this?

Reset your Jetpack back to defaults using the button under the back cover.  Configure a new password to ensure there are no additional users connected to it.  Setup a data usage monitor on your connected devices and confirm what kind of traffic is generating from them.

Or you can experiment with swapping out your current device with another in hopes of resolving the problem.

> Guess my next option is to turn off the jetpack for 3 or 4 days and see how the usage continues

Yes, please do.  If the Jetpack continues to accumulate usage while powered down then you have a great case to bring to VZWs attention as a billing mistake.  That is an easy scenario to fix.  But if the data stops when you power down the Jetpack then you have to explore my previous suggestions.


> well, how do we know you really turned it off?

Enable logging on the Jetpack.  There are events for power down/up to confirm the state of the Jetpack.  Share the logs with VZW if questioned.

> Anyone else have any productive suggestions to this phenomena that has been resolved without additional hours of anguish and pain?

Anguish and pain are necessary when troubleshooting data usage issues.  There is no shortcut or magic solution.  You need to setup monitors and actually expose what kind of data is moving around your Jetpack.  Once you expose the traffic you will have the information you need to put a stop to whatever is generating it.  Either that or try a different VZW device in hopes it performs better with your devices and environment.  Perhaps a Jetpack isn't the best option for you and something designed for a permanent connection would be better like a USB modem+Cradlepoint router, 4G LTE router or 4G LTE internet installed.

Jetpacks are temporary internet connection devices.  They perform best when powered on and off only as needed instead of treated like an always on internet connection.  If this is your primary internet connection for work and you are not a traveler then you should consider different options that VZW has to offer.

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bricoyle
Enthusiast - Level 1

I got a Jetpack 18 months ago, used it for a few weeks, and had no problem with excess usage.

Started up the service a week ago, and now the usage is much higher than before. Same jetpack.

Verizon is putting its thumb on the scale. Maybe their service people don't know. But it's obvious.

Verizon and AT&T are following the Enron route. They hate infrastructure, which needs to be maintained by human beings. With wireless they can slice and dice customers to maximize earnings. They know jetpack users don't have alternatives - if they did, they wouldn't use a jetpack. I need it when travelling. Verizon cheats - it counts data several times, or something like that. They know we're powerless - they're lawyers gloat.

Basically, there's nothing we can do. Except vote. Those gloating lawyers are happy because the Supreme Court gutted legal redress.

7e18n1
Specialist - Level 3

Well, I don’t know about all that! What I do know is if Verizon Wireless was cooking the data usage books I wouldn’t be only one proving it in court. Instead, there is no advanced user, professional or expert stepping forward with physical proof to support such claims. Innuendo and accusation, that’s all there ever is!