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The Verizon Experience
|
|
| Paul G 2006-01-14, 5:48 pm |
| As a Verizon customer since the beginning days, I have to say it's never
been easy making a simple purchase. Usually you know far more about the
equipment, functionality and network than any of their reps do. As a
"gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon every year, and
always pay top dollar having to fit their policy quirks you're all too
familiar with.
Went into the flagship store at 42nd and 6th in NYC yesterday to
purchase the Treo 650. Having had a 600, and not liking the 700w, this
was my choice.
I use my 600 with my regular plan...no data plan...use my minutes.
Get this...Verizon "is not permitted to let a 650 leave the store
without upgrading you to a data plan."
Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650, and they won't
cell it to me because I won't buy into one of the data plans. In
addition, I was told "well, you could sign up for per minute use, then
cancel, but the data features on the 650 would then not work...we shut
them off."
Are they that eager to loose long term customers?
I told them over the phone they would sell me a 650 without a data plan,
and the response was "sir, we sell service...over the phone, Verizon
sells phones."
We are all very knowledgeable here...thought you'd enjoy this, and I
appreciate your comments.
Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of leaving Verizon,
after a reply to my presidential letter of complaint. I want to see what
Verizon has to say to keep a long term customer.
Thanks for listening!
| |
| kevin weaver 2006-01-14, 5:48 pm |
| They don't care. In short. Made a long distance call. total charge was 1.10
I had free long distance calling in my last plan. I upgraded my phone and
somehow the long distance calling found its way off my plan. (After I told
them I did not want to change plans)
I called *611 the guy said they made a mistake. I get free LD. It happens
again the next month. Get charged again. Go thru this all over again. I then
find out I don't have LD.
I've been with them 10 yrs starting with GTE Mobile Net.
I just got my bill a few days ago. The calls are still showing not being
paid. 4 mo's to go and out of the contract.
"Paul G" <pgloe@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:t%9yf.861$IM2.304@fe12.lga...
> As a Verizon customer since the beginning days, I have to say it's never
> been easy making a simple purchase. Usually you know far more about the
> equipment, functionality and network than any of their reps do. As a
> "gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon every year, and
> always pay top dollar having to fit their policy quirks you're all too
> familiar with.
> Went into the flagship store at 42nd and 6th in NYC yesterday to purchase
> the Treo 650. Having had a 600, and not liking the 700w, this was my
> choice.
> I use my 600 with my regular plan...no data plan...use my minutes.
> Get this...Verizon "is not permitted to let a 650 leave the store without
> upgrading you to a data plan."
> Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650, and they won't
> cell it to me because I won't buy into one of the data plans. In addition,
> I was told "well, you could sign up for per minute use, then cancel, but
> the data features on the 650 would then not work...we shut them off."
> Are they that eager to loose long term customers?
> I told them over the phone they would sell me a 650 without a data plan,
> and the response was "sir, we sell service...over the phone, Verizon sells
> phones."
> We are all very knowledgeable here...thought you'd enjoy this, and I
> appreciate your comments.
> Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of leaving Verizon,
> after a reply to my presidential letter of complaint. I want to see what
> Verizon has to say to keep a long term customer.
> Thanks for listening!
>
| |
|
|
Paul G wrote:
> As a "gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon every year,
I'd bet that the overwhelming majority of folks who walk thru the doors
at a Verizon store don't have the foggiest idea of what phone they want
and what plan they want, and the sales personnel have to lead them by
the nose to the best fit. That's why the wait is so long.
> Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of leaving Verizon,
Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Coverage is the thing.
Think you are annoyed now? Think how annoyed you will be when you
can't make a call where you used to with VZW.
Lena
| |
| Quick 2006-01-14, 11:48 pm |
| Paul G wrote:
> As a Verizon customer since the beginning days, I have to
> say it's never been easy making a simple purchase.
> Usually you know far more about the equipment,
> functionality and network than any of their reps do. As a
> "gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon
> every year, and always pay top dollar having to fit their
> policy quirks you're all too familiar with.
> Went into the flagship store at 42nd and 6th in NYC
> yesterday to purchase the Treo 650. Having had a 600, and
> not liking the 700w, this was my choice.
> I use my 600 with my regular plan...no data plan...use my
> minutes.
> Get this...Verizon "is not permitted to let a 650 leave
> the store without upgrading you to a data plan."
> Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650,
> and they won't cell it to me because I won't buy into one
> of the data plans. In addition, I was told "well, you
> could sign up for per minute use, then cancel, but the
> data features on the 650 would then not work...we shut
> them off."
> Are they that eager to loose long term customers?
> I told them over the phone they would sell me a 650
> without a data plan, and the response was "sir, we sell
> service...over the phone, Verizon sells phones."
> We are all very knowledgeable here...thought you'd enjoy
> this, and I appreciate your comments.
> Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of
> leaving Verizon, after a reply to my presidential letter
> of complaint. I want to see what Verizon has to say to
> keep a long term customer.
> Thanks for listening!
I think you need to get over yourself and get in touch
with reality.
[This has nothing to do with VZW in particular]
They are a national company with 33+ million customers.
They aren't your single outlet, small town business. If
the CEO happened to be visiting the store during your
visit it is unlikely that he would have walked over and
said "John! Good to see you. I know you are one of our
long term customers and I just wanted to personally tell
you how much we value that and to thank you for your
business. If there is anything I can do for you any time
in the future feel free to let me know. Nancy, I want you
to make sure John gets whatever he wants. Don't worry
about the policies, I'll sign off on the exception paper work."
You knew walking in there that VZW does not have any
loyalty incentives or policies. If they did they would be
published and apply to everyone. You would like to think
that you are a special case and should be entitled to some
special deal. 33+ million customers.... and you expect
some clerk being paid minimum+ wage to say "John, I
see you are a long time customer. Let me make an exception
in your case and I'll slip you (and just you) a 650 without
the data plan required of the rest of our millions of customers.
I'll just use my super secret billing system override key here.
I prefer doing business where they have known policies.
How else are you going to comparison shop? ..."I know
some people get better deals or exceptions if they try
this or that but you don't know how far they are willing
to go or it just depends on who you get and how they're
feeling at the time". That also implies your deal is
dependent on how much work or effort you put into
it, luck, and what it takes to get over the hurdles in
place to stop the people who are abusing it. As an
average Joe Blow you're also probably paying some
extra to support the "special" deals withheld for a
select group.
A far as I know VZW has never had any loyalty incentives
over NE2. I think you knew that too.
-Quick
| |
| Bill Nasso 2006-01-14, 11:48 pm |
| I was in that store last night. A zoo. I expected some of it, but at that
store it's a company embarrassment. I had Verizon service 2 yrs then
switched last week (2 yrs + 1 day into 2 yr contracy) to Sprint for a phone
which didn't have its Bluetooth capabilities disabled. All Verizon's will
support are headsets, no laptops, etc and I wanted to be able to sync
contacts/calendar and to use the phone to access the EV-DO broadband using
the phone as a wireless modem. Can't do.
Sprint has a sexy new Samsung MM-A900 (aka Blade) and it, in my opinion
looks and feels better than the Razr. And Sprint allows full connectivity,
including as a modem. But I'm a Mac user and both Sprint and Samsung seem
not to have ever heard of Apple computer. Plus, Yesterday in Manhattan --
Manhattan of all places -- I couldn't connect to the Sprint network. So,
that's it for me and Sprint.
Now, I'm shopping again. May try Cingular. Their phones allow all
Bluetooth options, including with their Razr, but Motorola has yet to
release it's connection kit for the phone with necessary drivers and desktop
software for syncing. Plus, I like GSM, but had a bad few weeks with the
old AT&T and am a bit gun shy.
I'm tired about the confusion in the marketplace and the near-universal lack
of knowledge in the sales force. So, to cut my losses, I'm likely to go
back to Verizon this week. (At least I'll be able to talk with my wife
without chewing up minutes again.)
All this is going to two questions:
Who thinks which carrier is best?
And, any Mac users with experience connecting their phones to them?
> From: "Paul G" <pgloe@optonline.net>
> Organization: Optimum Online
> Newsgroups: alt.cellular.verizon
> Date: Sat, 14 Jan 2006 11:52:51 -0500
> Subject: The Verizon Experience
>
> As a Verizon customer since the beginning days, I have to say it's never
> been easy making a simple purchase. Usually you know far more about the
> equipment, functionality and network than any of their reps do. As a
> "gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon every year, and
> always pay top dollar having to fit their policy quirks you're all too
> familiar with.
> Went into the flagship store at 42nd and 6th in NYC yesterday to
> purchase the Treo 650. Having had a 600, and not liking the 700w, this
> was my choice.
> I use my 600 with my regular plan...no data plan...use my minutes.
> Get this...Verizon "is not permitted to let a 650 leave the store
> without upgrading you to a data plan."
> Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650, and they won't
> cell it to me because I won't buy into one of the data plans. In
> addition, I was told "well, you could sign up for per minute use, then
> cancel, but the data features on the 650 would then not work...we shut
> them off."
> Are they that eager to loose long term customers?
> I told them over the phone they would sell me a 650 without a data plan,
> and the response was "sir, we sell service...over the phone, Verizon
> sells phones."
> We are all very knowledgeable here...thought you'd enjoy this, and I
> appreciate your comments.
> Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of leaving Verizon,
> after a reply to my presidential letter of complaint. I want to see what
> Verizon has to say to keep a long term customer.
> Thanks for listening!
>
>
| |
| TeddeLI 2006-01-14, 11:48 pm |
| On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:08:03 GMT, Bill Nasso <bnasso@mindspring.com>
wrote:
>I was in that store last night. A zoo. I expected some of it, but at that
>store it's a company embarrassment. I had Verizon service 2 yrs then
>switched last week (2 yrs + 1 day into 2 yr contracy) to Sprint for a phone
>which didn't have its Bluetooth capabilities disabled. All Verizon's will
>support are headsets, no laptops, etc and I wanted to be able to sync
>contacts/calendar and to use the phone to access the EV-DO broadband using
>the phone as a wireless modem. Can't do.
>
>Sprint has a sexy new Samsung MM-A900 (aka Blade) and it, in my opinion
>looks and feels better than the Razr. And Sprint allows full connectivity,
>including as a modem. But I'm a Mac user and both Sprint and Samsung seem
>not to have ever heard of Apple computer. Plus, Yesterday in Manhattan --
>Manhattan of all places -- I couldn't connect to the Sprint network. So,
>that's it for me and Sprint.
>
>Now, I'm shopping again. May try Cingular. Their phones allow all
>Bluetooth options, including with their Razr, but Motorola has yet to
>release it's connection kit for the phone with necessary drivers and desktop
>software for syncing. Plus, I like GSM, but had a bad few weeks with the
>old AT&T and am a bit gun shy.
>
>I'm tired about the confusion in the marketplace and the near-universal lack
>of knowledge in the sales force. So, to cut my losses, I'm likely to go
>back to Verizon this week. (At least I'll be able to talk with my wife
>without chewing up minutes again.)
>
>All this is going to two questions:
>
>Who thinks which carrier is best?
>
>And, any Mac users with experience connecting their phones to them?
>
>
The majority of your post was about features and very little about
making and receiving calls. That's what Id be most interested in. It's
a cell phone.
| |
| Steve Sobol 2006-01-15, 2:48 am |
| Lena wrote:
> Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Coverage is the thing.
> Think you are annoyed now? Think how annoyed you will be when you
> can't make a call where you used to with VZW.
1) Verizon isn't always the best carrier and doesn't even have a network in
some major cities in the southwest
2) Verizon is great if you're in, say, a top-50 market, but apparently if
you live in a smaller city they may ignore coverage and repair issues (my
experience bears this out, as well as anecdotal evidence from some other
a.c.v regulars)
3) for the price they charge, they had damned well better be sending someone
over to charge my battery every night :) OK, actually, in many places, the
network IS superior and worth the extra money. But not everywhere, and there
are other factors to consider too.
--
Steve Sobol, Professional Geek 888-480-4638 PGP: 0xE3AE35ED
Company website: http://JustThe.net/
Personal blog, resume, portfolio: http://SteveSobol.com/
E: sjsobol@JustThe.net Snail: 22674 Motnocab Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307
| |
|
|
Steve Sobol wrote:
> Lena wrote:
>
[color=darkred]
> 1) Verizon isn't always the best carrier and doesn't even have a network in
> some major cities in the southwest
The original poster is in NEW YORK CITY (that's what NYC stands for).
My comment was directed at him, not to start a discussion as to which
company is the best throughout the US.
> OK, actually, in many places, the
> network IS superior and worth the extra money.
Damn right.
Lena
| |
| DavyDE 2006-01-15, 5:48 pm |
| No matter how 'good' their network coverage is, there is nothing special
about Verizon that justifies charging $45 for wireless data, when others
like Sprint charge much less.
I've always had Sprint, since 1999 (same number actually), and has worked
for ME where I ever go (Houston, NYC, Atlanta...) and data at $15 can't be
beat. Even for a few months that I had no access to high speed internet, my
650 tethered to my PowerBook was my all, literarily.
Anyway back to your post. It seems weird that they are trying to "force" you
to buy a ridiculously overpriced data plan you obviously don't want or need.
Can you not just buy the phone online at full price without any plan
changes, or look on ebay for a brand new VZW Treo 650?
On 1/14/06 11:52 AM, in article t%9yf.861$IM2.304@fe12.lga, "Paul G"
<pgloe@optonline.net> wrote:
> As a Verizon customer since the beginning days, I have to say it's never
> been easy making a simple purchase. Usually you know far more about the
> equipment, functionality and network than any of their reps do. As a
> "gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon every year, and
> always pay top dollar having to fit their policy quirks you're all too
> familiar with.
> Went into the flagship store at 42nd and 6th in NYC yesterday to
> purchase the Treo 650. Having had a 600, and not liking the 700w, this
> was my choice.
> I use my 600 with my regular plan...no data plan...use my minutes.
> Get this...Verizon "is not permitted to let a 650 leave the store
> without upgrading you to a data plan."
> Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650, and they won't
> cell it to me because I won't buy into one of the data plans. In
> addition, I was told "well, you could sign up for per minute use, then
> cancel, but the data features on the 650 would then not work...we shut
> them off."
> Are they that eager to loose long term customers?
> I told them over the phone they would sell me a 650 without a data plan,
> and the response was "sir, we sell service...over the phone, Verizon
> sells phones."
> We are all very knowledgeable here...thought you'd enjoy this, and I
> appreciate your comments.
> Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of leaving Verizon,
> after a reply to my presidential letter of complaint. I want to see what
> Verizon has to say to keep a long term customer.
> Thanks for listening!
>
>
| |
| Paul G 2006-01-15, 5:48 pm |
| In response to this post...living in NJ and working in NYC, I always
went out of my way to go to this store, as it was always staffed with
very aware staff. Only a year ago, I was very impressed. This year, it
was obvious the staff was taught to make sales, and had no knowledge of
anything above the basic phone.
On an interesting note, a short walk to another carrier (unnamed for
those who think I need to "get over myself")...the first question was
"tell me about you technical understanding, so I can work with you on
the appropriate level...and she did.
True, coverage is the main issue, but at what cost?
Thanks for the replies and thoughts, and be well.
"Bill Nasso" <bnasso@mindspring.com> wrote in message
news:BFEEFC92. BC842%bnasso@mindspr
ing.com...
>I was in that store last night. A zoo. I expected some of it, but at
>that
> store it's a company embarrassment. I had Verizon service 2 yrs then
> switched last week (2 yrs + 1 day into 2 yr contracy) to Sprint for a
> phone
> which didn't have its Bluetooth capabilities disabled. All Verizon's
> will
> support are headsets, no laptops, etc and I wanted to be able to sync
> contacts/calendar and to use the phone to access the EV-DO broadband
> using
> the phone as a wireless modem. Can't do.
>
> Sprint has a sexy new Samsung MM-A900 (aka Blade) and it, in my
> opinion
> looks and feels better than the Razr. And Sprint allows full
> connectivity,
> including as a modem. But I'm a Mac user and both Sprint and Samsung
> seem
> not to have ever heard of Apple computer. Plus, Yesterday in
> Manhattan --
> Manhattan of all places -- I couldn't connect to the Sprint network.
> So,
> that's it for me and Sprint.
>
> Now, I'm shopping again. May try Cingular. Their phones allow all
> Bluetooth options, including with their Razr, but Motorola has yet to
> release it's connection kit for the phone with necessary drivers and
> desktop
> software for syncing. Plus, I like GSM, but had a bad few weeks with
> the
> old AT&T and am a bit gun shy.
>
> I'm tired about the confusion in the marketplace and the
> near-universal lack
> of knowledge in the sales force. So, to cut my losses, I'm likely to
> go
> back to Verizon this week. (At least I'll be able to talk with my
> wife
> without chewing up minutes again.)
>
> All this is going to two questions:
>
> Who thinks which carrier is best?
>
> And, any Mac users with experience connecting their phones to them?
>
>
>
| |
| Frankster 2006-01-15, 5:48 pm |
| > Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650, and they won't
> cell it to me because I won't buy into one of the data plans.
Personally, I can condone this policy. After all, the 650 is virtually
designed for data, with a voice capability (also!). Hehe...
About data, my view is that VZW will be backing off on this in the future.
Backing down the price, that is. I believe this whole data sales initiative
was born in days when data on a cell phone was a luxury and uncommon. As it
becomes more common, the price will go down and down. VZW has already
(recently) lowered the data plan from $89/mo to $59/mo. I look to see a
lower rate (maybe $39 or $49/mo) in another year. Why? Because you can now
get this same capability in most coffee houses and hotels for FREE all over
the country. As Internet access becomes more and more accessible and lower
and lower in cost, VZW will have worn out its welcome with high price data
plans. I view the current pricing as normal evolution. Lower rates to
come... stay tuned. MY VIEW!
-Frank
| |
| Paul G 2006-01-15, 11:48 pm |
| Along with Verizon backing down from their data views will come a move
away from CDMA to GSM...that's my take. I love CDMA, but Verizon's data
interests have bee a big part of it's survival (existance?) in this
country.
The next few years will be interesting.....
"Frankster" <Frank@SPAM2TRASH.com> wrote in message
news:WPWdnbUWEqgUBlf
enZ2dnUVZ_sOdnZ2d@gi
ganews.com...
>
> Personally, I can condone this policy. After all, the 650 is
> virtually designed for data, with a voice capability (also!). Hehe...
>
> About data, my view is that VZW will be backing off on this in the
> future. Backing down the price, that is. I believe this whole data
> sales initiative was born in days when data on a cell phone was a
> luxury and uncommon. As it becomes more common, the price will go down
> and down. VZW has already (recently) lowered the data plan from $89/mo
> to $59/mo. I look to see a lower rate (maybe $39 or $49/mo) in another
> year. Why? Because you can now get this same capability in most
> coffee houses and hotels for FREE all over the country. As Internet
> access becomes more and more accessible and lower and lower in cost,
> VZW will have worn out its welcome with high price data plans. I view
> the current pricing as normal evolution. Lower rates to come... stay
> tuned. MY VIEW!
>
> -Frank
>
| |
| Steve Sobol 2006-01-15, 11:48 pm |
| Lena wrote:
> Steve Sobol wrote:
>
>
> The original poster is in NEW YORK CITY (that's what NYC stands for).
> My comment was directed at him, not to start a discussion as to which
> company is the best throughout the US.
>
>
> Damn right.
I know I'm right - I loved Verizon's coverage in my hometown, and the
coverage in most of SoCal is solid too. Actually, as I've said in a
Google-able post to this group, coverage IS NOT the reason why I left Verizon.
I was just making a point. It's not a given that others won't have coverage
where Verizon does in any given market. It's not a given that Verizon will
have perfect coverage in a certain area.
--
Steve Sobol, Professional Geek 888-480-4638 PGP: 0xE3AE35ED
Company website: http://JustThe.net/
Personal blog, resume, portfolio: http://SteveSobol.com/
E: sjsobol@JustThe.net Snail: 22674 Motnocab Road, Apple Valley, CA 92307
| |
| Quick 2006-01-15, 11:48 pm |
| DavyDE wrote:
>
> Anyway back to your post. It seems weird that they are
> trying to "force" you to buy a ridiculously overpriced
> data plan you obviously don't want or need. Can you not
> just buy the phone online at full price without any plan
> changes, or look on ebay for a brand new VZW Treo 650?
They are not trying to "force" him to buy anything. That
happens to be their policy at the moment. Buy the phone
only with a data plan. Don't want the data plan, buy a different
phone. Don't like the available options? Vote with your dollars
and go with a competitor or do without.
"ridiculously overpriced data plan" is not true for anyone who
is paying for it. If it was they wouldn't pay for it? or they need
psychiatric help.
"you obviously don't want or need". If he doesn't want or need
it there is a pay-as-you-go data plan. It costs exactly $0 if you
don't use it.
-Quick
| |
| Quick 2006-01-15, 11:48 pm |
| Paul G wrote:
> In response to this post...living in NJ and working in
> NYC, I always went out of my way to go to this store, as
> it was always staffed with very aware staff. Only a year
> ago, I was very impressed. This year, it was obvious the
> staff was taught to make sales, and had no knowledge of
> anything above the basic phone.
I'm sorry. I must have gotten the wrong impression from
your original post. It sounded to me like you were miffed
that they wouldn't make an exception to their national
plan/policy since you were a long time customer. Did
I misread it?
-Quick
| |
| Quick 2006-01-15, 11:48 pm |
| Paul G wrote:
> Along with Verizon backing down from their data views
> will come a move away from CDMA to GSM...that's my take.
> I love CDMA, but Verizon's data interests have bee a big
> part of it's survival (existance?) in this country.
> The next few years will be interesting.....
If data is critical to their survival that would be a main
reason to stick with CDMA (not to mention the staggering
cost of converting their network).
-Quick
| |
| Frankster 2006-01-15, 11:48 pm |
|
"Quick" <quick7135-news@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:mtDyf.17340$or4.1810@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
> Paul G wrote:
>
> If data is critical to their survival that would be a main
> reason to stick with CDMA (not to mention the staggering
> cost of converting their network).
>
> -Quick
>
I believe they will stick with CDMA for the foreseeable future, but they
will never be able to maintain their current data pricing.
-Frank
| |
| Quick 2006-01-15, 11:48 pm |
| Frankster wrote:
> "Quick" <quick7135-news@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:mtDyf.17340$or4.1810@newssvr12.news.prodigy.com...
>
> I believe they will stick with CDMA for the foreseeable
> future, but they will never be able to maintain their
> current data pricing.
You didn't mention pricing in the above that I responded
to. I was going to cut and paste the first sentence from
above to here but that's all you said with the entire post.
Unless by "backing down from their data views" you meant
reducing their pricing? I gathered that "CDMA to GSM" was
the main thrust of your post.
Even so it depends. It's possible that VZW is targeting their
data service for their corporate accounts and may actually
want to discourage individual data plan usage. By data service
I mean only that. Data calls and modem. Maybe they want
to get away from that and the associated support costs and
only sell application services? Vcast would be a very good
example. If this is the case then you could even see individual
data plan pricing go up.
-Quick
| |
| David S 2006-01-16, 2:48 am |
| On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 00:08:03 GMT, Bill Nasso <bnasso@mindspring.com> chose
to add this to the great equation of life, the universe, and everything:
> I had Verizon service 2 yrs then
>switched last week (2 yrs + 1 day into 2 yr contracy) to Sprint for a phone
>which didn't have its Bluetooth capabilities disabled. All Verizon's will
>support are headsets, no laptops, etc and I wanted to be able to sync
>contacts/calendar and to use the phone to access the EV-DO broadband using
>the phone as a wireless modem. Can't do.
Actually, as I followed the instructions on Howard Forums for enabling
everything on my E815, I was surprised to learn that the *only* thing that
requires a programming hack is transferring pictures and such, and that
applies to both bluetooth and the USB cable. You have to dial ##DIALUP (or
is it **DIALUP?) on the phone's keypad to enable dialup networking, but
again, you have to do that even if you're using a cable to connect, and it
stays set that way until you change it back, with no known downside to
changing it and leaving it.
IOW, the only thing I know of that you can't do via bluetooth is the hack
itself to enable OBEX. (Actually, I don't *know* that that can't be done
with BT, because I don't know if anyone's tried it, but actually I hope you
can't or it might lead to malicious and possibly irrecoverable
reprogramming of your phone by someone who happens to be near you for a few
minutes.)
--
David Streeter, "an internet god" -- Dave Barry
http://home.att.net/~dwstreeter
Remove the naughty bit from my address to reply
Expect a train on ANY track at ANY time.
"I would like to have seen Montana." - Vasily Borodin in the movie version
of 'The Hunt for Red October'
| |
| George 2006-01-16, 5:48 pm |
| Paul G wrote:
> Along with Verizon backing down from their data views will come a move
> away from CDMA to GSM...that's my take. I love CDMA, but Verizon's data
> interests have bee a big part of it's survival (existance?) in this
> country.
> The next few years will be interesting.....
>
Why? CDMA is superior and the GSM folks are already preparing to move in
that direction.
| |
| David S 2006-01-17, 5:48 pm |
| On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 11:59:20 -0700, "Frankster" <Frank@SPAM2TRASH.com>
chose to add this to the great equation of life, the universe, and
everything:
>. I look to see a
>lower rate (maybe $39 or $49/mo) in another year. Why? Because you can now
>get this same capability in most coffee houses and hotels for FREE all over
>the country. As Internet access becomes more and more accessible and lower
>and lower in cost, VZW will have worn out its welcome with high price data
>plans. I view the current pricing as normal evolution. Lower rates to
>come... stay tuned. MY VIEW!
Two rebuttals to that.
1. A person riding on a train or even as a passenger in a car can't use
wifi to stay connected like they can use a cellular-based access system.
2. There was just a ratings-grabbing scary story on the local news last
night about fake wifi points being set up by scammers who grab user names
and passwords to email and financial sites accessed through them and use
the info to rip people off.
[Irrelevant aside: A guy I know said he got his daughter a new laptop for
Christmas. She set it up, found a neighbor's unsecured wifi, hopped on it
and started chatting with her friends, and has been using it ever since.]
--
David Streeter, "an internet god" -- Dave Barry
http://home.att.net/~dwstreeter
Remove the naughty bit from my address to reply
Expect a train on ANY track at ANY time.
"Would you like to talk to Father Mulcahy?" - B.J. Hunnicutt
"Okay, but I'm an atheist." - wounded soldier
"Really?" - B.J.
"Swear to God." - soldier
| |
| Frankster 2006-01-17, 5:48 pm |
| > [Irrelevant aside: A guy I know said he got his daughter a new laptop for
> Christmas. She set it up, found a neighbor's unsecured wifi, hopped on it
> and started chatting with her friends, and has been using it ever since.]
Not so irrelevant. I've done that myself. Often. I use my laptop to hop on
the Internet all over the place. In apartments, in shopping centers, in
coffee houses, in business centers (like Kinko's) - all over. I have a
T-Mobil data account spefically for my laptop ($29/mo) that works in
Starbucks all over the country. But most coffee houses are now free. I also
use my LG VX8000, tethered to my laptop, for VZW EVDO access for MOU only (I
know, don't ask don't tell!).
The reason your point is not irrelevant is that as Internet access becomes
widely available on laptops and cell phones all around the country, the VZW
price will have to go down down down. The proverbial writing is on the wall.
There are those that will say that VZW's data service is so "national" and
so good that it is worth the price. I agree... for now. But not for long.
It's not worth the price for me even now. But I know it is for some. I
really believe you will see that changing though, as Internet access becomes
literally available "anywhere" for free.
-Frank
| |
| Remove This 2006-01-17, 5:48 pm |
|
"Frankster" <Frank@SPAM2TRASH.com> wrote in message
news:5dudnQ6DQsfSkFD
enZ2dnUVZ_tWdnZ2d@gi
ganews.com...
> There are those that will say that VZW's data service is so "national" and
> so good that it is worth the price. I agree... for now. But not for long.
> It's not worth the price for me even now. But I know it is for some.
You don't need to sell to "all" to make a profit, only "some".
The margin is there (at this time).
--
I work for the ILEC ...." stuff happens! "
| |
|
| Frankster wrote:
>
> Not so irrelevant. I've done that myself. Often. I use
> my laptop to hop on the Internet all over the place. In
> apartments, in shopping centers, in coffee houses, in
> business centers (like Kinko's) - all over. I have a
> T-Mobil data account spefically for my laptop ($29/mo)
> that works in Starbucks all over the country. But most
> coffee houses are now free. I also use my LG VX8000,
> tethered to my laptop, for VZW EVDO access for MOU only
> (I know, don't ask don't tell!).
>
> The reason your point is not irrelevant is that as
> Internet access becomes widely available on laptops and
> cell phones all around the country, the VZW price will
> have to go down down down. The proverbial writing is on
> the wall.
>
> There are those that will say that VZW's data service is
> so "national" and so good that it is worth the price. I
> agree... for now. But not for long. It's not worth the
> price for me even now. But I know it is for some. I
> really believe you will see that changing though, as
> Internet access becomes literally available "anywhere"
> for free.
Until they broadcast wifi over entire cities there will be a
very viable market for this. And not everyone is pinching
pennies to make checking their personal email and newsgroup
reading economical. Think business, which I believe VZW
is targeting. $100/month is very acceptable for those that
just have to have it. Even if it's only a few minutes a few
times a week.
Yes, we're keeping score.... so far you've jumped in to claim:
1) They're going from CDMA to GSM in the next few years...
2) There is no privacy of anyone's personal information because
"everybody knows that it happens ALL the time" -- in response
to the question "Has VZW made any official statements as to
whether they actively distribute or sell personal information".
3) They're going to turn off analog leaving no coverage in those
areas only covered by analog.
4) and now this.
All in a short amount of time. I'm impressed.
-Quick
| |
| Frankster 2006-01-17, 5:48 pm |
| > Yes, we're keeping score....
So, you think you speak for everyone in this newsgroup? Interesting.
Why don't you limit your newsgroup etiquette discussions to a newsgroup
etiquette group.
-Frank
| |
| Frankster 2006-01-17, 5:48 pm |
| > so far you've jumped in to claim:
> 1) They're going from CDMA to GSM in the next few years...
I did not say that and I challenge you to show that I did. I, in fact,
replied to the poster that did say that and said I did not see that
happening in the forseable future. Learn how to read.
> 2) There is no privacy of anyone's personal information because
> "everybody knows that it happens ALL the time" -- in response
> to the question "Has VZW made any official statements as to
> whether they actively distribute or sell personal information".
I didn't say that there was "no privacy". I did say that it happens all the
time. And it does.
> 3) They're going to turn off analog leaving no coverage in those
> areas only covered by analog.
I did not say that and I challenge you to show that I did.
> 4) and now this.
"This" is my opinion, which I am entittled to post and I will continue doing
so.
> All in a short amount of time. I'm impressed.
You're timing me too?
LOL
-Frank
| |
| Frankster 2006-01-17, 5:48 pm |
| > so far you've jumped in to claim:
BTW, regarding my "jumping" in. Would you prefer for me to ask politely, "Is
it okay with everybody if I post my opinion now?" before I post? Just
wondered what "jumped in" had to do with anything and why you feel the need
to use that phrase. Never mind, I already know. Just a rhetorical question.
-Frank
| |
|
| Frankster wrote:
>
> BTW, regarding my "jumping" in. Would you prefer for me
> to ask politely, "Is it okay with everybody if I post my
> opinion now?" before I post? Just wondered what "jumped
> in" had to do with anything and why you feel the need to
> use that phrase. Never mind, I already know. Just a
> rhetorical question.
No, maybe not. It just stands out when someone injects
a negative/opposing view into a large number of threads on
different topics and is consistently so far off the mark or
just wrong. I can only imagine your objective is attention
and to be recognized. That's OK. It's usenet.
and no. Larry is not an example of that. Larry has a very
consistent agenda and sticks to a small set of topic related
threads.
-Quick
| |
| Frankster 2006-01-17, 5:48 pm |
|
"Quick" <quick7135-news@NOSPAMyahoo.com> wrote in message
news:77bzf.10117$H71.9199@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com...
> Frankster wrote:
>
> No, maybe not. It just stands out when someone injects
> a negative/opposing view into a large number of threads on
> different topics and is consistently so far off the mark or
> just wrong. I can only imagine your objective is attention
> and to be recognized. That's OK. It's usenet.
>
> and no. Larry is not an example of that. Larry has a very
> consistent agenda and sticks to a small set of topic related
> threads.
>
> -Quick
>
>
I can assure you that my intention is not to be recognized. I view
newsgroups a lot like a gathering around a water cooler. Basic tit for tat
opinions and discussion. Nothing more. I stated my views were simply views
in most cases, or opinions, or hoped anyone reading them was smart enough to
know that, even if I didn't specifically use the word opinion. I often don't
state "facts" or "references" for my opinions. I suppose I would if I was
trying to prove a point. But I am not. I am simply stating my views and
opinions. I don't really care who agrees and who does not. I most definitely
did not consider my statements negative in any way. I simply had a different
opinion that some others (including you). Sometimes it's good to have
comments from both sides to spur on a good discussion. I just don't take
kindly to inferences of wrong or right or stupidity directed toward anyone
(including me) for expressing opinions. If an opinion proves to be wrong, in
fact, then so be it. No problem. Most of the things I have discussed in
this ng in the last few days were fairly philosophical and not very
proveable or unproveable. Just my opinions.
-Frank
| |
| David S 2006-01-18, 11:48 pm |
| On Tue, 17 Jan 2006 11:37:23 -0700, "Frankster" <Frank@SPAM2TRASH.com>
chose to add this to the great equation of life, the universe, and
everything:
>
>I did not say that and I challenge you to show that I did. I, in fact,
>replied to the poster that did say that and said I did not see that
>happening in the forseable future. Learn how to read.
He's got you there, Quick. It was Paul G who said that:
http://groups.google.com/group/alt....23354c74fbdd04b
-> Along with Verizon backing down from their data views will come a move
-> away from CDMA to GSM...that's my take. I love CDMA, but Verizon's data
-> interests have bee a big part of it's survival (existance?) in this
-> country.
-> The next few years will be interesting.....
--
David Streeter, "an internet god" -- Dave Barry
http://home.att.net/~dwstreeter
Remove the naughty bit from my address to reply
Expect a train on ANY track at ANY time.
"This is the earliest I've ever been late." - Yogi Berra
| |
| ANDREW 2006-01-20, 5:48 pm |
| Back to the original Post:
Get the 650 on Ebay, around $300 no need to get a data account.
I had a data account for 4 months only used 1/10 of the data usage just
because I knew I was paying for it. I just didn't like trying to see the
pages and text the size of playing card. Called and after getting an
understanding that I would be charged a per "bit" or "bite" fee they removed
the data plan. Two months later I sold the Treo 650.
I didn't like the phone that much rather use my laptop for internet and my
phone for calls.
I had a problem with AT&T after two years of service as when they started
switching to GSM they cut my local calling area to around 20 square miles
then they started making all kinds of changes.
Verizon has been pretty good but I hate dealing with the main store people
are pretty confused although they added some contract technicians who seem
pretty good.
I just think the new generation is pretty clueless and customer service is
at an all time low. The seem to have a lack of role reversal and
understanding that what if it were my phone or my problem.
Andrew
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul G" <pgloe@optonline.net>
Newsgroups: alt.cellular.verizon
Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2006 9:52 AM
Subject: The Verizon Experience
> As a Verizon customer since the beginning days, I have to say it's never
> been easy making a simple purchase. Usually you know far more about the
> equipment, functionality and network than any of their reps do. As a
> "gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon every year, and
> always pay top dollar having to fit their policy quirks you're all too
> familiar with.
> Went into the flagship store at 42nd and 6th in NYC yesterday to purchase
> the Treo 650. Having had a 600, and not liking the 700w, this was my
> choice.
> I use my 600 with my regular plan...no data plan...use my minutes.
> Get this...Verizon "is not permitted to let a 650 leave the store without
> upgrading you to a data plan."
> Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650, and they won't
> cell it to me because I won't buy into one of the data plans. In addition,
> I was told "well, you could sign up for per minute use, then cancel, but
> the data features on the 650 would then not work...we shut them off."
> Are they that eager to loose long term customers?
> I told them over the phone they would sell me a 650 without a data plan,
> and the response was "sir, we sell service...over the phone, Verizon sells
> phones."
> We are all very knowledgeable here...thought you'd enjoy this, and I
> appreciate your comments.
> Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of leaving Verizon,
> after a reply to my presidential letter of complaint. I want to see what
> Verizon has to say to keep a long term customer.
> Thanks for listening!
>
"Paul G" <pgloe@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:t%9yf.861$IM2.304@fe12.lga...
> As a Verizon customer since the beginning days, I have to say it's never
> been easy making a simple purchase. Usually you know far more about the
> equipment, functionality and network than any of their reps do. As a
> "gageteer" I probably purchase a new phone from Verizon every year, and
> always pay top dollar having to fit their policy quirks you're all too
> familiar with.
> Went into the flagship store at 42nd and 6th in NYC yesterday to purchase
> the Treo 650. Having had a 600, and not liking the 700w, this was my
> choice.
> I use my 600 with my regular plan...no data plan...use my minutes.
> Get this...Verizon "is not permitted to let a 650 leave the store without
> upgrading you to a data plan."
> Okay, so I'm willing to pay full $519 price for the 650, and they won't
> cell it to me because I won't buy into one of the data plans. In addition,
> I was told "well, you could sign up for per minute use, then cancel, but
> the data features on the 650 would then not work...we shut them off."
> Are they that eager to loose long term customers?
> I told them over the phone they would sell me a 650 without a data plan,
> and the response was "sir, we sell service...over the phone, Verizon sells
> phones."
> We are all very knowledgeable here...thought you'd enjoy this, and I
> appreciate your comments.
> Finally, despite the great coverage, I'm thinking of leaving Verizon,
> after a reply to my presidential letter of complaint. I want to see what
> Verizon has to say to keep a long term customer.
> Thanks for listening!
>
| |
| Quick 2006-01-20, 11:48 pm |
| ANDREW wrote:
> Back to the original Post:
>
> Get the 650 on Ebay, around $300 no need to get a data
> account.
Well... maybe if you want to activate it.
-Quick
|
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|
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