Stop Verizon Wireless Megabyte Usage Charges
First off I want to say that if you are a Verizon Wireless customer and have been stuck with outrageous charges on your bill from “megabyte usage”, you are not alone. Since Verizon has decided to switch over to a per-megabyte usage charge, complaints have been piling up all over the Internet in response to its vague and deceiving outlines.
Apparently there is mass confusion over what constitutes megabyte usage. I will settle this for now and say anything you do with your phone besides making voice calls uses megabytes. The real question is, what does Verizon want to charge as megabyte usage. Verizon charges $2 dollars for 1 megabyte of usage, so even if you only use your programapplication once or download one ringtone you are charged $2 dollars.
What Verizon Charges for
- Downloading and using most applications on your phone. Almost every game and program you can download to your phone will use a data connection that will be charged per megabyte. $7 dollars to buy the game. $2 dollars for 5 uses of the game you never really bought.
- Using a mobile web browser to view web pages on your phone. Pretty self explanatory.
- Browsing for applications, games or anything else under Get it Now. In the past your could browse freely and not be charged a dime. Now Verizon is capitalizing on customers who are simply looking to buy. Definitely not self explanatory.
This new pricing policy from Verizon is simply out of line. Could you image a store where you are charged by how much you look around for things to buy? That is basically how it works with the new pricing policy. First you have to pay to download a list of applications, next you pay to download a application, then you pay to use that that application, and finally you pay to download your item. You can’t even window shop without paying a fine.
How to Stop the Usage Charges
My first thought to combat these usage charges was to turn off data usage on my phone. All phones have the option to turn data off so I figured it would fix this type of problem. It unfortunately doesn’t stop data from being sent at all.
This next method should work for everybody though. Verizon has certain options that can be added and removed from your phone. Some features that can be added actually block certain services such as application downloads, ringtone downloads and ext. Adding these blocking features should keep you and your family from getting stuck with outrageous megabyte usage charges. Here are the steps to do this.
Update1: Blocking these services will not stop charges for applications and games already installed on your phone. If you already have applications or games on your phone, you either have to delete them or stop using them all together. If you do not delete them, you still may be charged for accidental usage or other “unknown reasons”.
Update2: Rhonda Scott’s comment below points out that even if you block the get it now feature, you will still be charged for accidentally “attempting” to access a blocked service if you click on Get it now. Blocking Get It Now will stop the massive charges though.
- Log into your Verizon Wireless account online
- Click on My Verizon, then My Services, and then My Phone
- On the left, under My Phone Actions, click on AddRemove features
- Under Multimedia”block services” add the following options
- Block Ringback Tone Purchase
- V CAST Music Block
- Block Mobile Web
- Block V CAST Video Clips
- Block Application Downloads
- Click continue, verify your selection, and you’re done
Verizon also offers many plans that include unlimited data usage for your phone. These new usage charges are a great way to get people to upgrade to these plans, mainly because people want to continue using their applications and games without paying massive fees. So people are duped into upgrading their plan and paying a rate hike for the same service they had the month before.
I say if you can get out of your Verizon plan, for a reasonable amount of money, do it. Verizon Wireless is ran by a bunch of snakes that are constantly studying how they can convince the consumer into paying more, without actually getting more. I, for one, am done with Verizon and it’s unjust policies.
If you feel your rights as a consumer has been violated voice your opinion below on your experiences
If you wish to file a complaint we recommend you contact the Better Business Bureau, your local state’s Attorney General, and the New Jersey Attorney General.
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Community Comments
82 Comments
on October 16th, 2008 at 9:45 pm Said:
Thanks for the info above.
I guess I am the latest victim of Verizon Wireless customer :-(
on October 22nd, 2008 at 5:32 pm Said:
I would like to sincerely thank you for informing “consumer America” of the Verizon Wireless scam. WHAT PIGS THEY ARE! I actually have Verizon Wireless and recently discovered these mysterious charges on my latest bill… something had to be done! Your article was very informative. As soon as my plan contract expires, I’m cancelling Verizon. If I cancel too early, they’ll charge me for that too!! My goodness!! Anyway, thanks again and I hope someone else finds this just as helpful as I did!
on October 27th, 2008 at 4:34 pm Said:
I too have been duped by verizon. I was told I had to switch to the new nationwide plan in order to get the phone I wanted. I have to pay an extra $10 on my plan and now I get all these extra charges for data usage. The thing is, I don’t even know what I was into to warrant these charges! I don’t like having to pay for every little thing.
on October 29th, 2008 at 4:29 pm Said:
If there isn’t a block mobile web option, does that mean I’m not allowed to block it?
on October 30th, 2008 at 1:11 am Said:
There should be no reason why you can’t block mobile web unless you are part of a plan that includes mobile web. What is included with your plan and what are you being charged for?
on November 3rd, 2008 at 10:21 pm Said:
I completely agree. Love the part about being charged to shop. I tried explaining this to the woman with their “customer service” to no avail. The conversation went like this:
Me: So if I download a ringtone you charge me for the ringtone and then the usage to download the ringtone. Aren’t I getting charged twice for the same thing?
Woman: No, one is for the ringtone and one charge is for the megabyte usage.
Me: Yeah, that’s what I said…twice for the same thing.
on November 7th, 2008 at 8:53 pm Said:
I myself also found mysterious ‘megabyte charges’ on my phone bill (who knows how long I’ve been getting charges like this). It looks like I was getting charged for time when I had accidentally pressed ‘get it now’ button (Verizon conveniently puts get it now button where it is easily accessiblt and is prone to being pressed accidentally)
I am furious!!!!
Thanks for the info!!! Does anyone know how I can stop Get it now feature?
on November 10th, 2008 at 5:26 pm Said:
BEWARE SLL GET CHARGED DATA CHARGES THAT YOU NEVER USED !!! If you have a smartphone and just want to connect it with a USB cable to your computer to “sync” your info with Outlook, they CHARGE YOU DATA TIME!! The phone is never even accessing the internet at all! It’s just backing up the info from your phone to your desktop!! Now I have heard everything…I always heard that VZW would disable features of a phone and then charge you to use them. Now this. WHAT IS NEXT ! I never had any issues for the 7 years I was with Sprint. Now I am with VZW and regret every month of my contract.
on November 11th, 2008 at 11:51 am Said:
i have had verizon almost two year now, and as eager as i am to cancel the plan, i found out every time i change my texting limit, suspend a line or basically call verizon with a question, my contract is extended. i fear i will never be released from verizons hard grib. i have two line and just to leave my plan would cost a fortune. Some how every month my bill is nearring $200.00.
IT IS ABSOLUTLY CRAZY! and considering my boyfriends phone, doesnt have get it now. we question why in one month i had $49.00 of 411 calls and $125.00 of megabyte usage on my line alone! getting things off your bill is a whole nother hassel, it takes to months to be credited to your bill if they are even willing to give you back 25% of what you aren’t even suppose to be charged for.
Verizon does have great coverage and signal at all times. i enjoy the organized set-up of the phones and the constant new and latest phones at verizon.
two bad i cant afford any of them or enjoy anything cause verizon is so pricy!
go with at&t. or even t-mobile. its better for the money! take my advice.
on November 13th, 2008 at 7:34 am Said:
I have Verizon access manager for my home internet and under my plan it allows 5 gig of usage a month, many of there employees do not know how to break down this usage to megabytes I know because I have spent hours on the phone attempting to resolve a $780.00 bill for one months usage.
In the end I did recieve a credit for 550.00 dollars but there usage claim was not accurate at all and they could not explain how it is tracked, Ok today I am aproaching my mega limit which by the way 5 gig = 5020 megabyte or at least so i am told anyway I just got off the phone with tech about the accuracy of usage and he said that there towers may not report for days or weeks on some accounts so you may think you are fine on usage and then at the last minute a tower reports usage from a week ago and now you are over. VERIZON CAN NOT CHECK USAGE ACCURATELY BUT CHARGES YOU AS IF THEY CAN. THIS SHOULD BE ILLEGAL!!!!!!
on November 14th, 2008 at 7:13 am Said:
Another victim of this scam. Today I check my bill online and is a new charge for megabites. Few days ago I bought a ringtone, and I was charged $3 for it and $8 just for browsing!!! are you f** kidding me? is like going to starbucks for a coffee, you pay 2 for espresso and 10 to enter! This is outrageous. I called them and they told me that they just changed the plan 2 months ago. but nobody ever told me anything! I’m cancelling VW as soon as my plan expires.
on November 19th, 2008 at 11:02 pm Said:
Give it a rest you all, if you go to Wal-Mart to buy something, you still use gas (transport charge) to get your butt to the store, and if you change your mind and don’t buy anything, you still used the gas. That’s what the $1.99 mb charge is, for browsing and if you do buy, you spent the gas to go to the store and you still have to pay for your purchases.
Now if you go online to products.vzw.com you CAN browse what’s available for purchase without the so-called “fine(s)” just like you can save your transport charges or gas by merely browsing Wal-Mart’s website, so how hard is that, and to the “helpful” guy at the beginning of this blog, you can block all you want but it you already have apps on your phone, you’ll still get mb charges if you use the phone’s apps you’ve already downloaded to the phone, so you have to remove those from the phone too (e.g. “guitar hero” and applications that enable future purchases, like VZW Tones Deluxe, etc. Data is here to stay and with the launch of the newest plans, you will have to choose a plan that covers data usage or choose a plan that doesn’t cover data. And for those of you who think the grass is greener with AT&T, Sprint, Alltel, TMobile, etc. don’t fool yourself, if you don’t read, read, read, read read your T&C and ask lots of questions, the other carriers will have similar issues, as VZW and at&t mirror each other’s plans, and fees, etc.
on November 22nd, 2008 at 8:47 am Said:
As Jeremy stated, Verizon will charge $1.99 JUST TO SCROLL THROUGH “Get it Now”, without ever even LOOKING at any ringtones. If you get a new phone and are clicking around the options to get used to it and just click on “Get it Now”, then click immediately off, they charge $1.99. I SMELL A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT COMING TO VERIZON. People, speak up!!!!!!!!!!
on November 23rd, 2008 at 10:00 pm Said:
I have been with Verizon for 5 years now. I get 1 to 0 bars in my house, while my friend’s phones (Tmobile and Sprint) get 5 to 6. I drop calls almost every day and my phone often doesn’t ring because of the horrible service, so I rely on voicemail to keep in touch. Still, I would have stayed with Verizon because most of my family has Verizon….however, with these new ridiculous charges I am done. My contract is up in May and I am done. Why even have a camera or video on your phone if you get charged $10 per pic to send them to your computer? I’ll try my luck somewhere else.
on November 23rd, 2008 at 10:03 pm Said:
Clooney works for Verizon.
on November 25th, 2008 at 2:28 pm Said:
As stated in the article you can turn off alot of mb using features, and I’ve done that…but..you can’t turn off Get It Now (per my last Verizon cust serv phone call). I have a $1.99 charge on at least one of my 3 phones every month and I don’t have a clue what they are for. I can tell from my timers that I somehow used 3kb of data but don’t know what on earth I did to incurr them. I’ve called them and get the lecture that I’m browsing games or ringtones, I’m not. I honestly have know idea what I’m doing to trigger the usage? I just want ALL mb using apps/features disabled but I apparently can’t do that. Otherwise I’ve been very happy with verizon.
on December 5th, 2008 at 12:57 pm Said:
Do not use 411 Ever! Use 1-800-GOOG 411 (1-800-466-4411) It’s free and will cost airtime only.
As far as Verizon goes, I have been a user for about 8 years (Business user,) and have been the sole manager for all of our cellular lines.
Honestly, their coverage is great (although signal strength in some areas have need for improvement.) The main issues I have with them are:
Lack of trained professionals to assist.
Changes within the Business Support Center usually don’t take affect until the 3rd time you call on the issue.
They have oddities like mailing out your bill to the wrong address; then calling and freaking out because your bill was not paid on time.
Any phone new capable of Vcast will be given this service on purchase unless specified otherwise. The first 30 days are free; then you are charged every month thereafter.
Their new every two thing is kinda crappy, especially when your warranty expires prior to your new every two. DO note that you can always purchased an “Out of Warranty Upgrade” which usually is charged only $50.00. This has saved us $$ on many occasions. They send refurbished equipment, however, on most cases the replacement does work and seems new. We have had 4 instances where this did not hold true though, so assure you look at the replacement carefully.
All and all, Verizon is just like most contract-carriers on the market. I have had sprint in the past, and let’s not even go there on their quality of …. anything. I enjoy verizon service, however, dislike many of the support persons, their abilities, and the lack of ownership when problems arise.
on December 6th, 2008 at 9:47 am Said:
I do work for Verizon. Just to clear some misconceptions.
Being charged to browse Get It Now, or use any data feature on your phone, is not new. Before you were charged Megabytes you were charged air time. Too many customers complained about going over their allotted minutes because they were not actually making phone calls so Verizon devised a way to charge for data separately.
I know a lot of this stuff gets skimmed over when you upgrade or change to a new plan but if you keep asking for an explanation it will be explained what exactly is used and why you’re being charged. The in store reps are somewhat better able to explain- you are there in person and they can go point by point over your bill with you if you want it explained.
Doubt anyone is going to have a successful class action law suit about data charges since you were always being charged anyway, just under a different section of your bill.
on December 8th, 2008 at 7:35 am Said:
My situation is a lot like Derl’s. I first discovered the problem last month and after an exaustive exhange of emails and phone calls with Verizon, I finally got the blocks put on my phone. Well… I thought I did. I asked them how to keep the charges from reoccuring and they suggested blocks for Get It Now and Mobile Web, so I put those on all my phones. They told me this would keep the charges from reoccuring and yet this month I’ve got mysterious charges once again! I see from the first post that I may not have blocked enough (from my kids’ phones maybe), but I know for a fact that I never did ANYTHING for megabyte charges and yet there they are.
Erica, you may work for Verizon, but you obviously have never had this problem and tried to get answers from your own customer service. I tried and tried to find out exactly what I did to get those charges and all they could tell me was that “the charges were valid”. I wanted to know what online page I supposedly went to or what button I hit on the phone and they could not tell me that. If they can track your phone that closely enough to know when to make the charge, they should also be able to track the actions that generated it.
And Erica, don’t give me this crap that I was always paying this charge but it was just in a different place on my bill! That does NOT explain why my bill is much HIGHER now when I have not changed the way I use my phone.
I used to tell my friends and family to get on Verizon to get in the IN network…..I won’t be doing that anymore.
on December 8th, 2008 at 11:11 am Said:
This is such crap! They didn’t even send me a letter telling me this was changing and I got charged $114 extra bucks. Merry f-ing Christmas to me. I hate Verizon.
on December 9th, 2008 at 11:51 am Said:
My phone was only charged $16 for this Megabyte Usage, but I was still very angry about it. When I first called Verizon to see what it was I was even getting charged for, they told me all of this and also said that you even get charged if you accidentally go to your “Get-It-Now” application. Even if you exited out of it right away, you’re still charged for it.
It’s all bullcrap.
on December 10th, 2008 at 9:12 pm Said:
I have noticed the same thing on my Verizonwireless bills, the infamous $1.99 MB charge that no one at Verizon can tell me where it came from, just that I used 0.001 KB so it rounds up to 1 MB. As I have asked them, they can tell me where each of my phone calls and text messages are to and from, but something that I have to pay extra for they cannot track? I find this insulting.
I ended up having to upgrade my plan because of the phone I was purchasing; I never got these MB charges before because the Get It Now would come off the time that I did not use to begin with, I have 700 (lowest I could get on a plan) minutes and use approximately 250 per month, so the browsing Get It Now was not hurting my minutes. Now, to get the charges stopped, I had to block all the features and guess what? I am still getting the $1.99 charge. It jumps from phone to phone, I have 5 on my plan. The only thing I did not block was the Internet because of the text/picture/video package that I pay extra for each month and if I block the Internet I will not be able to send/receive picture messages, but they can not pro-rate the text package plan if you block picture messages, that still has to be paid.
Then the customer service reps try to tell you that the charges are valid because here are the dates and times that they were made. Of course you ask what are the charges and there is no way for Verizon to know what they are except for MB usage. Also, this MB usage shows up as 0.00 MB so it really looks as if you are being charged for nothing except on the Verizon customer service reps computer it shows as 0.001 MB, which of course is rounded up to 1 MB.
Also, I was just told tonight when I had to call them about this same issue, that even though I have blocks on Get It Now and downloading on all phones, if someone would try to get on Get It Now or do it by accident, I will still get charged for MB usage just because it is “trying” to access the service. The rep told me that the tech support told her that just trying to connect the phone is using MB usage.
What a crop!!!! Just think what Verizon stockholders are making from these bogus charges at 1.99 per MB, per customer, per month, per year???? on their word against the customer. What happened to the customer knowing what he or she uses???
If they could at least tell me what was trying to be accessed I would be able to accept this, but as it stands, they can tell both ends of all phone calls and text messages, just not something that has extra charges in Verizon’s favor.
If the service was not as good as it is where I live, I would have cancelled Verizon years ago!!!
on December 10th, 2008 at 9:13 pm Said:
I’m sorry to hear about everybody being charged for these outrages fees. I recommend everyone who has unjustly received these charges to call or email Verizon and explain your frustration.
Even if Verizon choses not to change their fee structure, perhaps they would consider a half megabyte buffer-zone that is free.
This would at least prevent being charged for accidental usage, which for me, is the most outrageous part of this horrible policy change.
on December 18th, 2008 at 11:18 am Said:
Beware: Verizon charges $10 a month to block downloads…
on December 26th, 2008 at 7:26 pm Said:
ugh i agree totally. sometimes ill click on the internet or another browser by accident and i try to cancel out but it wont let me and i get charged for it. its ridiculous!
on December 29th, 2008 at 7:15 am Said:
I just received my Verizon wireless bill and my son had used his new LG Dare to access the web and ran up a data usage charge of over $550.00.
When I called Verizon I was told for $15.00 a month I could get Vcast unlimited data plan.
Will this Vcast plan actually eliminate data charges other than downloading ring tones and other billable software?
on December 29th, 2008 at 9:47 am Said:
Jeff42 -
Yes if you sign up for the unlimited data plan it would eliminate the data charges for web access. You would only be charged for ring tones and software.
You should also demand that they reverse the charges and instead charge you for the unlimited plan for the previous month.
The charges and guidelines are too vague for them not to reverse the charges. If they decline to, I recommend opening a case with the Better Business Bureau.
Hope that helps.
on December 31st, 2008 at 7:39 am Said:
hi, my name is matt. Im 14 years old and i just got a samsung glyde for xmas. I am thrilled with it but now i am worried because my parents and i are on a simple family plan, in fact, im using the mobile web right now to visit this site. I downloaded vcast secretly and its chargin me 15 bucks a month. Do i get unltd data with this? if not i am screwed cuz ive used 450 mb and that would total over 900 dollars with the 1.99 per mb charge. Please help me!
on December 31st, 2008 at 7:50 am Said:
oh and ive downoaded music ringtones games etc. If you subscribe to vcast dont you only get charged airtime?
on January 1st, 2009 at 8:08 am Said:
I too have been trying to get this understood/resolved for months now, had all of the Web, etc. blocks added, still had charges showing up. Long story short, I was finally told that in my case, the data usage fee’s were from picture/video messaging…something I pay to have “Unlimited” usage. The ONLY way to completely stop the MB usage fee’s would be for me to have them block picture/video messaging on my lines. So I have to block something which I’m paying extra to have unlimited usage of???? WHAT !…Made complete sense to the Verizon rep & Supervisor tho. There’s no other way to say it….Verizon is dis-honest and this has Class Action Lawsuit written all over it. And Erica, you should be ashamed of supporting your employer on this one.
on January 1st, 2009 at 12:28 pm Said:
ok. From what i understand, if you are paying the 15 dollars a month for all the vcast stuff you have ulimited web and data usage. You accumulate data by using the web, get it now, pic/vid messaging etc. Because i am paying 15 bucks a month it will not use up my minutes and the only way i can accumulate any other charges is if i pay for applications, games, ringtones, etc. Hope that helps. Now if you are paying 5 bucks a month you can use the web and it will take up minutes. On this plan however you will accumulate charges for get it now.
on January 3rd, 2009 at 2:21 pm Said:
if you block “get it now” will you still be able to keep and use the ringtones you bought without being charged for megabyte usage? or do you still have to pay? is the only way to avoid the charges to delete everything you downloaded? because i like my ringtones :(
on January 3rd, 2009 at 4:56 pm Said:
Hey Michelle,
If you block get it now, you can still use the ringtones you have already downloaded. You will not be charged to use ringtones, only to browse for them and download them.
I hope that helps a bit
on January 4th, 2009 at 4:11 pm Said:
okay thanx :)
on January 4th, 2009 at 6:33 pm Said:
Authorities need to force Verizon to make it difficult for young people not using the web. Right now, it is too easy to get on the web with no warning advising there will be outrageous charges for the service.
I believe Verizon make it easy so they could unfair charge its customers for” megabyte usage”,
Its just too many people have been deceiving by Verizon. I hope someone could stop them.
on January 18th, 2009 at 2:28 pm Said:
Clearly another example of corporate greed. I am all for a company making profit, but this is exactly the kind of behavior that begs for regulation.
I called their customer service to dispute the charge as I NEVER do anything other than use the phone for calls. I was told simply that since the $1.99 charge is on my bill, it is valid! They were supposed to call me back after researching HOW I used the internet. Of course, I never received a call back. I was looking for a reason to switch to an iPhone, and now I have it. As soon as my contract is over, I’ll never use Verizon again!
on January 21st, 2009 at 6:07 pm Said:
Like others… I don’t understand Verizon. I get charged Data charges that I haven’t used and when I call, they say they don’t know either, but they say I must have used data because I have been charged for it. Is that crazy? I ask… tell me what I used and how to stop it and they can’t. Same problem as Mark above… my phone is a voyager… even though you have blocked data and downloads they claim with these phones they can’t completely block data unless you block photo and video messages… WHAT? they charge me extra for that, but want me to block it so they won’t charge me for data that I don’t want. Verizon used to warn you prior to going to a chargable application. The warning came up saying charges would be incured if you continue…. Do you wish to continue? If you answered yes, you went on to be charged. Why cant they do this now? Because they want to charge customers for thing they don’t want and don’t use…. Its 4 to 10 dollars per month but mulitply that by all their customers… ITs a huge rip off. Please… some lawyer needs to take this up as a class action lawsuit because Verizon essentially tells you to get screwed.
on January 27th, 2009 at 7:14 am Said:
have been charged monthly for 4 separate phones at 1.99 (sometimes multiple times) for data usage. have fought each month – have blocked everything possible – HATE VERIZONWIRELESS – the stupid idea that just going into get-it-now should be a fee of 1.99 is stupid – when was the last time anyone ever paid to walk thru wal-mart?????!!!! their “window shopping fee” will get them sued one day and I only hope i live long enough to see it because i’ll be on the first wave!! they just merged alltel in with them so now those customers are screwed too. as soon as possible i am switching – don’t care if it is a two-way radio – i am switching all my phones over – and i won’t be signing anybodies 2 year agreement – may just go txt next time -
on January 27th, 2009 at 10:29 pm Said:
I got my bill today and they charged me 50 bucks for megabytes that i hav never used thats just wrong i hav a family plan and my parents go what have u been using the phone for even the day they do get sued is the day i will be happy
on January 28th, 2009 at 7:28 am Said:
Thanks everyone. I’m new to cell phones and Verizon and now I am at least aware not to access “Get IT Now”. I’m still waiting for my first bill. May the force be with me.
on January 30th, 2009 at 10:39 am Said:
We have the family share plan and each phone has unlimited picture/text/video messages. Verizon started in the fall tacking on $1.99 data usage fees. Some phones had multiple fees. I call and battle with Verizon over these charges every month and so far they’ve credited them all back to our account AFTER hanging on for an hour.
If you ask them what the charges are for specifically, you’ll get a different answer every time. Last time they said it was because our phones were a picture that was more than 1200 KB. I finally called technical support and the largest picture our phones are capable of sending/receiving is 350 KB.
We have blocks for everything. We’ve never used “get it now”, ringtones, applications or anything but picture, text and talk.
If I press the “get it now” area of my phone, a message appears that says if you continue, there will be a charge of $4.99. I pressed cancel then got hit with a $1.99 data fee. Verizon said its because my phone had to access the web to give me that message.
I’m sick of battling with them for charges they cannot backup with a paper trail – yes, I asked.
I have filed claims with the FCC, BBB and now I’ll contact the attorney general’s office.
We have no problem paying for the service we use but I need my head kicked by a mule if I’m dumb enough to pay fees I did not incur.
on February 1st, 2009 at 7:49 pm Said:
I’ve been using verizon for two years, in my area other network don’t work as well so i don’t have other choices. I just found today the mysterious data usage fee. I swear to god that I only used this web browsing or get it now option once, and that’s about two years ago when I first got this phone, I browsed some music out of curiosity, but they began to put this megabyte charge on me every month, and I just found it out now, two years later, what a crock of shit. how can they charge me this fee without my hitting any related button! (Yep, I never hit the get it now button or other web related whatsoever since the accidental one two years ago). these guys are disgusting!! if anyone want to organize a sue against this company, I am in.
on February 7th, 2009 at 10:21 pm Said:
My sister upgraded to a Samsung Glyde in Fall ‘08 and basically every month since then has had a $1.99 charge for mb usage on it. We have VCAST, Get it Now, etc. blocked and she doesn’t use her phone but for calling, SMS, and MMS. We even have unlimited SMS and MMS. My mom has to call every month, but they can never tell her what the charges are from and actually tried to convince her that checking your MyAccount on your phone charges you. It doesn’t, btw, it even says it doesn’t charge mb or airtime when you go to it. Luckily she is usually able to get it credited back, but it is really annoying. I thought it might just be her phone or something. It would be so much easier if the people who worked for Verizon could actually give a simple straight answer rather than everyone giving a different one.
on February 14th, 2009 at 9:00 am Said:
ALERT!!!
I guess finding this information was too late for me. I’m now the latest victim of this Verizon $1.99/MB pay as you use scam!
We’ve been with Verizon for years and have had to argue billing with them many times. At one time we were having our bill automatically deducted from our bank, but we had to stop that when they began overcharging and “stealing” from our account. We had to fight them for credits on our next bill.
The latest dilemma is that we wanted to get our fourth child a phone and add him to our plan. Of course we were told that we could only have 5 people sharing, and either he would have to go onto his own account ,or my husband or I could move to another account.
We decided on the latter.
Then the Verizon associate casually told us that we would have to change our plan from the American Choice II Family Plan to this new Nationwide Scam Plan.
We questioned him on it and he said that it was exactly the same plan, nothing would change.
WHAT A LIE!!
Of course as we now know the AM CH II Family Plan was one where data was detucted from our minutes, which we always had plenty of, and the new Nationwide Scam Plan charges you $1.99/MB.
Our kids had always known not to download things but have always been able to browse in the Get It Now section, (especially on weekends or at night because those minutes were free). Once they did that with the new plan, we were charged MBs.
After reading this, I’ve had a block put on all the Get It Now features: App Downloads, RBT downloads, Web Access, V Cast Music, and I’ve had mobile web for MB plans deleted.
I asked specifically about what was mentioned here about just pressing the Get It Now buttons and trying to connect, and they assured me that this would not account for any MB usage. They said that with the block in place we were covered. I AM NOT CONVINCED!
I also asked about the picture/video messaging as we have unlimited on that also. Again I was told that with these blocks in place, the only way to send those was the same way text is sent and that there were no data charges for that. AGAIN I AM NOT CONVINCED!
She also told me that some of the newer phones cannot be supported by the older plans. You have no choice but to switch to the Nationwide Scam Plan! Of course you can protect yourself by buying a $15/month VCast plan!
This is just a grand money making scheme by some smart-ass marketing genius to rape the average Verizon customer! Of course it’s legal because they give you the little pamphlet with the microscopic writing that no-one can either read or understand!
I guess their plan is to eventually phase out those older plans altogether and have all their customers on these money-making plans.
The customer should be given a choice as to how they want these data charges paid for. If you’re like us and have plenty of minutes, you should be able to use minutes. If you are trying to conserve minutes, you could use the pay as you use system or sign up for VCast.
IT”S OUTRAGEOUS!! If I wasn’t going to get hit with all sorts of penalties and charges, I would cancel my Verizon account in a heartbeat.
CONSUMER BEWARE!!!
on February 15th, 2009 at 2:20 pm Said:
I was a Verizon customer a few years back before these data charges started. Currently I am with AT&T and they have charged for data the same way for years. It was foreign to me when I switched since at the time Verizon didn’t have this in place.
All I am saying is it’s just not them, I could be wrong but I think all the telecoms are doing this now. Verizon was the last on the bandwagon. Is it a good consumer billing practice? No of course not, it’s designed to increase their corporate profit. The thing is that they rely on the consumer being unaware of what the services actually are, how to use them (or avoid using them,) and how much they will really cost you. Yes they have a convoluted disclaimer here and there, and the store employees will never tell you ALL you should know about what you are getting into. Plus, you signed a contract with those famous Terms of Service that no one cares to read.
It’s corporate greed pure and simple. The credit card companies do it, the banks do it, it’s all over. I’ve worked for a few major corporations over the years (not Verizon) and I guess from experience, we all need to be highly aware of all the pitfalls of the items and services we sign up for so we don’t have a bitter surprise in the end.
on February 19th, 2009 at 6:07 am Said:
Well folks, it’s time to “lawyer up”. I’ve read all of the comments above and I just got charges levied against me for the same thing. If Apple can get sued (and lose) for having scratches on the first version of the iPod Nano in a class action, then it’s time to dogpile on Verizon Wirelss for their “defective product”.
I’ll repost in a couple days with a site where you can “register” to be part of the class and we can start the documentation trail for the attorneys. After reading these posts, I’m not convinced the BBB or state attorney generals are the right place to go.
on February 19th, 2009 at 8:34 am Said:
*Joe
A class action suit sounds like a reasonable way to resolve this issue. Out of curiosity, as I am not a legal expert, why would you recommend a private lawsuit as opposed to contacting the BBB and the state attorney generals?
on February 19th, 2009 at 3:24 pm Said:
Since we added 3 phones to our service in July 2008, I noticed that our phones were being charged 1.99 monthly for ‘megabyte usage’. I finally got around to asking what this was for & the lady explained it was for ‘Get it Now’ & ‘Mobile Web’. I explained to her that we don’t use those services & if she were to look up the usage….she would see where the buttons were accidentally pushed (dialed & hung up immediately). She said that there was no way for her to see that information.
I then told her that we should not be charged because our phones & buttons are very sensitive & it is easily triggered. If triggered it starts logging into it & once you see what’s happening….you immediately press end. She said this was common (esp. clients with cell phone buttons being triggered in their back pockets) & she hoped things would soon change. However, to disable the megabyte usage you would lose your picture texting feature ALTHOUGH you pay for it along with the unlimited texting bill. She credited the fees back for this month only, but wouldn’t be able to do anything about the others OR FUTURE errors. Of course, I’m stuck with the 2 year contract & 1.99 charge on EACH phone everytime the button is triggered.
on February 22nd, 2009 at 3:38 pm Said:
I have been a customer of Verizon for almost 10 years now. Everything was great until this last month when they tried to charge me for 140 dollars worth of megabyte usage. As of my online statement just before the end of the month, it said I had used 70 KB (not MB), but this was delayed 6 days. When I called to complain, they stated that I “MAY” have used the remainder of that data in that 6 days. I do not use the website, and I dont browse for games or downloads much at all. After talking on the phone for half an hour or so, verizon explained that when I play a game I downloaded (already paid 7.99 for the game and whatever data charge to download), it uses data. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE??? I have an LG Dare now, and before I had a motorola KRZR, with the same game, but I never had any data usage issues. This is clearly their latest scam. The best they did was offer half back. Until this, I was happy with verizon. They have good coverage, and a good selection of phones (short of the iPhone). And after 10 years of being a customer, they are now trying to nickle and dime me with this??? Their heads have gotten too big. They need to be sued over this. I will also definitely look into switching carriers…
on February 22nd, 2009 at 4:29 pm Said:
I too just got a new phone due to dropped calls occurring in the past 3 months. Had to sign up for a new 2 year agreement. I downloaded a couple of games – Solitaire / Casino and have been using them as I did before with my previous phone, thinking I was only using airtime. Lo and behold, I checked my bill online today, and there are the charges for downloading the games, and, there is also a megabyte charge for using 6 megabytes. Verizon, you are deceptive and decieving. I will be buying out my contract tomorrow and kicking you “CROOKED BASTARDS” to the curb for good. You are like an old girfriend, you leave for a reason the first time, come back because you think things might have changed, yet there is the same old dog with the same old spots as before.
on February 27th, 2009 at 9:51 pm Said:
I just got Verizons wireless internet for my laptop. I wanted to get sprint because thats what my cell phone is through but the people at best buy just raved about how good of service verizon has, so I took that. My first bill was a little steep, I just figured it was just because of the first month, now its my second month and I am being charged 190.00 frickin dollars for megabyte usage. I only use my computer for mail, banking, and research. Do they charge for every flippin page you look at? I am so upset. its midnight here and as soon as morning comes I will be calling and I will be ending my contract, and I don’t even care how much it cost to do so.
on March 5th, 2009 at 5:26 am Said:
I had the same experience with Verizon that’s been mentioned previously: $1.99 Megabyte charges for accidentally hitting buttons. To avoid them I was told I had to add a “National Access” block which also prevents me from sending pix or flix – which I’m paying for with the $30 unlimited text/pix/flix package. Even though it’s rediculous that they take away features I’m paying for in order to avoid the $1.99 charge, I did it. I was told condescendingly that I “had been educated” and they would not remove the charge in the future. I will say they were only too happy to remove the charge back in the fall when I didn’t have a contract. Now that I’ve got new phones and a contract they aren’t so flexible. They can be sure I’ll remember this when this contract is up. If a class action suit does come up I’m in.
on March 5th, 2009 at 9:57 pm Said:
I just don’t get it. We’ve had this Family Plan for years and never had this problem. It seems to me that if they never charged before and they never sent a form explaining the changes(small print or not), then this stuff is illegal! …It couldn’t possibly be legal. Although you can read now that you’re being charged for accidentally hitting a button or window shopping for songs, when you could do it before without being charged. If they changed their services, the customer has a right to know. Especially since their loyal customers for 5+ years are just about ready to give up because of ridiculous charges! I mean… we have 5 lines total on our plan, and on 4 of the phones this month there are charges close to $10 on each! That makes no sense! I just did what the article said to do and blocked the things that weren’t blocked already, but they’ll definitely get an earful tomorrow!
on March 9th, 2009 at 12:15 pm Said:
Hey im a verizon user iv been using them for the past 3 years and right now one of my phones is due for an upgrade… I was going to get a samsung omnia and i was wondering if i should??? I really want this phone and need pic/video txtng… i also wouldnt be able to pay the 15 dollars extra for the v cast plan thing and i need to know what to do???….
on March 9th, 2009 at 12:53 pm Said:
Ken,
If the battery life is not a concern then this is a great phone. But be aware that Its battery is terrible, especially if you want to receive you emails with MS Active Sync..
on March 10th, 2009 at 11:14 am Said:
thank you jallen42 i am really really looking forward to getting this phone n the battery really isnt a big deal. i was thinking about getting the phone anyway but i needed someone 2 say wether the phone is good or not. it looks amazing and there are so many things you can do with it. what about the sensitivity of the screen?? can you reduce the sensitivity???
on March 11th, 2009 at 6:58 am Said:
Oh my gosh, where do I begin. I have been dealing with these charges for nearly a year now and have been getting credits for them but not without a fight. Every month I am charged the $1.99 for up to four phones. I have have had helpful customer service reps and nasty reps who have been rude to the point where I would hang up and call back. We do not use any of the features that we are told generate data usage. Everything is blocked (except nationwide access ~ which we payy for and was the reason I upgraded my plan to have unlimited text/pic messaging). We still get charged even with blocks!!! After much research into my account I have discoved in my situation that certain picture messages seem to generate this usage of 0.0 mb (LOL)(the picture message seems to gets stuck in transit). I have never had more than 0.0 mb but still get charged for this. I went back through each and every statement and 99% of the time a picture message was sent at exactly the same time as the data usage charge is generated. You all may want to look into this on your phones if you have unexplained usage charges. Verizon DOES NOT care….and states that it is not picture messaging but can’t seem to explain why this happens or even recreate the situation in which it happens so we can stop doing this in order to not be charged. While it is very frustrating to deal with this every month, it is quite comical how each and every representative has a different explanation for why this happens. Eventually there will be a class action lawsuite regarding this it is only a matter of time!
on March 11th, 2009 at 10:47 am Said:
I for one totally agree that there will be a lawsuit against them but the question is when?? I mean iv been sending picture messages forever and i have the unlimited txt/pic messaging and have never before been charged with it. are you telling me that when i get my omnia that i will get charged for the picture/video messages?!?!
on March 12th, 2009 at 1:36 pm Said:
Ken, you will either have to pay $15 extra every month for the unlimited data plan or you will not be able to use get-it-now without being charged $1.99 per megabyte of usage. Also many people have been charged for sending text\picture\video messages even though Verizon claims they do not charge for them when you pay for unlimited text messages.
on March 13th, 2009 at 2:26 pm Said:
This is unbelievable. I just got off the phone with them about the $20 they charged my wife’s phone for looking around on get it now. They offered a new plan that would be unlimited. I said I’m sure it is a great money maker for Verizon, but I don’t want a new plan and I think it is really shitty of them to charge these crap fees. No refund or anything- prety unimpressed with them right now. You would think as much as people switch cell carriers, they would try to make poeple happy and want to stay with them- guess I’m just old fashioned.
on March 16th, 2009 at 10:43 am Said:
i will just have to not use picture messaging then. it just sucks cuz i send picture messages all the time. if i have only 1.99/month for the whole month and no more if i send any more picture messages then i will be fine but i think its bull crap but what do you mean an unlimited data plan jeremy?? does that mean that if i get that then i could use the internet and everything else all i want or what??
on March 18th, 2009 at 7:44 am Said:
Thank you for solving a piece of my mystery/ nightmare.
My wife and I are yet one more sad example of Verizon’s newest way to take more for less. We have been satisfied customers for over 6 years, but have always kept our phone usage simple. We recently decided to ditch the home phone and go solely on cell service, after running a two month test of our usage patterns. Prior to the switch we bought Palm Centro smart phones. I paid for the unlimited magabytes because I anticipated hooking up email. My wife did not as all she wanted was a phone/ daytimer. We use the phones to coordinate calendars and have used the computer link feature to keep the calendars on our home computer. (After 5 months I never did hook up the email.) My wifes usage for the first three months was around $5.00 in megabytes. My two sons also have phones, and we paid for the unlimited text and pic feature on all our phones to avoid the teenage text cost nightmare others have faced. We started noticing megabyte charges on my son’s phone (not a smart phone, but it has a camera) and asked what those were for. The answer was “premium text”. No one could explain what a premium text was, and why it would not be covered in an all inclusive text plan. Jessica, in a previous post, says if you keep asking it will be explained. She was kind of right, we asked at least six different store reps and two customer service reps, and we got six different answers. We tried all of their suggestions, but the charges still kept coming. Apparently, unlimited text and picture was NOT unlimited. They charge a megabyte fee on top of the unlimited text/picture fee for pictures.
We finally found out how intrusive megabyte fees are after my wife’s December bill. It had $1300.00 in megabyte fees, for megabyte usage charged to her phone at odd hours, when nobody was using the phone. When we asked to be told what caused the megabyte usage we were told the charge was valid, but we are not allowed to know what sites were accessed, why the fees were billed (other than for “megabytes”), or any other specifics on the fees. We filed a grievance with Verizon, through their mediation process. We were told the challenged fees would be put in limbo until the challenge was resolved. It is still pending (after 2 months) but the Verizon billing department is now reporting us as delinquent on our payment.
Further analysis of the bills shows several charges of megabytes were also levied against my phone during the hours I was not using it. Because I had paid the extra $40.00 a month for unlimited usage, it did not reflect on the bill, but the reported usage is still troublesome, as I had not been using the phone during the times it was billed.
The answer Verizon finally gave to stop further megabyte charges was to put a “nationwide megabyte block” on our phones (an option never mentioned in the stores or by any other customer service representative.) This has stopped the megabyte charges. This blog has shown another possibility to the charges to our phones. I had no idea that downloading pictures from a camera phone to a computer via the supplied connection cord could cause wireless megabyte charges. I wonder if backing up the calendar also incurs those charges.
on March 20th, 2009 at 8:16 am Said:
Got my verizon bill yesterday. I don’t use any GET IT NOW or mobile web. There was a $3.98 charge for 1 megabyte usage. WTF?? Customer service just said it was for get it now. I asked how the charge was $3.98 for 1 megabyte, when on the BILL, right beside the charge, it plainly states “pay as you go megabyte data $1.99 per megabyte”. Naturally no good answer there, and I told the rep that, so I went to the website and asked for a detailed explanation (still waiting). Think about how big a megabyte is. Phones just don’t use that much data. Some of the stories I have read on here have really got me wondering if T-mobile wouldn’t be a better choice. Alltel was merged with verizon, sprint told there customers to leave about 2 years ago so I would never trust them at all, so T-mobile or AT&T is about all thats left. I have been with Verizon for a long time, and been generally very happy with them, but this is really crappy. And apparently there is no way to stop it??? And they can’t explain it? Ummm….hmmm….
on March 20th, 2009 at 1:34 pm Said:
Ok so I read through all this as I prepare to give my 11 year old an extra cell phone on our plan. I went on VZW and disabled all those services listed way at the top. I called VZW and asked about the “accidental data usage” by pressing the mobile web button by mistake and they told me how to change the hot buttons on my phone – so that solved that problem. (I changed all the hot keys from “get it now”: stuff to things like “my pix & my flix”. He also told me – the 1st page of mobile web (which is the mobile VZW page by default) is “free”. So I don’t know how folks are getting a 1.99 charge by accidentally hitting mobile web.
I’m on the National Select plan with 1400 minutes and that gives all of our phones unlimited txt, picture, and video messaging with NO data usage charges. So I guess it really depends on which plan you have as to whether or not they charge you for data while sending pix or flix messages.
Just my 2 cents folks – I appreciate all the info in this thread and hope that some of my info will help out others.
on March 23rd, 2009 at 2:58 pm Said:
I HATE VERIZON!!!
I GET SOOO FRUSTERATED WITH THEM THAT I WANT TO MARCH IN THERE SCREAMING, BUT ALL THEY SAY IS “IM SORRY, WE DONT DEAL WITH FINANCIAL PROBLEMS” AND THEY GIVE YOU A FRIGGIN 1-800 NUMBER AND ITS ALL RECORDINGS!! THEY DONT GIVE YOU AN OPTION KEY TO SPEAK TO AN OPPERATOR BUT I FOUND THAT IF YOU JUST HIT 0 WHEN THE RECORDING IS GOING IT WILL BRING YOU TO A PERSON. BUT EVEN THEN, GOOD LUCK REACHING SOMEONE WHO SPEAKS ENGLISH!!!!!!!!!!
I HATE VERIZON WITH A BURNING PASSION!!!!
AND I DONT HATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOTE TO THE SNAKES THAT PULL THE VERIZON STRINGS:::::
—-> F@#% YOU!!!! YOUR DIRTY, SELFISH, STEALING JERKS!!!!!!!!!!
on March 24th, 2009 at 6:03 pm Said:
We are on the Nationwide Select Family Share plan with 700 minutes AND pay extra for unlimited text, pix and video messaging for all our phones, but my daughter’s Voyager invariably gets charged additional data charges every month. Usually it’s minimal, but this month they’re already chalked up 7 times she’s “accessed” data. We’ve already blocked all the other applications and downloads possible, so it looks like her picture messaging is the problem, based on comments above. My son and I also use picture messaging, but we don’t has “smart” phones and haven’t seen any data charges on our lines.
The only solution Verizon offered is the $15/month VCast package, which, as others have noted, is like rubbing salt into the wound by requiring us to pay $15 more every month to avoid the data charges that happen when she uses the unlimited picture messaging we’re already paying extra for. Tricksy, tricksy, tricksy…
on April 14th, 2009 at 6:01 pm Said:
I signed up with Verizon because I could get unlimited texting and picture messages for a little more that I was spending with T-Mobile, and most of my family have friends that have Verizon so calls would not count against minutes.
My first bill had $300 in megabyte charges. I didn’t know what a megabyte was. I found out that there is a $1.99 charge for each text message sent. I asked who would pay extra for a plan that has unlimited texting and then agree to $1.99 for each one sent and received. The customer service person told me that people that don’t text very much. So, why would they pay more for unlimited texting!!! It is a scam to get more money because so many people text.
I now have all my phones blocked from texting and anything else that might use megabytes.. I would leave Verizon in a heart beat but am unwilling to pay $175 per phone to get out of the contract. I have 6 phones. I was told nothing about the megabyte charges for texting. This was totally deceptive. Count me in on a class action suit. I am filing with the BBB.
on April 15th, 2009 at 10:05 am Said:
I have co-workers that just signed up for a family plan with unlimited text and they are being charged $1.99 per text – so you pay for unlimited text and then have to pay $1.99 per text – how does that work? I didn’t see anything in your story about having to pay these fees on just regular text messages.
on April 15th, 2009 at 1:26 pm Said:
@Emily – Your comment seems to be inline with what debdeb365 just commented on. You are both saying that people are being charged 1.99 per text. That seems absolutely outrageous to me!
Perhaps Verizon is gouging us for even more money now? I will definitely be looking into this. If you have any more information on this I would love to hear it. Thanks for commenting.
on April 15th, 2009 at 1:44 pm Said:
Followup to my previous post. I went through the mediation process with Verizon and they waived all charges associated with the megabytes. We have a block on all megabyte uses, which has really dumbed down the phones, but the random charges are stopped. Warning number 2- block all automatic text messaging unless you use your phone for banking. My son was on MySpace playing some IQ challenge and it asked him his cell number to get the answer. . He put it in and then a message told him to text “Stop” to a number or he would be charged $9.99 a month. Somehow, and I am not sure how this works, just texting stop actually opted him in for the charges, then back out again, so the first month was charged. This happened on three separate MySpace and facebook “challenges”. Verizon bills the charges as data even if you have a block. They say the bill is from a third party provider. The only way to ensure you don’t get charged is to block automated text messages. Or go back to good old Ma Bell.
on April 16th, 2009 at 7:46 pm Said:
An update from April 14th,
I called the store where I bought my phones and they told me that there are no megabyte charges for regular texting even if you don’t have unlimited texting. The person at the corporate office has blocked our phones from text messages and I was told that is the only way I wouldn’t get any more megabyte charges.
The person at the store is checking into this for me. I am starting to think that the corporate customer relations person doesn’t know what she is talking about.
on May 8th, 2009 at 3:43 pm Said:
Ahhh these charges are so stupid!! After reading most of these comments it would not hurt to add one more proof that verizon customer service are just liars. In Jan of this year I called verizon to ask for any possible way to block these numerous megabyte usages that hadn’t accured, and SURPRISINGLY THIS REP TOLD ME THERE WAS AND APPARENTLY SHE BLOCKED THESE MEGABYTE CHARGES FROM ACCURING WITHOUT BLOCKING PIC/VID TEXTING. She said she understood that sometimes customers accidently pressed the Get It Now and get charged for not even using this feature. She confirmed she had blocked the usage of all features that would result in the 1.99 charge. You guys will be surprised that FOR THE NEXT THREE MONTHS I HAD NO CHARGES OF MEGABYTE USAGES and felt I had no need to worry about this, until now! In my recent bill I have been charged for megabyte usage on two of my phones. $4 dollars are $4 dollars! I called customer service, told them about this charge, told them what I was told before, and the results of it and how I could not explain how these charges were applied again. The rep said their was “no way” of this being possible without interfering with pic/vid text message (In other words you’re lying). I argued what I was told and the rep compared me to the other phone calls they countlessly get with the same issue about complaint s on charges applied due to megabyte ussage. He said the same thing was told to everyone, “It isn’t possible, just shut up and give me your money!” I asked him to check the notes on my phone call in Jan. and suspiciously their were no detailed notes when in the other calls he mentioned their were always detailed notes. I appreciate the lady rep in Jan who understood my case, helped, and gave wonderful service. I would doubt she’d be the type of employees who don’t do their job well, including noting everything. I am just shocked with the way people become desperate for money. Verizon has dissapointed me once again! Their is a way to block these stupid unused charges!
on May 19th, 2009 at 10:09 pm Said:
Fuck you George Clooney I can use my two legs and walk to walmart freely and not get charged for it you dumbass. Why don’t you quit your job at Verizon and stop receiving their benefits so you could see from our point of view why these phantom charges are silly and outrageous. I too have been “going to Wal-Mart” and have been charged for these stupid megabyte usages and I think its grade A bologna. Oh and by the way George, I took a trip to Wal-Mart earlier today and i used less than half a gallon of gas to get there and back. Lets see Gas=$2.30/2=$1.15 hmmmmm yeah great analogy there bucko
on May 24th, 2009 at 3:03 pm Said:
I personally detest verizon. Not just the wireless service, everything they do irritates me. They trick you into paying more by giving you more of what you don’t need and less of what you do need. When I heard about this atrocity, it only deepened my hatred of the red check-mark. If i was posting this on a verizon phone, it would cost me several dollars. I wish I had other cell-phone options, but verizon has a complete monopoly of the cell phone industry in my area.
P.S. They tore up my yard to put in their stupid fiber-optics. Why does the government let them do that kind of stuff?
on May 30th, 2009 at 5:16 pm Said:
When you sign up for VerizonWireless service(which by the way is YOUR choice) you sign a contract. That contract clearly explains what the service agreements are for both Verizon and customer. If you don’t like it don’t sign up, but then again all wireless companies have the same type of terms & conditions. DEAL WITH IT. I get sick of you whiny people who can’t accept reality bitching about something that you signed up for. Irregardless of whether you read the contract or not… YOU SIGNED IT. So stop bitching, learn to manage your bill like so many other customers and get on with it.
on May 30th, 2009 at 7:02 pm Said:
Wow this is so wrong to say that MB charges are a scam. It has never been free to search through the get it now or media center area of the phone for ringtones/games/wallpapers or applications to download it used you minutes and if you are still on an America’s Choice plan it STILL uses your minutes. Changing to the Nationwide plans now charges for MB instead of minutes. So you are doing something to incur the charges so just watch what you’re doing and if your kids tell you they are not doing anything on their phones they are lying so just put the blocks on thier lines
on June 18th, 2009 at 10:03 pm Said:
my phone bill this month was 373 275 was them megabytes
on June 19th, 2009 at 1:49 pm Said:
I went in to get my phone replaced and asked about this charge. They told me what it was, and I can tell you for certain, I did not incur the charge. As soon as I get my phone I change the hotkeys. So this means even if I wanted to download ringtones, I would have to stroke about 5 keys in perfect sequence to get to the application. Now, I tell you, there is no way I did such a thing since I never use any ringtones except what is on the phone.
I think verizon is just charging $2 and hoping people won’t bitch about it.
on June 24th, 2009 at 6:14 pm Said:
Verizon sucks.
on June 24th, 2009 at 9:38 pm Said:
This is crazy! I got charged about $1,000 just for accidentally pressing on the browser or get it now applications!
I have lost all respect for Verizon Wireless!
on June 26th, 2009 at 7:18 pm Said:
This $1.99 data usage fee has been a problem for me since I unwillingly switched plans last December. I have disabled hot-keys. We do no use Get-it-now (never have). Don’t go on the web. No email, IM, etc. We text. We talk. We have LG EnV2s. And still the charges are showing up. They can’t tell me what the charges are for except for “data usage.” It’s like they have a blank check on my bank account and that is completely not okay.
So today I disabled National Access. This means I can’t send pictures. That was my favorite part of having this phone and plan. What’s worse, I’m still paying for it, but it’s the only way (or so they say) of not accruing those other data charges.
What a scam.
This is absolutely a class-action suit waiting to happen.
on July 2nd, 2009 at 6:51 am Said:
The charges are ridiculous. I’m switching to T-mobile with the BF. T-mobile apparently is more affordable, better plans, though they don’t have as good coverage as Verizon. 6 years with Verizon… good bye!