“Unlimited” EVDO is limited
Here is an interesting bit of knowledge concerning the rules which govern the “unlimited” EVDO packages for subscribers. Consumer Affairs was recently scolded for transfering 10GB of data in a single month via EVDO and had their account promptly canceled.
Verizon prohibits most other activities, saying that its service cannot be used “(1) for uploading, downloading or streaming of movies, music or games, (2) with server devices or with host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, Voice over IP (VoIP), automated machine-to-machine connections, or peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing, or (3) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections.”
The company has threatened in the past to move heavy users into a more expensive pricing scheme, but it currently seems to enforce the terms of service by canceling accounts instead. #
While I understand the strain heavy users may pose for the network, I am appalled that Verizon would rather cancel accounts instead of requiring heavy users to adopt pricier plans.
Does anyone else find these details strange? Consumers pay for wireless internet access via EVDO. EVDO claims speeds which rival standard DSL lines. Consumers see / read that and think “wow”, I want that so I can browse as I normally do while I’m mobile. The fact that Verizon decides what constitutes normal internet usage from inappropriate usage is ridiculous. What’s the point of having EVDO speeds if you can’t enjoy streaming content? Isn’t that one of the selling points of high speed cellular networks? What with all those dancing Shakira videos on Verizon commercials, I was beginning to think that streaming content was supposed to get me through the day.
If you’re contemplating EVDO coverage for your laptop, consider going to Sprint as I have yet to hear of any discrepencies concerning what is considered approved or disapproved browsing. You get what you pay for with Verizon. Those “…can you hear me now” reps in the commercials really do exist. They’re saying “…can you hear me now? I cut off your EVDO due to your regular browsing habits”.
