This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

This is one of the reasons I terminated my Verizon service.

/One reason among many

Just wanted to point out that this is not a wireless fee. This is Verizon Telecom charging their landline customers. AT&T charges the exact same fee to remain unlisted in the midwest.

madgonad: Just wanted to point out that this is not a wireless fee. This is Verizon Telecom charging their landline customers. AT&T charges the exact same fee to remain unlisted in the midwest.

What the fark is a landline?

MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

Also a good choice. I went with Straight Talk because they are an AT&T MVNO so I didn't need to buy a new device. But that's the beauty of prepaid. If I get a new phone it will be multi-carrier so I can change my service whenever I want.

MightyPez: MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

Also a good choice. I went with Straight Talk because they are an AT&T MVNO so I didn't need to buy a new device. But that's the beauty of prepaid. If I get a new phone it will be multi-carrier so I can change my service whenever I want.

I considered them as well. Virgin is on Sprint and a few people I've talked to said they have good coverage in my area. I'll be getting a new device either way. Finally, my own smarty pants phone so I can play games at work. YAY!

MightyPez: MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

Also a good choice. I went with Straight Talk because they are an AT&T MVNO so I didn't need to buy a new device. But that's the beauty of prepaid. If I get a new phone it will be multi-carrier so I can change my service whenever I want.

Most carriers only allow their own devices, or at least most CDMA carriers. Sprint only accepts other sprint phones, and Verizon only accepts Verizon phones, even on devices that are otherwise identical, like an iPhone or a galaxy s 3.

Not sure on GSM devices though.

MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

I'm with Virgin, the only complaints I have are, my phone sucks, and reception can be iffy sometimes.

MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I've been a Boost customer for almost 4 years for the same reasons. Clean and easy.

Sleazy_as_Pie: Most carriers only allow their own devices, or at least most CDMA carriers. Sprint only accepts other sprint phones, and Verizon only accepts Verizon phones, even on devices that are otherwise identical, like an iPhone or a galaxy s 3.

Not sure on GSM devices though.

GSM carriers definitely allow switching (as long as it has the correct radio). But you're right, CDMA carriers are less open about bring your own device. I'm hoping that is less and less so as LTE begins rolling out everywhere, but we'll see.

MightyPez: madgonad: Just wanted to point out that this is not a wireless fee. This is Verizon Telecom charging their landline customers. AT&T charges the exact same fee to remain unlisted in the midwest.

What the fark is a landline?

[a2.ec-images.myspacecdn.com image 480x360]

I couldn't give mine up. Ended up ditching AT&T a couple years ago and going with Ooma. Paying $3.48/mo in taxes and fees is a lot nicer than paying $40+ for AT&T's lousy service.

Speaking of straight talk, have any of you with straight talk using att noticed a problem with web sites randomly not loading over the last two weeks? People with "real" att around me don't seem to be having the problem.

adenosine: Speaking of straight talk, have any of you with straight talk using att noticed a problem with web sites randomly not loading over the last two weeks? People with "real" att around me don't seem to be having the problem.

I haven't noticed anything, but I'm also on wifi most of the time.

$is_number_private = TRUE;

Any time some system is about to publish an account's phone number (411 call, compiling a list of #'s to sell to telemarketers, etc) it must query the system as to the state of the above Boolean value.

Of course, this is almost certainly how they already do it.... so the charge is just bullshiat. It's their, "If we can't make money from selling your number to scummy telemarketers, we'll just charge you directly." fee.

Here's a crazy idea: why don't we hold companies accountable for their fees? Require them to publish a cost breakdown associated with the fee.

"So, it says here that you intend to charge $5/month to all of your subscribers to cover the cost of keeping their phone number unlisted. According to your corporate documentation, we show that it would work out to be $X a year. Please show me the cost breakdown demonstrating how this feature costs you $X a year to implement."

"Uh... well, you see... we had to code that feature into our system software. We had to hire a team of programmers to add a flag value to each account... and we had to program the relevant systems to check for that flag... That cost several million dollars..."

"Several million dollars, eh? Can you please show me the employee contracts and the documentation showing several million dollars worth of labor?"

"Uh... we'll get back to you on that. ALSO! We have to maintain the computer systems! Ya! maintenance. Servers. Infrastructure. COMPUTERS! Very expensive."

"Isn't that a sunken cost? I mean, the computer systems were already in place. Their maintenance is an expected expense of your industry..."

Non-publish fees were first tariffed many years ago when we had a thing called social contract. It was in the best interests of we, as a people, to be able to easily contact the people we wanted to contact. Times have changed. We expect more privacy, the phone system is abused with impunity by solicitors. Ma Bell is now hundreds of companies that demand information about your phone service. Did you know that if you unlist your number, other phone directory services will continue to give it out until they buy an updated list? Good luck avoiding that stalker this year.
On the one hand, the charge is anachronistic. On the other hand, residential phone installation is tariffed well below cost. So if you are inclined to move every two or three years and keep an unlisted number, you will beat your stalkers and the phone company.

You do not have the right to have a phone. If you don't want to play the fee, cancel your service.

Honest Bender: $is_number_private = TRUE;

Honest Bender: $is_number_private = TRUE;

Any time some system is about to publish an account's phone number (411 call, compiling a list of #'s to sell to telemarketers, etc) it must query the system as to the state of the above Boolean value.

Of course, this is almost certainly how they already do it.... so the charge is just bullshiat. It's their, "If we can't make money from selling your number to scummy telemarketers, we'll just charge you directly." fee.

Here's a crazy idea: why don't we hold companies accountable for their fees? Require them to publish a cost breakdown associated with the fee.

"So, it says here that you intend to charge $5/month to all of your subscribers to cover the cost of keeping their phone number unlisted. According to your corporate documentation, we show that it would work out to be $X a year. Please show me the cost breakdown demonstrating how this feature costs you $X a year to implement."

"Uh... well, you see... we had to code that feature into our system software. We had to hire a team of programmers to add a flag value to each account... and we had to program the relevant systems to check for that flag... That cost several million dollars..."

"Several million dollars, eh? Can you please show me the employee contracts and the documentation showing several million dollars worth of labor?"

"Uh... we'll get back to you on that. ALSO! We have to maintain the computer systems! Ya! maintenance. Servers. Infrastructure. COMPUTERS! Very expensive."

"Isn't that a sunken cost? I mean, the computer systems were already in place. Their maintenance is an expected expense of your industry..."

Do you know how much it costs to move those 1s across our network? Well its a lot, infinitely more then moving 0.

BumpInTheNight: Honest Bender: $is_number_private = TRUE;

Any time some system is about to publish an account's phone number (411 call, compiling a list of #'s to sell to telemarketers, etc) it must query the system as to the state of the above Boolean value.

Of course, this is almost certainly how they already do it.... so the charge is just bullshiat. It's their, "If we can't make money from selling your number to scummy telemarketers, we'll just charge you directly." fee.

Here's a crazy idea: why don't we hold companies accountable for their fees? Require them to publish a cost breakdown associated with the fee.

"So, it says here that you intend to charge $5/month to all of your subscribers to cover the cost of keeping their phone number unlisted. According to your corporate documentation, we show that it would work out to be $X a year. Please show me the cost breakdown demonstrating how this feature costs you $X a year to implement."

"Uh... well, you see... we had to code that feature into our system software. We had to hire a team of programmers to add a flag value to each account... and we had to program the relevant systems to check for that flag... That cost several million dollars..."

"Several million dollars, eh? Can you please show me the employee contracts and the documentation showing several million dollars worth of labor?"

"Uh... we'll get back to you on that. ALSO! We have to maintain the computer systems! Ya! maintenance. Servers. Infrastructure. COMPUTERS! Very expensive."

"Isn't that a sunken cost? I mean, the computer systems were already in place. Their maintenance is an expected expense of your industry..."

Do you know how much it costs to move those 1s across our network? Well its a lot, infinitely more then moving 0.

But 1's are so much skinnier than 0's.

Girion47: BumpInTheNight: Honest Bender: $is_number_private = TRUE;

Any time some system is about to publish an account's phone number (411 call, compiling a list of #'s to sell to telemarketers, etc) it must query the system as to the state of the above Boolean value.

Of course, this is almost certainly how they already do it.... so the charge is just bullshiat. It's their, "If we can't make money from selling your number to scummy telemarketers, we'll just charge you directly." fee.

Here's a crazy idea: why don't we hold companies accountable for their fees? Require them to publish a cost breakdown associated with the fee.

"So, it says here that you intend to charge $5/month to all of your subscribers to cover the cost of keeping their phone number unlisted. According to your corporate documentation, we show that it would work out to be $X a year. Please show me the cost breakdown demonstrating how this feature costs you $X a year to implement."

"Uh... well, you see... we had to code that feature into our system software. We had to hire a team of programmers to add a flag value to each account... and we had to program the relevant systems to check for that flag... That cost several million dollars..."

"Several million dollars, eh? Can you please show me the employee contracts and the documentation showing several million dollars worth of labor?"

"Uh... we'll get back to you on that. ALSO! We have to maintain the computer systems! Ya! maintenance. Servers. Infrastructure. COMPUTERS! Very expensive."

"Isn't that a sunken cost? I mean, the computer systems were already in place. Their maintenance is an expected expense of your industry..."

Do you know how much it costs to move those 1s across our network? Well its a lot, infinitely more then moving 0.

But 1's are so much skinnier than 0's.

But 0's are nothing. So they're actually only moving a bunch of 1's.

Girion47: BumpInTheNight: Honest Bender: $is_number_private = TRUE;

Any time some system is about to publish an account's phone number (411 call, compiling a list of #'s to sell to telemarketers, etc) it must query the system as to the state of the above Boolean value.

Of course, this is almost certainly how they already do it.... so the charge is just bullshiat. It's their, "If we can't make money from selling your number to scummy telemarketers, we'll just charge you directly." fee.

Here's a crazy idea: why don't we hold companies accountable for their fees? Require them to publish a cost breakdown associated with the fee.

"So, it says here that you intend to charge $5/month to all of your subscribers to cover the cost of keeping their phone number unlisted. According to your corporate documentation, we show that it would work out to be $X a year. Please show me the cost breakdown demonstrating how this feature costs you $X a year to implement."

"Uh... well, you see... we had to code that feature into our system software. We had to hire a team of programmers to add a flag value to each account... and we had to program the relevant systems to check for that flag... That cost several million dollars..."

"Several million dollars, eh? Can you please show me the employee contracts and the documentation showing several million dollars worth of labor?"

"Uh... we'll get back to you on that. ALSO! We have to maintain the computer systems! Ya! maintenance. Servers. Infrastructure. COMPUTERS! Very expensive."

"Isn't that a sunken cost? I mean, the computer systems were already in place. Their maintenance is an expected expense of your industry..."

Do you know how much it costs to move those 1s across our network? Well its a lot, infinitely more then moving 0.

But 1's are so much skinnier than 0's.

But it costs a lot to align them. They flow all willy nilly and sometimes wind up perpendicular to the tubes.

I could see a one-time fee to respond to the request to change the status of the number. Monthly is, literally, extortion. If you don't keeping paying us, we'll reveal your information!

Why does nobody complain about text message fees? That's where the markup is.
Is a private number worth $5 per month to you or is it not?

Dear Jerk: Why does nobody complain about text message fees? That's where the markup is.
Is a private number worth $5 per month to you or is it not?

They have.

MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

I've been quite happy with it. I got screwed on the phone (Motorola Triumph) in that Motorola decided not to support it (BTW. Don't buy that one) for some damn reason and it's stuck with a very old version of Android.

I'm sure there is some limit on the data plan where they'll slow you to a crawl but not sure what it is in GBs

And then there's me who flatly refuses to use a cellphone and has hated them since the first one was released.

fark cellphones.

CujoQuarrel: MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

I've been quite happy with it. I got screwed on the phone (Motorola Triumph) in that Motorola decided not to support it (BTW. Don't buy that one) for some damn reason and it's stuck with a very old version of Android.

I'm sure there is some limit on the data plan where they'll slow you to a crawl but not sure what it is in GBs

General consensus is 2 GB, but I usually have wifi, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm looking at the HTC Evo V or One V, leaning towards the Evo.

MoronLessOff: CujoQuarrel: MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

I've been quite happy with it. I got screwed on the phone (Motorola Triumph) in that Motorola decided not to support it (BTW. Don't buy that one) for some damn reason and it's stuck with a very old version of Android.

I'm sure there is some limit on the data plan where they'll slow you to a crawl but not sure what it is in GBs

General consensus is 2 GB, but I usually have wifi, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm looking at the HTC Evo V or One V, leaning towards the Evo.

Doubt if I've ever gotten anywhere near 2GB since I'm usually using WiFi also.

Was thinking of EVO myself since it can be a hotspot for my table as well.

CujoQuarrel: MoronLessOff: CujoQuarrel: MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

I've been quite happy with it. I got screwed on the phone (Motorola Triumph) in that Motorola decided not to support it (BTW. Don't buy that one) for some damn reason and it's stuck with a very old version of Android.

I'm sure there is some limit on the data plan where they'll slow you to a crawl but not sure what it is in GBs

General consensus is 2 GB, but I usually have wifi, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm looking at the HTC Evo V or One V, leaning towards the Evo.

Doubt if I've ever gotten anywhere near 2GB since I'm usually using WiFi also.

Was thinking of EVO myself since it can be a hotspot for my table as well.

Replying to myself.

Looks like they've dropped the price of the EVO

CujoQuarrel: MoronLessOff: CujoQuarrel: MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

I've been quite happy with it. I got screwed on the phone (Motorola Triumph) in that Motorola decided not to support it (BTW. Don't buy that one) for some damn reason and it's stuck with a very old version of Android.

I'm sure there is some limit on the data plan where they'll slow you to a crawl but not sure what it is in GBs

General consensus is 2 GB, but I usually have wifi, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm looking at the HTC Evo V or One V, leaning towards the Evo.

Doubt if I've ever gotten anywhere near 2GB since I'm usually using WiFi also.

Was thinking of EVO myself since it can be a hotspot for my table as well.

I'm on unlimited data on Verizon, and last month my home internet was out because my gateway died and instead of sending a tech out with a brand new one, they had to Fedex it to me 3-5day... So as a temporary measure, I tethered my phone and used it as a wireless hotspot. Even with that usage, I never broke the 1 GB barrier. I also use WiFi on my phone as much as possible, I probably have upwards of 30 different networks saved in my phone. I'm sure if I had a 4g phone, it would be more usage, but I'm pretty confident that even if I do lose my unlimited data (I plan on stretching it out as long as I can, buying phones off contract, or through 3rd parties since warranty doesn't matter to me since I void it anyway) I should be safe.

(By the way, FoxFi for Android is one of the best tethering programs out there, and it's free)

MightyPez: madgonad: Just wanted to point out that this is not a wireless fee. This is Verizon Telecom charging their landline customers. AT&T charges the exact same fee to remain unlisted in the midwest.

What the fark is a landline?

Don't worry about it. You can only get one if you have fixed residence or place of employment. :-)

/Haven't had a landline in years, but I couldn't resist

This reminds me of when the state of California began requiring oil refiners to add MTBE to their fuel. The refiners said "Sure, we can do it, but it'll cost you an extra 5 cents per gallon". Then the state discovered that MTBE was fouling the water table throughout the state, so they told the oil refiners to NOT add MTBE. The refiners said, "Sure, we can do that, but it'll cost you an extra 5 cents per gallon".

I guess he doesn't want to be somebody.

/have looked for my name every single time for over thirty years
^{//confirms my existence}

ITT: People who can't differentiate between Verizon and Verizon Wireless.


it's right there in TFA...

CujoQuarrel: MoronLessOff: MightyPez: This is one of the reasons I went with prepaid on Straight Talk. I have no desire to comb through my bill every month and contest whatever fee was tacked on for my own good. $45+tax each month for unlimited* voice, text, and data using AT&T's network (not perfect, but good service in my area) and I'm not pinned down with any contracts.

* Unlimited being typical carrier speak for "Go over a poorly defined amount and we won't be very happy"

I think I'm going to switch to Virgin. $35 bones for unlimited text and data, but only 300 voice minutes. But I rarely call anyone and no one calls me. It's really more of an emergency tool.

I've been quite happy with it. I got screwed on the phone (Motorola Triumph) in that Motorola decided not to support it (BTW. Don't buy that one) for some damn reason and it's stuck with a very old version of Android.

I'm sure there is some limit on the data plan where they'll slow you to a crawl but not sure what it is in GBs

Been on virgin for close to two years and grandfathered on the impossible-to-beat $25/mo plan. But the optimus v is showing its age & underpoweredness and making me stabby, despite updating it with custom roms. And the newer phones on virgin are still kinda meh, plus I'd have to pay $35/mo because I'd lose my grandfathered rate.

So I've finally decided to buy a google galaxy nexus and put it on t-mobile's prepaid. $30/mo w/5 gigs of high-speed internets, but only 100 minutes. But that seems to be about what I talk on a month anyway, and I can always stick a few bucks on it in reserve for overages.

FeedTheCollapse: ITT: People who can't differentiate between Verizon and Verizon Wireless.


it's right there in TFA...

Haha, Verizon Communications has nothing to do with Verizon Wireless, this thread was fun to read

mpfjr: You do not have the right to have a phone. If you don't want to play the fee, cancel your service.

Actually, in many developing countries it is. In fact in America, you can get one for pretty much free. Even a smartphone.

/Canada has even gone so far as to make internet a government subsidized civil right. At this day in age, you cannot restrict flow of information.

mpfjr: You do not have the right to have a phone. If you don't want to play the fee, cancel your service.

False.

British Telecom will enable a phone line to be inbound calls only (and make 999 calls as well) and this will cost you... nothing. They have do offer this because it is a right to be able to summon assistance (i.e. call the water fairies when your home is on fire) and the mass discontinuation of public pay phones (plus their usual vandalised and inoperative status).

I am confident 911 only phone plans exist in the states from all your carriers. So... yeah, IT IS A RIGHT.

I have a MetroPCS phone and I like it a lot. Unlimited everything, no contracts, cute Samsung phone.