Is Verizon intentionally trying to torpedo EVDO service?!?

Feefer · EVDO User Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 71

Hi all,

I just saw this update posted on Verizon's site today:

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/promotion/controller?promotionType=miniPac&action=miniStart

Unlimited NationalAccess/BroadbandAccess:

Subject to VZAccess Acceptable Use Policy, available on www.verizonwireless.com.

NationalAccess and BroadbandAccess data sessions may be used with wireless devices for the following purposes: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; and (iii) intranet access (including access to corporate intranets, email and individual productivity applications like customer relationship management, sales force and field service automation).

Unlimited NationalAccess/BroadbandAccess services 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. NationalAccess/BroadbandAccess is for individual use only and is not for resale. We reserve right to limit throughput or amount of data transferred, deny or terminate service, without notice, to anyone we believe is using NationalAccess or BroadbandAccess in any manner prohibited above or whose usage adversely impacts our network or service levels. Verizon Wireless reserves the right to protect its network from harm, which may impact legitimate data flows.

We also reserve the right to terminate service upon expiration of Customer Agreement term. Verizon Wireless Plans, Rate and Coverage Areas, rates, agreement provisions, business practices, procedures and policies are subject to change as specified in the Customer Agreement.

Last Update 09/01/05

So if you download music from iTunes, you run the risk of losing your service? If you connect to a video feed or audio stream from an on-line radio station, you might find the plug has been pulled? Same if you used voIP?

You cannot use Broadband/National plan "as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data connections"? So is that wandering Verizon guy ("can you hear me now?") going to eaves-drop on your connection, or peek in your window to see if you're using the service as a "substitute", oe even god forbid, as a "back-up"?

So what exactly does Verizon consider the benefit of having a high-speed connection? Is a Broadband connection really required if all you're allowed to do is download e-mail? Ridiculous.

Good thing I haven't sent in my rebate form yet, and still have a week to cancel within my 14-day period.... Most companies don't start needling customers like this until AFTER they've crushed the competition and achieved a monopoly... Rolling Eyes

Feef

Michael · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 6:25 am Post subject:

A discussion on this is in this thread:

http://www.evdoforums.com/about77.html
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Feefer · EVDO User Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 71

Michael · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 10:03 am Post subject:

Chris,

Good points. I would bet that 95% of people that use BroadbandAccess are probably Not using within the current Terms Of Service (TOS). On all the Sharing techniques that we post, we do post a link to the terms of service.

Here is an interesting question, what about EVDO Routers, Junxion, StompBox, (new ones coming from), Kyocera, D-Link. They also all provide products that are against the terms of service.

I think the terms are in place, in case they need to get rid of heavy abusers of bandwidth. There are people that are using it to share movies via P2P services. Movies can be 500mb - 2GB. Besides being illegal (by US law), and besides be wrong, this activity sucks a huge amount of bandwidth from everyone else and I hope they do can the people that abuse bandwidth in this way.

Do you really think that you are going to lose service if you download a song from iTunes?

This is like having some old law on the books, that just doesn't make sense and it is in need of a rewrite. I think with the routers, competition, etc. that the Terms Of Service will HAVE to be updated.
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brendanhoar · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 09 Jun 2005 Posts: 140

I suspect what they're doing is making sure they have multiple reasons available to pull "problem" accounts. Sort of like how 80% or more of drivers are usually speeding on the interstate. Smile

More specifically, I suspect they've spoken with their engineers who are concerned about a cell site being overwhelmed with a single user running a P2P app 24/7 or attempting to use the card for 24/7 HDTV streaming.

With that said, I've been using the card to watch the WWL feed this week from NO for hours at a time, but it's pretty small and compressed:

http://www.wwltv.com/perl/common/video/yahooPlayer.pl

I suspect Verizon isn't going to pull my service over this.

-brendan

Feefer · EVDO User Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 71

simeyla · EVDO Newbie Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 6

what differece does it make to vzw if i'm downloading at 10kbps or 1.5mbps ?

if i can get that rate from a particular tower then surely anybody else in my area can also get that much.

now verizon is advertising on TV they will have to become much more consumer friendly. there are a lot of websites these day that will stream video for you without you even asking for it.

i'm not using P2P - well why would I? that affects MY performance much more than it could possibly affect VZW!

they have to put such restrictions in so they can turn around if you're P2Ping or downloading 24x7 then they have something to hold against you.

-simon

SL10 · Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 10:49 pm Post subject:

I am so glad NOT to be a VZW customer. Cause I use limewire.com alot now for MP3s and Programs shares. Imagine the bandwidth I use a day? Try 2 gig including web surfing.
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Michael · Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 11:00 pm Post subject:

And if I were able to speak for everyone that is using EVDO in the same cell site that you WOULD be..... They are glad that you are not a customer too Smile

I wonder how many people are using limewire and other P2P and using incredible amounts of bandwidth. Yes, it is unlimited, but it is also a shared technology.

I would bet that at some point if there are enough people doing this, and it starts to affect performance for others - there may be some blocking of specific ports/applications or kicking off the top .01 % of network abusers.
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SL10 · Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2005 11:34 pm Post subject:

Jimincalifornia · EVDO User Joined: 25 Sep 2005 Posts: 72

I suspect they'll clone what the two-way satellite internet vendors are doing, as the basic issue is very similar. See my post here:

http://evdoforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=877

SL10 · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:10 am Post subject:

The poll should have an option for "other: please explain" to balance it out... Just a suggestion here... Very Happy

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SL10 · Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 11:19 am Post subject: