Can Grandfathered Unlimited Data Plans Use Third Party Tethering Apps and NOT get charged?

[GoHurdler]

There was an FCC ruling this past summer stating that Verizon Wireless could not restrict third party tethering apps.

This is a quote from CNET:

     The so-called open access rules state that licensees offering service on C Block of 700 MHz spectrum "shall not deny, limit,      or restrict the ability of  their customers to use the devices and applications of their choice on the licensee's C      Block network."

I have read conflicting information online on various websites including Verizon Wireless’ message board that state that the customers will still be charged for tethering/hot spotting if they have grandfathered unlimited data plans, and on other sites stating the opposite that customer would not be charged extra because they used a third party tethering program because of the FCC ruling.  I called Verizon Wireless twice, and was told conflicting information by two different reps. One rep said that I would NOT be charged extra data usage if I used a third party tethering app on my grandfather unlimited data plan, and another rep said that I would be charged even though I have the unlimited data plan. I asked the rep who told me that I wouldn't be charged even though my old data plan was under an old terms of service agreement to verify that, and he said that I was correct and that I wouldn't  be charged because of the FCC ruling.

So can someone from Verizon Wireless who isn't incompetent tell me what the actually policy is regarding tethering/hot spotting via third party apps on grandfathered data plans is? Possibly escalate this to a manager, and not a floor lead.

Thanks,

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-57485518-94/what-verizons-fcc-tethering-settlement-means-to-you-faq...

http://www.zdnet.com/let-my-wi-fi-go-fcc-rules-verizon-cant-charge-for-wi-fi-tethering-7000001916/

[Tidbits]

No you can still get charged...  You still have to follow your old terms which the DoJ/FTC has recognised.  If sign a new contract under the new terms then you will have tethering as an option.

This is what the articles don't understand.  You are still bound by the new terms.  They can't stop you from downloading the tethering apps, but if they catch you they still have the right to charge you for that service.

I do not work for Verizon FYI, the government can't change the terms you already agreed to regardless of "block c" rules.  If the government did change it then everyone under contract could essentially break the contract and leave without an ETF.

[GoHurdler]

Hello Tidbits,

I am annoyed that Verizon Wireless customer service reps are telling me conflicting information regarding the company's police with third party apps and unlimited data. I basically want a definitive answer from the company. One rep told me that the old terms of service were void regarding the tethering plan because of the FCC ruling. I will probably have to call VZW and escalate to a real manager not some floor lead.

Thanks,

[Tidbits]

That is the honest answer.  Block C rules when people send mixed understandings of it.

Like with anything posted in law.  For example building codes if you building was made prior to X year when a law goes into effect the building is exempt from that law.  So if you are on your old terms that is what you follow in which you have to pay for tethering.  If you have a 4G device you can get unlimited tethering for $30.

[B33]

Tidbits i Wonder if the FCC got things cleared up with the 700 or 800 Blocks that Law Enforcement was supposed to get i know when i sold my scanner it was gearing up to be cluster.. because who was getting what an where..i know when i listen to it some now it's way different than it was on Analog.. I miss also listening to the Railroad and hearing the Amtrak Engineers when they're coming threw here..

This post was of off topic a bit please excuse and to move back on the thread thanks Tidbits for sharing your Info!  To add it's fun to use the good stuff but good stuff no matter what & were has that little price tag to go with it.. b

[Tidbits]

I believe they are using another spectrum and the 700 and 800's will be sold off because they are not going to be using.  One of the reasons why Verizon was able to get the 700 spectrum block.

[B33]

Yea that right and i met to say what Law Enforcement was supposed to get my goof)  I'v been away from scanning for so long now and to listen to Digital when you can sounds like Donald Duck at times that is if it's not Encrypted..

[NuDroidUsrr]

Tidbits wrote:

That is the honest answer.  Block C rules when people send mixed understandings of it.

Like with anything posted in law.  For example building codes if you building was made prior to X year when a law goes into effect the building is exempt from that law.  So if you are on your old terms that is what you follow in which you have to pay for tethering.  If you have a 4G device you can get unlimited tethering for $30.

  Does that also apply if you are out of contract with Verizon, and going month to month? That could work both ways for Verizon / the customer.

[Tidbits]

That is correct when your contract expires they must honor your previous terms and can't force you on the new terms.  However they could change the unlimited tethering to another type of tethering plan like they did with 3G tethering plan for example and you'd have to pick that if you don't already have the unlimited one.  The only effective way for Verizon to remove you from that plan is to get you to sign a new term contract(like they are doing now), or terminating your contract without ETF, or canceling your service altogether after your contract they can't keep yours service running and changing the plan on you.

[silver6056]

That sounds a little strange, although I guess it is covered by your last option.  As I understand it, once your contract has ended, everything is (theoretically at any rate) up for change.  Now I agree that they cannot keep your service and send you a bill for $10,000 for 700 minutes, but I assume they could say: if you continue to use this service after Oct 1, the rate will be... (as with credit card companies).  Do they really need you to sign a new contract or can continued use imply assent to the new (contract-free) rates?