I am in the process of renewing contracts and selecting a new phone. I like the new i760 and was trying to determine if this phone will do what I need. While discussing the features with Verizon, both in store and on the phone (technical support), I was told I would be charged usage fees (data transfer fees) if I connected to a wifi network and began surfing.

I thought the folks I spoke with were mistaken so I contacted the technicial support group and they validated I would be charged.

I don't understand this logic. If I connect to a network outside of the cell network, why would I be charged? If I was at home connected to my wifi network, I should be free to surf as much as I want due to the fact I was using a network connection which would NOT take up any bandwidth from the Verizon network.

If I had an iPod Touch and surfed on the wifi network, Apple wouldn't be dipping into my pocket and trying to charge me. When I am on my Dell laptop connected to a wifi network, Dell isn't dipping into my pocket trying to charge me for surfing.

Why does Verizon see fit to charge me for something they are not providing me. Does this make any sense to anyone else? The folks at Verizon flat out didn't agree with this logic. Am I missing something?

I really want to know what you folks think. Is Verizon charging? Are the Verizon reps wrong? If they are right, WHY?

You were mis-insformed. You won't be charged for using WiFi.

Alan

Thank you. Verizon needs to get this information out to their reps. You don't know the frustration I felt when I tried to have this conversation with them.

So that I am clear. Sorry - this means I do not not need to subscribe to a data plan to utilize the wifi feature. My son is going to college and I want him to periodically check emails and surf some, without having to break open a lap top. If he is in a wifi area (hot spot) he should be able to surf with no problems, regardless if I have the data package?

You're correct - you can use WiFi without any data plan at all, so your son would be fine the way you describe.

I just purchased the i760 yesterday for the same reasons, so I can have WiFi at college and not have to use my laptop. I had seen some comments on other forums that said you would be charged a fee for accessing WiFi, but this is false. Instead, I chose the "Pay As You Go" option for data, and also added a "data block" which will prevent me from accidentally accessing the data feature.

Hope this helps!

I didn't know about the "data block feature... thanks for the info.

I just got a xv6800 and I am in fact getting charged for using Wi Fi. Talked to several customer service reps….

1st rep (tech support) - I asked to make sure that I am not getting charge for sending and receiving pix and flix messages because that goes through MMS. The rep said there will not be any data charge as long as I am not using the Verizon Wireless network for web browser, email and wireless sync. That cleared it up for me at that time until i looked at my online account and saw the log files.

2nd rep (Star - customer service) - it was a total nightmare, seem like the rep had no clue what is going on with the multimedia and data side of their service. I started inquiring about the pay as you go charges and asked to make sure I wasn’t getting charged for sending and receiving MMS (you know the connection time). First she claimed I only had text messaging which was not true, I confirmed that I have text/pix/flix messaging plan. Then the rep said the charges were charged for connecting to the web browser or email. I explained to her that I made sure I was disconnected with the Verizon Data Network and was using the Wi Fi connection. After going back and forth of reiterating that I was in fact using my Wi Fi connection instead of Verizon’s, turns out the lady didn’t really know what “WiFi” was. The rep then put me on hold and came back telling me that I will get charged for data usage no matter how I connect. LOL! I tried to reason with her and explain that is incorrect and there is no reason for me to be charged for a service I did not used. Let’s just say it was a waste of my time and I flat out hung up on her because she was not helping or trying to understand at all.

3rd rep (Fred - Tech support) and 4th (Mike - data specialist) – I decided to call back and hope to talk to someone that have some senses about this stuff. I called tech support, explained my dilemma and frustration. He understand all of my questions and forward on to me a data specialist. Explained my situation again to the specialist (Mike). He agreed that there shouldn't be a charge because I am not using Verizon's network to connect to the web browser, but unfortunately he was unable to get an answer to the charges on my account. He opened a case number for my situation so I don’t have to keep explaining the issue, but I have to contact the billing department. *sigh* He was very helpful, but is kind of ridiculous that everyone have a different answer.

I have called two different Verizon Wireless direct store and inquired about charges while using Wi Fi. Both confirmed that I will not be charged if I am connecting via Wi Fi instead of Verizon Data Network. I guess I’ll have to see what happen tomorrow when I talk to the billing supervisor, but this is really putting a damper on my loyalty to Verizon Wireless.

Hello.

I have the pay as you go option for data also, but I am still getting charged for using my wifi. If i add the 'data block', will I still be able to send and receive MMS?? because thats the only way for me to send and receive picture and video messages.

Thanks
Priscila

I think the question might more accurately be Will I be charged for using MMS as opposed to POP3 mail and internet connection. I use my home Wireless all the time and am not charged for use. If I send or receive a MMS message, I am charged.

If i add the 'data block', will I still be able to send and receive MMS??
No. Connection to Verizon's network IS required in order to use SMS/MMS. that's where your data charges are coming from. My phone doesn't have wi-fi but even if actual transmission is done over wi-fi, verizon's network is still required to initiate the sending and recieve acknowledments of the messages. If that is in fact all you are doing and using wi-fi for everything else, the data charges should be nominal. Shouldn't be more than about a dollar a month. Even if you have a message plan, I've read elsewhere that some get these nominal charges for data, and others not.

Here's an exerpt from another thread:

have unlimited sms and mms and pay-as-you-go-data, i have not been charged for any mms even though my phone will connect to ev-do. .... while it showed i had used data (obviously) it was not charged on my bill.

On another forum a poster said he WAS charged data fees but they averaged only about $,90 cents a month.

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My brain is so full of S (Entropy, that is), I don't know anything anymore.

If you look at your data connections, you will one (for Verizon Wireless) that has the #777. Go in and take out one 7 and save. Now your phone cannot dial out and you will not be charged if you use your wifi. If you get a picture message the phone will notify you, just go back in, add the extra 7 and save, go get your message. You will have to edit the #777 again removing one. If you don't do this, your phone will dial out using the modem line via verizon. The reason I take out the 7 is because some how my phone connected to the internet without me and I was charged. The other way you can do it is to turn off your phone when you use the wifi. Taking out the 7 only effects pic messages, not text. But in order to safeguard yourself from any charges, take out a 7. I've been doing it for months now, with no extra charges.

I'm trying to find out how I can get pic messages via the wifi, without using the phone connection at all. It should be able to work like email.

M

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Marilene