Verizon adding $2 charge for online & phone payments (Updated)
More and more it seems that large corporations are adding unwelcome fees and surcharges to our monthly bills. Verizon Wireless has announced that for certain payment types a $2 fee will be applied. Starting January 15, 2012 the new fee will be charged to those who choose to pay online or over the phone.
Luckily (for now) there are still ways to pay without incurring the new charge, those are as followed:
- Electronic check online (My Verizon Online, My Verizon Mobile/Handset). Fee waived.
- Electronic check via telephone. Fee waived.
- Enrollment in AutoPay using credit/debit/ATM card or electronic check; fee does not apply
- Online from the customer’s home-banking service provider website; fee does not apply.
- Credit/debit/ATM card, electronic check or cash at a Bill Payment Kiosk, Panel or with a representative at a Verizon Wireless Communications Store; fee does not apply.
- Use of a Verizon Wireless Gift Card or Verizon Wireless device Rebate Card to pay a bill in-store, online or by telephone; fee does not apply
- Paper check or money order mailed to the VZW remit address on customer’s bill; fee does not apply.
Unfortunately this is a trend that seems to have no end in sight.
***Update***
Verizon Wireless has decided to no longer go forward with their original plan. They state due to customer feedback they will not implement this.
Verizon Wireless Test website showing new tiered data plans.
Verizon Wireless is set to release new tiered data plans on 07.07.2011. Whether you love them or hate the idea their coming and unless you’re grandfathered into an older plan they will be the only option. Recently we here at GGN made a visit to the Verizon Test Man website where VZW does testing on new features and occasionally leaks info. While adding a smartphone on that site we proceeded to pick a data plan option and the new plans were the only choices. If you need any more proof the new plans are reality this should suffice.
Link to full size screenshot–> http://bit.ly/pkgIiu
HTC will no longer lock down bootloaders
Today on HTC’s Facebook page Peter Chou, the CEO of HTC made a statement that from this date forward HTC will release phones with unlocked bootloaders. This comes as welcome news to those who enjoy customizing their Android phones. Hopefully this will prompt other manufacturers to take the same path.
“There has been overwhelmingly customer feedback that people want access to open bootloaders on HTC phones. I want you to know that we’ve listened. Today, I’m confirming we will no longer be locking the bootloaders on our devices. Thanks for your passion, support and patience,” Peter Chou, CEO of HTC
[Facebook]
Wireless carriers blocking Android tethering apps?
The gang over at Droid Life have apparently come across some evidence that wireless carriers may be blocking tethering apps in the Android Market. If an Android user accesses the Android Market and searches for tethering applications, no results should be showing up. Search queries from an AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon Android phone showed the same results.
I tried searching on my Verizon Android device and I also came to the same conclusion others have had.
Verizon Wireless going Commando 04.28.2011
Today Verizon Wireless announced the Casio G-zOne Commando mil-spec Android smartphone. The Commando will come with Android 2.2 and includes G’zGear which includes things like an Earth Compass and Thermometer. It will be available this Thursday (04.28.2011) and will cost $199 on a two-year contract. While this phone is 3G only it does come with the mobile hotspot feature which allows other devices to connect to it. If you’ve been wanting a smartphone yet were afraid of breaking one this just may be your perfect fit.
