yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
I don't feel screwed by my plan at all. I do however wish they offered an unlimited tether still, I would gladly change plans to become compliant... no way I am paying $400 or more a month for Internet but I need it to go with me and supply at least 100gb a month. Till then I will continue using my loophole.

This thread has become quite an interesting debate on what is right and wrong.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bwcorvus:
Let me try to explain why you actually breaking your agreement. I'll even use your "fat guy at a buffet" logic. If you go to a buffet and get all you can eat, you can eat everything you want correct? What happens if you share this with a friend? That's what you are doing that's breaking your agreement. Once you tethered you "shared" it with your friends, even if these are also your devices.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Gahh Its Lee:
First relevant point I've seen. Doesn't Verizon offer an unlimited 4g tethering plan for $30??
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adrynalyne:
Not sure.

They used to and still do if you have unlimited data I think.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Gahh Its Lee:
Yea see if he did that boom he's not even breaking his contract. Solutions are abound.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] adrynalyne:
I agree entirely.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
Browsing the terms and conditions for my specific plan:

Data Services: Permitted Uses

You can use our Data Plans and Features for accessing the Internet and for such things as: (i) Internet browsing; (ii) email; (iii) intranet access (including accessing corporate intranets, email and individual productivity applications made available by your company); (iv) uploading, downloading and streaming of audio, video and games; and (v) Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

Nothing in there specifically about tethering but when I go in and act like I am signing up for a new plan or changing my existing data plan (Again, MAX is 20GB and adding Mobile Hotspot only gives me 2GB of tethering) and click on the terms and conditions I see a very obvious difference, it shows the above but adds this to the beginning:

These features cannot be used to tether your device to laptops, personal computers or other devices for any purpose other than syncing of data; any other use is not permitted using these features.

To those who see only the bottom statement, I agree that use of unlimited data to tether a device to another is wrong if this was in the terms of my agreement... I currently do not find that terminology in my specific terms.

I also found this and had to chuckle a little:

•If a customer uses an extraordinary amount of data and falls within the top 5% of Verizon Wireless data users, Verizon Wireless may reduce the customer’s data throughput speeds when the customer is connected to a congested cell site for the remainder the customer’s then current and immediately following billing cycle to ensure high quality network performance for other users at locations and times of peak demand. Our proactive management of the Verizon Wireless network is designed to ensure that the remaining 95% of data customers aren’t negatively affected by the inordinate data consumption of just a few users.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] spencer88:
Either way, you're contributing to the screwing of everybody else's data plans, no matter what the terms and conditions say.

But whatever helps you sleep at night.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] mwalt2:
Yes they do offer an unlimited tethering plan for 4G devices (like the OP's thunderbolt) for $30/mo. The only caveat is that you are supposed to have an unlimited data plan, which the OP does.

OP, if you want to add unlimited tethering, have them add feature code #76153 to your account. Don't complain that they don't offer a solution to you...because they do.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] wonshikee:
Don't bring logic into the forums, it don't belong here.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] orion2001:
This. .
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] hotleadsingerguy:
First of all, OP, you're out of your damned mind if you think that what you do is acceptable. Whether it actually costs them anything or not is irrelevant...you're completely abusing the system so you don't have to pay anything extra. Verizon *DOES* offer an unlimited-tethering plan ($60 total - $30 for unlimited data, $30 for tethering) which would fit your needs perfectly and would prevent you from breaking the contract that you signed, but you're choosing not to use it to save $30 a month. It's despicable.

Have I tethered? Yes. Why? Because my internet was out for a day and I had to get work done. I used it *sparingly* (read: Only for what was necessary) and didn't snicker for being a rebel. I really do hope that they backcharge you for all of the data you've used (which they have the legal right to do, according to the contract that *YOU* signed).

The fact that you brag about your idiotic usage blows me away. The gall that it takes to tell everyone that you're breaking the contract and how awesome it is is unbelievable. To even go as far as to mention that people like you are the reason everyone has to pay more for data is completely deplorable. If you don't have qualms about breaking the contract and doing exactly what you're not supposed to, the world would assume you'd at least have a problem with intentionally screwing over everyone else around you.

lol what are you talking about? Fight the man? What are you a hippy from the '70s? Verizon couldn't care less about your little rebellion. Instead of just giving in to your demands, like you for some freakish reason imagine, they'll just boot your rule-breaking ass off their network. The total amount of people that abuse the unlimited plans is probably less than 2,000. They have another 108,698,000 users that pay their bills and don't break the rules. Get off of your idiotic high-horse plz, kkthx.

Oh, and luckylei, when the bank says you owe X amount of money and you tell them you'll give them some amount or force a foreclosure...that's complete trash.

I am *AMAZED* by the lack of morals in this thread. Just so you people know, the Unlimited plan that does not include tethering *DOES NOT INCLUDE TETHERING*. Make up whatever excuses you want ("It's unlimited and he can use it how he wants!!"), but they're all just people crying because nobody cares about breaking the rules as long as they get what they want.

For reference: I have an Unlimited plan with Verizon and I use *MAYBE* 2GB a month. Why? Because I'm not a cheap-ass piece of trash trying to take advantage of every company that I feel has wronged me in the past. I work for a living and I don't cry about things that don't go my way. Welcome to the real world, crybabies.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] InfiniD:
aaannnd when we lose all of our unlimited plans now we know who to thank. I do all the same things in moderation, probably 10-15GB a month and I feel a little guilty sometimes, but you are way overboard, you need to get out more. Maybe spend an hour or two without tech once in a while.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] hotleadsingerguy:
Don't pull that card. I was in the military too and I spent a week signing contracts when I enlisted, a full day signing contracts when I switched AFSCs (MoSs), and another day of signing contracts when I left.

Since I'm not an idiot I spent the time to read the contract and figure out what I was signing. Don't use the "ignorance" card to make it seem OK. It's not the military's fault that you didn't read your contracts, nor is it Verizon's fault. It's *YOUR* own damn fault for not fully comprehending what you were getting yourself into. Just because you didn't read it or understand it doesn't mean it's completely fine to do whatever you want.

Verizon has no opportunity to change a contract without your authorization. If they do, you have the legal right to outright cancel your contract with no penalty. What does that mean? Say I signed a 2-year contract today and 3 days from now they decided to raise their prices (even if it's $0.05 a month). If you don't agree with that price change you are required to call them and let them know (according to the contract). If they change it back, you stay on contract. If they refuse to change it back, you have the legal authority to cancel your contract outright and walk away that day (being pro-rated for the rest of your month). This is the same for *ALL* American companies, by law.

This just seems like a joke. First of all, they do offer an unlimited tethering plan and it's very cheap ($30 on top of your data plan).

And there's no "debate" on what is right and wrong. A debate assumes that both sides have a valid point of view. People saying it's right to tether on a non-tethering unlimited plan are completely wrong...they're just trying to make themselves feel right by making excuses. It's *expressly* against the contract that you signed.

Maybe you couldn't find it, but it's in mine. I have an unlimited 4G plan and it's listed pretty clearly that it's not to be used to tether to other devices.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] RussianMenace:
Damn, wish I got those speeds. LTE in Richmond tops out at ~8-10Mbps. :mad:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] luckylui:
Hotleadssingerguy,

Your funny. Hahahaha, look who is crying? Not me. I'm a working man myself that owns a expediting company in Illinois and before that I was enlisted for six years in the Army. Do I care if your a hard working person? No, cause I work myself. If I want to do what I do I'll do it. Who told you to tell me how I do my business? I'm a successful business owner myself for 13 yrs. Do you have anything to cry some more about? Id love to hear it. :)

Oh yea and I pay my bills a month in advanced. Sorry if you pay your bills on due date. I'm not complaining what people do, because people do what they want no matter what.

For reference: You probably can't afford half the stuff I own. ;)

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
YOU ARE THE MAN!!! Thank you! - The person I talked to on the phone didn't know anything about that feature code so I went online and chatted with a rep playing dumb - now trying to talk someone on the phone with into adding it:

LaKeya: I will be happy to assist you with your question.

ME: I have unlimited data and am curious if I can add the ability to use the hotspot function of my phone with it.

ME: I don't want to lose unlimited data since I use a lot more than any current plan offers.

LaKeya: Yes you can add it to your phone for $20 a month for 2GB and you will not lose the unlimited data plan option.

ME: I would use more than 2GB

LaKeya: This is the only option to get in order to keep the unlimited data plan.

LaKeya: I really wish that there was something that I can do but we do not have access to make any type of changes.

ME: Humbug, there isn't a plan with more than 2GB?

LaKeya: Yes only if you order the mobile hotspot device.

ME: I know I would use at least 50GB or more a month.

ME: I would need unlimited or something more than what is currently offered

LaKeya: At this moment, Verizon does not have the unlimited mobile hotshot plan for devices.

ME: SO what exactly is feature code #76153? Someone told me this would work.

LaKeya: Would you mind holding for a moment while I check that information?

ME: no problem.

LaKeya: Thank you.

LaKeya: Thank you for holding. This code is for unlimited mobile hotspot for the phone but you will have to call customer care to get this added. I really wish that there was something that I can do but we do not have access to add anything to customers accounts.

ME: SO that would actually work to add in Unlimited hotspot to my plan? Can you see what the monthly fee for it is?

LaKeya: It cost $30 a month.

ME: Cool, If that will actually work then I'll call in to have it added.

ME: SO just so I am clear, that feature code will allow me to keep my unlimited data but also add in unlimited mobile hotspot for only $30 more amonth?

LaKeya: That is correct.

UPDATE:

So far I've been told that it doesn't exist, another says that it's expired and the above that it's a legitimate code I can use but that person couldn't add it.... They definately aren't making it easy for a guy to go legit!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] InfiniD:
what your talking about is the code for that plan. it does exist but is no longer offered. but if you can find some rep stupid enough to put it on then your good. i used to work in the cell phone business and these codes are used to configure your plan, old and new they all work, good luck finding the idiot to put it on and possibly get fired
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
Talked to 4 people since I saw that code... haven't found the idiot yet but I saw one briefly when I washed my hands a few minutes ago. :rolleyes:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] lrs421:
Hey OP, still think this thread helps the community?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
Once I am able to get the Hotspot feature added to my plan I will update original post with steps for others in my boat to do the same. So far I am unsuccessful. I think that would be more beneficial to the community than how much data one can use before getting throttled.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] 9kracing:
The reason they won't add that "feature" anymore, is because that's how we all "hacked" the system into giving us unlimited data a few months ago.

That particular code did work. It would also bump your data plan to unlimited, even if you were supposed to be on a 2-4 GB plan. They pulled the plug about a month ago, and now you can only add the tiered hotspot plans. The difference is that this was a "feature", and not a change of your data plan.... well, it wasn't supposed to be. But I guess the only way to add an "unlimited" hotspot to an account, was to actually give them unlimited data.

Long story short, it was published on a major website, and the next day that code was invalid... as you are now finding out.

You can still add the $20 hotspot and tether unlimited though... VZW is plain wrong when they claim they can tell the difference between tethering and normal data. Think about it... if they only offer you one option, and you go over the data limit.... what are they going to do? Charge you for the more expensive plan? Oh wait...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Gahh Its Lee:
Actually they can tell if your tethering too much if your using a Verizon app. My friend had unlimited data and when he got his first smart phone was so excited about tether he racked up 20 gigs and a ridiculous bill.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
For Posterity - Editing Original Post.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] chakra:
go into the features on your my verizon and see if its there its called 4g mobile hotspot. Add it yourself then call in to have it activated.

Its a feature not a plan.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] hotleadsingerguy:
LOL For reference: I was enlisted, as well. Special Operations. It helped me get a position that started well over 6 figures. Keep running your mouth, grunt.

It makes no difference how much money you make, it matters how you act. You trying to force the bank into a position means you're trashy. It's irrelevant if you have a 70" LED TV and a Lexus. You're still trash if you do shady stuff like that. The fact that you came out with a response like a pre-teen ("You probably can't afford half the stuff I own") makes it completely obvious where your trailer-park roots are placed. Someone left the Army with a lack of honor. What a surprise.

^^This^^

If you already have an Unlimited Data plan, you can add the Unlimited Hotspot feature right from the site. The only time you have to call in is if you don't already have an Unlimited Data plan (because attempting to add it via the site says "there's a missing feature on this account, please call customer support").

As others have said, it was a huge loophole for getting Unlimited Data not long ago. When the Nexus first came out people did it in *huge* numbers. I told a few friends about it and they're all now happily using unlimited 4G. As far as I know none of them have been dropped from it, either.

---------- Post added at 10:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:55 PM ----------

luckylui: Oh, and I very rarely make comments about grammar or spelling but I'm guessing the Army taught you both of those things, as well. Someone saying they've owned their own company for 13 years and buying things I couldn't afford should at least be able to string together a few coherent sentences above a 5th-grade level.

Point being: If you post about your shady dealings online, you're going to get ripped apart for it. Rather than try and turn the tables and insult the people calling you out on your dirt, you should humbly walk away and realize your mistake. This entire thread should be closed purely for shady business.

Afterall, they closed the thread that brought up the "loophole" to get Unlimited Data, and that was only helpful.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
I'll be a monkey's uncle... all that effing time and effort and it's right in front of my effing nose!

This was a lot more difficult than it should have been and someone at VZW shoulda said how easy this was!

Done and DONE! Thank you but stop bickering about who's military service is longer or better. Thank you for serving and thank each other.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] kleverman:
Personally i'm not military material. That's why i have the "Truly Unlimited Plan" with 3Uk. It helps me pass the time playing on the net rather than running around dodging bullets n bombs n ****.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] hotleadsingerguy:
Lol you're welcome now enjoy tethering that 200GB a month guilt-free!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] compnird:
No doubt... Serious facepalm! Took me a bleeping year to find that? Seriously... now to see how the mobile hotspot compares to the unofficial options.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] rubiconjp:
Okay OP made good. Cool! Now about that guy sucking 50GB on the $10 Go account... arghh!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] lrs421:
I've been using the official hotspot for a few months, its very fast and solid. And you don't have to look over your shoulder ;)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] shojus:
So what your saying is:

YES I broke the terms and conditions too but I had to get work done and I am so important than everyone else that I can break the terms and conditions but JUST for work and JUST for the little amount of time I need... LMFAO So you should be getting kicked off the network too right??

You probably piss sitting down so your wife does not yell at you for peeing on the seat too right... Hypocrite.... LOL :D This really is a pointless thread but I gotta say something when someone makes it this easy....

FYI: I pay $60.00 a month to tether and for unlimited data so I use how much I want!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] hotleadsingerguy:
I've also paid for the actual tethering service many times. I would have that time, as well, but my internet went down and I didn't have enough time to make the switch.

To me a situation like that is like speeding to get in front of a semi on the highway because your exit is coming up very soon. Yes, its still speeding; however, its done for a specific purpose and only for a short time.

But they can feel free to backdate me too. I can count the number of times I've gone over 3GB in a month on 2 fingers. Obviously I'm not a problem.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] lordgodgeneral:
That's how I added it to mine, add features, down to the middle, Unlimited 4G Mobile hotspot, in small letters says unlimited data plan required, $30 a month. Added it on two weeks ago, and never had to talk to a rep.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] BlazinDANDAMAN:
Here is my experience...with all the talk about what At&t does to their unlimited customers, I've wanted to share my thoughts...why not here...

First off, I pay for unlimited data, I've done so since getting with Verizon and the Droid Eris almost 2 1/2 years ago. When I got the Droid Charge, I was HAPPY to hear that my data price would not change, but I was still able to get 4G.

While I had my Charge, I bought a home. At my new home, there is no option to get internet, other than DSL with At&t. Now, I HATE At&t, Hate them. So we decided to get hotspot on my phone for an additional $30. This gives me 8mbs average at home. I play Xbox, watch netflix and Hulu on multiple TVs, and download torrents.

On average I use around 80GB - 140GB of Data a month. I have NEVER, let me repeat..NEVER been throttled. If I have, it is not noticable. Netflix and Hulu are always in HD. I pay $60 a month for internet services, and it's worth every penny, right now.

I am so glad and happy I have Verizon, and their network. I glad I'm grandfathered in. I'm glad I didn't go to Sprint or others...ALL of my experiences with their customer service has been great. I've never had a problem with my bill, phone or their service. When I do, they help me with a smile. I've never been so happy with a Cell provider or a phone(nexus). The only problem I had with Verizon where I was cussing them out, was to release the Nexus or a date.

Now once internet is available at my home, I will get it. At that time, I will remove the hotspot feature. And only tether when I need to. But on my Eris I averaged 20mbs a months, so I'm sure my Nexus would be the same or more. I need/love my unlimited data.

What ever rumors go around about throttling, I check my data usage and run SpeedTest. I've never been affected.

If this upsets people, I make no apologies.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] veloslave:
ROFL... boggle indeed.

Do you people actually think the OP or other bandwidth hogs are the problem???

They do it (charge more or cap) because they can and because they want to make more money than they are now.

Bandwidth is NOT the problem, there is plenty of it and more coming.

Profit IS the issue, there is never enough and they are going to find lots of ways to increase it in an ever increasingly (but still not enough) competitive market. You better believe there were more enemies than just GPS interference trying to keep Lightsquared from getting off the ground. You add one or two more affordable national mobile broadband suppliers to the mix and it would be a whole different game (until they merged us to death again ATT style)

It is the finely tuned dance called the free market with the scales tipped in the favor of the supplier due to not enough competition... heck, even the government stood up to special interest for the people recently... which is rare but they put the kabosh on the ATT - T-mobile merger knowing that ATT could INCREASE the screwing of the consumer over and above what they were already getting away with. Fortunately enough people have taken it up the rear with ATT that they stood up and complained about the merger AND the the feds actually listened (I am still amazed to be honest.)

Profit comes first, customer service comes second. Until there are enough greedy start ups that are willing to cut prices to get market share... this will not change.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ddarvish:
i cant give 2 flying ****s that VZW TOS says i cant tether.. their fcc 700 MHz spectrum license says they can NOT tell you what apps you can download or use or how you can use your bandwidth. that is why they moved to tiers. If their TOS said that you had to kill someone at the start of each month that wouldnt make it right either. basically they wrote an unenforceable clause in their TOS and they can suck my fatty **** to the grave.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ericshmerick:
Good luck with losing your epic fight. The "it's my data I can use it as I wish" argument has been debunked time and time again.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] AfroCreame:
More power to you! I'd be lying if I wouldn't do the same with an "unlimited" plan.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] synaesthetic:
Except it is. It makes no difference if it's 1kb through the phone or 1kb through a laptop.

What are they going to do, refuse to take your money? Yeah right. They'll complain and hem and haw and maybe send annoying text messages, but they can't do anything else.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] dmbatson:
I've always been iffy about "illegal hotspotting" I don't use it enough to pay 30 a month but maybe 30 megs every 2 months and been worrying about getting caught.

also have unlimited data and use about 5-6 gigs every month.