Yesterday I did a little research for a project that would require internet access via the cellular network.Verizon has a nice website that explains the service, the phones it works on and the prices. It is important to keep in mind that this is Verizon's business to business website so we are not talking about some whimpy service for home users.
The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with BroadbandAccess Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.
[my emphasis] Now, they are telling me it is good or large files. One of my projects requires a weekly download of a file that last time was 2,607,071,402 bytes (that is 2.6 gigabytes).
The price is listed as $15, $30, or $59.95 depending on which device you are using and noting that you also need a "qualifying" voice plan in most cases.
Now the next problem is where is the service actually available, they offer a website with a list of states and cities which is pretty useless as what exactly does "Philadelphia" mean?
Ok, we move onto their map. They offer a map doing broadband service areas, however most of the map shows "national access" and they never make it clear what national access is versus broadband access, so I assume their map is just confusing and without a close look one would think broadband access is extensive when it may well just be in metropolitan areas.
The speed is supposed to be good:
With BroadbandAccess service, you can work at typical download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps, with bursts of up to 2.0 Mbps.
And now maybe they explain national access:
NationalAccessTraveling outside of the BroadbandAccess coverage area? No problem. You can rely on our NationalAccess network to provide fast downloads, quick access to your email, and efficient Internet searches in thousands of cities and towns across America whenever you’re outside the BroadbandAccess Rate and Coverage Area.
- Access anywhere within the National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area.
- Connect at speeds bursting up to 144 Kbps, with typical speeds of 60 to 80 Kbps.
Now that is something that would have been nice to make shown on the map! So basically they will give you broadband speeds in metro areas and slightly better than dialup in between.
Now, my favorite part is their warning about usage, keep in mind that this is business to business service and they say it is good for downloading large files:
If more than 5 GB/line/month are used, we presume use is for non-permitted uses and reserve the right to terminate service immediately.
Now, I guess there is a vast difference between my idea and their idea of a large file. I believe even normal business usage could easily run over 5 GB/line/month.
Of course this statement shows the ignorance of big business and their desire to punish their customers.
A good customer is one that uses a lot of your product or service. Here Verizon specifically states that they will "terminate service immediately" if you are a "good customer", ie: one that uses a lot of their service.
An intelligent business would never make such a presentation to a customer, or terminate ones service for using it! An intelligent business would state "the above prices INCLUDE up to 5GB/month usage. Additional usage costs....".
Now the business would reward itself by generating more revenue (ie: profit) from good customers.
I also wonder what resources they offer to show you your actual usage so you have an idea if your service is going to be terminated immediately? Does the 5 GB/month only include data? routing packets? headers? restransmitted packets? That could make a huge difference in your actual allowed data volume.
If retransmitted packets count toward your 5 GB limit than you are punished again for poor network performance!
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