Monday, March 27, 2006
Verizon Wireless' Unlimited Data Plan "Includes" Text Messaging
Posted by Raphael Salgado in "THOUGHT" @ 04:00 PM
When I finally made my switch-over to Verizon Wireless and picked up a UTStarcom XV6700, I knew that this Windows Mobile device did not yet have AKU2 for Direct Email Push via HTTP. After a few days with my hosted Exchange service, 4Smartphone.net, I noticed that I was getting charged for every text message (SMS) they were sending down to my device in order to synchronize with the server. Apparently, I wasn't alone with this issue, since Heath Stewart posted his experience on his blog, along with his ongoing problems with the Treo 700w. Panicking, I turned off the text messaging feature on 4Smartphone.net, until I found this thread on HowardForums that discusses an add-on feature that wasn't made obvious to me when I signed up a little while back and was sold on an additional $15 text messaging plan. :evil:
By calling Verizon Wireless Data Support at 866-788-9387 and nicely requesting "PDA SMS 2000 ALLOWANCE, code 70246" to be added to the Unlimited Data Plan, I was able to resolve my dilemma in one phone call. The thread goes on to say that people have surpassed the 2,000 message limit, used it for inbound and outbound messaging, and even used picture messaging (MMS) without incurring any additional charges. So, I say "use it - don't abuse it" and you should be just fine. Why an unlimited data plan doesn't offer something as simple as text messaging is beyond me, but then again, that's probably Verizon Wireless' purported "revenue leak" prevention at hand. It's been reported that some reps will even argue that the feature doesn't exist, and that it took multiple calls to get it onto their account. :roll:
Again, this is probably another feature originally given to resolve the corporate issues of using Microsoft Exchange and SMS over Verizon Wireless' network. I never used their "Wireless Sync" feature either, since I felt it was just another thing to have to deal with. But, it's good to know that there are still some knowledgable individuals that can bring us insider tips like this. If you are a Verizon Wireless customer with a PDA Phone, have you made the call yet?
By calling Verizon Wireless Data Support at 866-788-9387 and nicely requesting "PDA SMS 2000 ALLOWANCE, code 70246" to be added to the Unlimited Data Plan, I was able to resolve my dilemma in one phone call. The thread goes on to say that people have surpassed the 2,000 message limit, used it for inbound and outbound messaging, and even used picture messaging (MMS) without incurring any additional charges. So, I say "use it - don't abuse it" and you should be just fine. Why an unlimited data plan doesn't offer something as simple as text messaging is beyond me, but then again, that's probably Verizon Wireless' purported "revenue leak" prevention at hand. It's been reported that some reps will even argue that the feature doesn't exist, and that it took multiple calls to get it onto their account. :roll:
Again, this is probably another feature originally given to resolve the corporate issues of using Microsoft Exchange and SMS over Verizon Wireless' network. I never used their "Wireless Sync" feature either, since I felt it was just another thing to have to deal with. But, it's good to know that there are still some knowledgable individuals that can bring us insider tips like this. If you are a Verizon Wireless customer with a PDA Phone, have you made the call yet?
