VZW disabling tethering apps from market

[czerdrill]

Does anybody have an AndroidCentral account? I don't yet, and I came across and interesting thread there: FYI: Verizon, by law is not allowed to block tethering on 4G devices - Android Forums

The 2008 auction at which Verizon bought their LTE spectrum requires compliance with open network protocol--see [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

See [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

The terms of this include:
Specifically, a C Block licensee may not block, degrade, or interfere with the ability of end users to download and utilize applications of their choosing on the licensee's C Block network, subject to reasonable network management. We anticipate that wireless service providers will address this requirement by developing reasonable standards, including through participation in standards setting organizations, as discussed below.

In addition, C Block licensees cannot exclude applications or devices solely on the basis that such applications or devices would unreasonably increase bandwidth demands. We anticipate that demand can be adequately managed through feasible facility improvements or technology-neutral capacity pricing that does not discriminate against subscribers using third-party devices or applications.

The problem is, since I have no account, I can't click on the links to read the entirety of them and dissect through all of the terms and jargon. I DO know that (at least according to anandtech), Verizon does indeed have a nationwide C-block spectrum, but they also have additional B and A spectrum as well.

Nonetheless, it is interesting to see this, and I would like to read more if anybody wouldn't mind re-posting the links here.

Brandon

Which is why they'll move to tiered pricing.

 

[km75]

I find it funny that these phones come wifi equipped. In essence the phone carrier is telling us "we don't want u using our network which you pay for, for all your data needs but hey please feel free to use everyone elses which you dont". Another thing. Aren't these the same phone companies that came up with the actual term UNLIMITED to draw us in. Now after we decide that we want unlimited they say "well its not really unlimited". Doesn't matter how you use it. If you have unlimited minutes they don't tell you "well yeah its unlimited minutes but only when you make calls within your area code". They put the unlimited label out there so now they should just deal with it!!

Sent from my DROID2 using DroidForums

 

[kodiak799]

Which is why they'll move to tiered pricing.

Even without, this seems a bit of a stretch to whatever the author hopes this proves.

Plus, I'm sure VZW can come up with more justification than just "increased bandwidth" (poor/inconsistent quality, for one). And there is court precedent for applications and devices that circumvent the mechanism a company charges for its product or service.

My guess is you can't just arbitrarily block an app, but it is within your power to block apps that don't adhere to your policies and guidelines. Otherwise, how does the App store exclude apps? How does AT&T block sideloading? VZW could easily argue if these apps include a mechanism/interface whereby they can charge for tethering then the apps wouldn't be blocked.

The intent of this rule is to prevent, for example, a Netflix app or Video calling because it would increase data usage. But it would seem charging a premium for such apps or going to caps is certainly within their power.

 

[kodiak799]

Aren't these the same phone companies that came up with the actual term UNLIMITED to draw us in. Now after we decide that we want unlimited they say "well its not really unlimited".

Deciding how YOU want to define unlimited, different from the contract TOS, is irrelevant.

 

[km75]

Well if that's the case why don't they just go ahead and start telling us our unlimited calling is capped at 1000 calls?

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[dfuser312553]

 

[kodiak799]

Well if that's the case why don't they just go ahead and start telling us our unlimited calling is capped at 1000 calls?

Sent from my DROID2 using DroidForums

It's irrelevant (and also I'd make a distinction from reserving the right to stop abuse vs. an automatic and pre-determined "limit" on unlimited).

You have unlimited data ON YOUR PHONE. There's no gray area, tethering is expressly excluded. It IS, in fact, unlimited data on your phone. There are no semantics within the context as stated in the TOS. People want to broaden that context and they have no leg to stand on.

I mean, if I take my phone to Canada I don't have free unlimited data. Same difference. It's unlimited data subject to restrictions, in this case geography while tethering restricts devices.

 

[Natey2]

Deciding how YOU want to define unlimited, different from the contract TOS, is irrelevant.

Anyone know what Verizon's definition is, precisely?
Here is AT&T's legal jargon:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-ph...tended Purposes Of The Wireless Data Service?


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[czerdrill]

Terms of service - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[kodiak799]

You have unlimited data FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE on VZW network in the US. There is absolutely nothing misleading, vague or incorrect about that statement.

You have unlimited data. VZW restricts or limits how you use your smartphone, if you want to get technical.

 

[czerdrill]

Deciding how YOU want to define unlimited, different from the contract TOS, is irrelevant.

Anyone know what Verizon's definition is, precisely?
Here is AT&T's legal jargon:
What Are The Intended Purposes Of The Wireless Data Service? - Wireless Customer Agreement - Wireless from AT&T.


Sent from my unrooted DroidX using DroidForums app

Verizon's TOS has been posted several times including the specific parts of it that forbid tethering without a plan, and their right to cancel you if you abuse their network and people still want to scream "UNLIMITED!!" like 5 year olds throwing a tantrum.

 

[czerdrill]

You have unlimited data FOR YOUR SMARTPHONE on VZW network in the US. There is absolutely nothing misleading, vague or incorrect about that statement.

You have unlimited data. VZW restricts or limits how you use your smartphone, if you want to get technical.

Isn't it almost sickening how they continue to try to justify it? haha...seriously, it really makes me think the android community is filled with kids.

 

[km75]

Well if that's the case why don't they just go ahead and start telling us our unlimited calling is capped at 1000 calls?

Sent from my DROID2 using DroidForums

It's irrelevant (and also I'd make a distinction from reserving the right to stop abuse vs. an automatic and pre-determined "limit" on unlimited).

You have unlimited data ON YOUR PHONE. There's no gray area, tethering is expressly excluded. It IS, in fact, unlimited data on your phone. There are no semantics within the context as stated in the TOS. People want to broaden that context and they have no leg to stand on.

I mean, if I take my phone to Canada I don't have free unlimited data. Same difference. It's unlimited data subject to restrictions, in this case geography while tethering restricts devices.

I hear and understand everything your saying. I guess my thing is that I think they should do away with the term unlimited and let everyone know up front just exactly what they're getting. And not just in the fine print. In regards to your canada analogy doesn't verizon have a calling plan that very directly states its for canada users? And you don't have to look for the fine print. Its listed very distinctly with all the other plans

Sent from my DROID2 using DroidForums

 

[czerdrill]

Well if that's the case why don't they just go ahead and start telling us our unlimited calling is capped at 1000 calls?

Sent from my DROID2 using DroidForums

It's irrelevant (and also I'd make a distinction from reserving the right to stop abuse vs. an automatic and pre-determined "limit" on unlimited).

You have unlimited data ON YOUR PHONE. There's no gray area, tethering is expressly excluded. It IS, in fact, unlimited data on your phone. There are no semantics within the context as stated in the TOS. People want to broaden that context and they have no leg to stand on.

I mean, if I take my phone to Canada I don't have free unlimited data. Same difference. It's unlimited data subject to restrictions, in this case geography while tethering restricts devices.

I hear and understand everything your saying. I guess my thing is that I think they should do away with the term unlimited and let everyone know up front just exactly what they're getting. And not just in the fine print. In regards to your canada analogy doesn't verizon have a calling plan that very directly states its for canada users? And you don't have to look for the fine print. Its listed very distinctly with all the other plans

Sent from my DROID2 using DroidForums

So you're telling me that the tether-ers when signing up for their CELLPHONE plan, honestly thought that their CELLPHONE plan included Verizon as a replacement for their ISP? They were essentially in the market for an ISP and for cell service and figured "hey i can kill two birds with one stone this way!!"...gimme a break.

Anyone who tries to argue that they weren't told upfront that their data plan didn't include a replacement for their ISP is a moron, straight up.

 

[kodiak799]

I hear and understand everything your saying. I guess my thing is that I think they should do away with the term unlimited and let everyone know up front just exactly what they're getting. And not just in the fine print. In regards to your canada analogy doesn't verizon have a calling plan that very directly states its for canada users? And you don't have to look for the fine print. Its listed very distinctly with all the other plans

They have a Canada calling plan option which I believe is for calls placed/received to and from Canada. Roaming in Canada is a completely different story.

I have no issue with unlimited. As I said, your data is, in fact, unlimited but VZW restricts how you can use your smartphone - you can't use your smartphone to tether, it's an add-on service (and one where data IS limited).

No different, really, than renting a car with unlimited miles. Some contracts may prevent you from leaving the state or country (mainly due to insurance reasons). You can drive to your heart's content within the state, i.e. unlimited miles, but they prohibit you from taking the car out of state. Within the TOS agreeing to how you use the vehicle your mileage is absolutely unlimited.