Gear

Verizon says Unlimited equals 5GB: Bans P2P

The small print in the TOS for Verizon's unlimited EVDO Wireless Data Service spells it out: "Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation, the following: (i) continuous uploading, downloading or streaming of audio or video programming or games; (ii) server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine–to–machine connections or peer–to–peer (P2P) file sharing; or (iii) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data" So how much is too much?... Anyone using more than 5 GB per line in a given month is presumed to be using the service in a manner prohibited above, and we reserve the right to immediately terminate the service of any such person without notice."

EvdonoThe phone companies are screwing us again. The small print in the TOS for Verizon's unlimited EVDO Wireless Data Service spells it out:

"Examples of prohibited uses include, without limitation, the following: (i) continuous uploading, downloading or streaming of audio or video programming or games; (ii) server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine–to–machine connections or peer–to–peer (P2P) file sharing; or (iii) as a substitute or backup for private lines or dedicated data"

So how much is too much? The above terms have been in the contract for a few years, but Verizon were always evasive on what was considered excessive use.

"A person engaged in prohibited uses, continuously for one hour, could typically use 100 to 200 MBs, or, if engaged in prohibited uses for 10 hours a day, 7 days a week, could use more than 5 GBs in a month [...] Anyone using more than 5 GB per line in a given month is presumed to be using the service in a manner prohibited above, and we reserve the right to immediately terminate the service of any such person without notice."

So, there we have it. You can send email, you can browse the web, and that's about it. Streaming video to a laptop is out, downloading pretty much anything is out, rendering the service almost useless. Consider this: No Joost, no Last.fm, no YouTube, certainly no BitTorrent. Heck, just downloading software updates could put you over the line. Thanks Verizon.

Hit the link for the full text.

Verizon Admits that their Unlimited Data Plan is Limited to 5GB Per Month [Cybernet]