FCC Not Satisfied with Verizon's ETF Explanation
FCC needs to stay out of business
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR THE FCC TO BE GETTING INVOLVED IN PRIVATE BUSINESS.
No one is forcing people to sign a contract with a $350 etf, they can sign with another carrier or they can pay retail and not sign a contract at all.
Celling_it said:
This is a free market economy and that means that companies can charge what they feel is fair and consumers can buy what they want to buy.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR THE FCC TO BE GETTING INVOLVED IN PRIVATE BUSINESS.
No one is forcing people to sign a contract with a $350 etf, they can sign with another carrier or they can pay retail and not sign a contract at all.
Yeah, you're right. Everything should just be unregulated. We'll all be fine. You're a genius.
Celling_it said:
People can vote woth the wallets. If they dont like a company than do give them your money. They will either change or go under.
You're right. We don't need anyone to protect us from rampantly unethical corporations.
You should be our next President.
If I were president I would give people like you, who want to live in a communist society, your choice of a one way plane ticket eo either China or Cuba. That way you can live somewhere where everything is closely regulated by the government. Probably a utopia for you.
Celling_it said:
You have the oppurtunity to read the contract before you sign, and you have 30 days (with VZW) to cancel and not pay an ETF. If you feel that a company is unethical than please opt out and go spend your money else where. People need to look out for themselves, and not rely on others to do it for them.
If I were president I would give people like you, who want to live in a communist society, your choice of a one way plane ticket eo either China or Cuba. That way you can live somewhere where everything is closely regulated by the government. Probably a utopia for you.
Communist society! Ha! You don't even know what the word means. Thankfully we do have organizations like the FCC to ...
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The FCC shouldn't be investigating an issue that isn't mandatory for all customers. There are several ways to avoid the high ETF.
1 - Dont get an advanced device.
2 - Buy your advanced device outright and sign on month-to-month.
3 - Honor the agreement you signed.
4 - Take your business to a carrier who you feel will better suit what you are looking for.
This is not an issue that consumers need protection from because they have the option not to deal with it.
bp3dots1 said:
In this case, I think Cellin it has a point. (not about the cuba/china plane tickets)
The FCC shouldn't be investigating an issue that isn't mandatory for all customers. There are several ways to avoid the high ETF.
1 - Dont get an advanced device.
2 - Buy your advanced device outright and sign on month-to-month.
3 - Honor the agreement you signed.
4 - Take your business to a carrier who you feel will better suit what you are looking for.
This is not an issue that consumers need protection from because they have the option not to deal with it.
Hey, I'm ALL for consumers being more informed. Unfortunately, that's not how it works in this country and everyone knows it. A little re...
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And regulation has hurt plenty of people. It means we have fewer choices that we pay more for. As regulation increases it becomes more and more difficult for smaller companies to meet the demands of reporting and complying with the new regulations. Thus we drive even more business to the big four, which will close ranks and offer even fewer real choices between companies.
Governmental regulation is a nightmare, no matter what industry you're talking about. Unless it is necessary for the well being of people or for the safety of our nation there is no excuse for the government to be involved in our company.
SprintCC said:...
If people don't want to be informed and educate themselves, they deserve to get taken advantage of.
And regulation has hurt plenty of people. It means we have fewer choices that we pay more for. As regulation increases it becomes more and more difficult for smaller companies to meet the demands of reporting and complying with the new regulations. Thus we drive even more business to the big four, which will close ranks and offer even fewer real choices between companies.
Governmental regulation is a nightmare, no matter what industry you're talking about. Unless it is necessary for the well being of people or for the safety of our nation there is no excuse for the government to be involved in our com
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As mentioned repeatedly before, this is really a consumer/customer issue. If a companmy wants to instill a policy for their new customers that their smartphone devices now have a larger ETF, so be it. They have a month to see if they like it, in which case they can cancel if they don't. Plus, everyone knows VZW is the most expensive of the mobile netoworks providers in the USA, so why is it a surprise when the price jummps a bit more.
Now, here's the best part of this whole thing, IF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, GO TO SOMEONE ELSE. Simple. No need for regulation./. DOn't like this new policy by VErizon, go to Sprint. Don't like Sprint, go to AT&T. D...
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ExploderBlade said:
I think we can now officially agree that muchdrama has no idea how economics nd business works.
Economics? Who said anything about economics? Is this thing on? Hello?
I'm just talking about a little regulation that protects consumers, that's all. Don't know why everyone's bitching...it's not like it's going away anytime soon.
READ the posts, folks! "Done and done." Pfft. Idiot.
ExploderBlade said:
"...to want to love regulation that gets outta control on freakin cell phones."
Regulation that protects the consumer is always a good thing.
Not that you make a lick of sense, mind you.
Listen, grow up and realize that the government doesn't need to regulate everything, because everything doesn't need regulated. You don't like the way Verizon is handling things, be a big boy and go to someone else. That's how a true free market works. Now stop complaining.
ExploderBlade said:
The consumer doesn't need protecting if they are SMART enough to make their own decisions. Does your mother still pickj out your clothes too, since you like the government trying to pick out how your cell phone plan works.
Listen, grow up and realize that the government doesn't need to regulate everything, because everything doesn't need regulated. You don't like the way Verizon is handling things, be a big boy and go to someone else. That's how a true free market works. Now stop complaining.
The government stepping in to question an ETF that has DOUBLED is okay by me.
muchdrama said:
Communist society! Ha! You don't even know what the word means. Thankfully we do have organizations like the FCC to protect us when we do, in fact, need protection.
BTW his beloved VZW with their $350 ETF gets their "Moto Droid" made in a Communist society called China. Of course, so is most of everything else, but lets not go flag waving.
muchdrama said:
You're right. We don't need anyone to protect us from rampantly unethical corporations.
You should be our next President.
and we all know how perfect and completely ethical government is, I don't think Verizon has done anything wrong here
you dont like it sign up with another company, or actually keep the service
what a concept
I will give you a direct example I broke my droid and did not have insurance if the etf was $175 I could buy one online for $200 waved activation waved shipping and instant rebate activate it call customer service ans disconnect it and still get it for $375 or $185 less expensive than full retail (if you have looked these sell on ebay for around...
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tuminatr said:...
and we all know how perfect and completely ethical government is, I don't think Verizon has done anything wrong here
you dont like it sign up with another company, or actually keep the service
what a concept
I will give you a direct example I broke my droid and did not have insurance if the etf was $175 I could buy one online for $200 waved activation waved shipping and instant rebate activate it call customer service ans disconnect it and still get it for $375 or $185 less expensive than full retail (if you have looked these sell on ebay for around $550 so I could effectively buy these and sell them on ebay and make money
no company wants to be in that position. do the math folks its si
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muchdrama said:
When you decide to punctuate your responses, I'll read them.
Translation: I cannot think of a rebuttal, so i'll attack your grammar instead. (psst, I punctuated this, see?)
AceXMachine said:
Translation: I cannot think of a rebuttal, so i'll attack your grammar instead. (psst, I punctuated this, see?)
Excellent punctuation. Too bad you're the wrong guy.
bp3dots1 said:
Wrong guy, but he hit the nail on the head. 😉
No, I just get tired of people who think up their own Utopias, misguided as they are.
Researcher said:
Like you do?
Since when is Utopia regulated? Buy a dictionary, folks.
Let me rephrase it so even someone like you can understand. Verizon and many other cell companies are starting to sell many more smart phones. These smart phones are expensive for the companies to buy usually $450 or more. They are selling them at a reduced price upfront because they make more money off the monthly service.
Let me give you another example assuming the ETF was $175. I have one line with Verizon its upgrade eligible. I go online and order a Pair of Droid Eris phones my upgrade and the second one BOGO. Because I ordered online I got them both free, instant rebate, waved activation, free shipping. I receive them activate them both, and immediate afterward call in and ...
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tuminatr said:...
The punctuation was not the point, maybe you missed it
Let me rephrase it so even someone like you can understand. Verizon and many other cell companies are starting to sell many more smart phones. These smart phones are expensive for the companies to buy usually $450 or more. They are selling them at a reduced price upfront because they make more money off the monthly service.
Let me give you another example assuming the ETF was $175. I have one line with Verizon its upgrade eligible. I go online and order a Pair of Droid Eris phones my upgrade and the second one BOGO. Because I ordered online I got them both free, instant rebate, waved activation, free shipping. I receive them activate them both, a
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tuminatr said:
why do you hate America so bad?
You've got America confused with idiots. Like yourself.
muchdrama said:
You've got America confused with idiots. Like yourself.
He didn't know. He's probably both and got confused.
tuminatr said:...
and we all know how perfect and completely ethical government is, I don't think Verizon has done anything wrong here
you dont like it sign up with another company, or actually keep the service
what a concept
I will give you a direct example I broke my droid and did not have insurance if the etf was $175 I could buy one online for $200 waved activation waved shipping and instant rebate activate it call customer service ans disconnect it and still get it for $375 or $185 less expensive than full retail (if you have looked these sell on ebay for around $550 so I could effectively buy these and sell them on ebay and make money
no company wants to be in that position. do the math folks its si
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evrodude said:
As a business, Verizon has a right to change it's prices for products and services any time it deems necessary. If you a smart consumer, you would not buy a phone from Verizon anyway. If you are a smart consumer, you would wait 2-3 months and buy that new phone on e-bay and never have to worry about ETF fees should you decide to leave Verizon. And a phone can always be resold on ebay or Craigslist.
In a Utopian society, you wouldn't need any regulation or protection from anything. You could also call Superman to get your cat out of your tree.
ExploderBlade said:
Mcuhdrama...what is with you...are you so daft about thisa whole thing? Do you have Verizon even? That's a serious question?
I do, in fact, have Verizon. As for the whole daft part, not sure where you're coming from.
Just a little regulation, people. I'm sure you'll continue to hate it until it protects you.
I'm not against regulation in general. Just this particular idea.
Now, if the situation was: VZW is the nation's only carrier, and they are only going to carry advanced devices from now on, and they are changing their ETF to 350 for advanced devices. That would be something which required regulation. The difference is choice. The consumer has tons of choices for wireless service. So if a customer wants to choose VZW, thats fine. They also have to go by VZW's policies.
bp3dots1 said:
"Just a little regulation, people. I'm sure you'll continue to hate it until it protects you."
I'm not against regulation in general. Just this particular idea.
Now, if the situation was: VZW is the nation's only carrier, and they are only going to carry advanced devices from now on, and they are changing their ETF to 350 for advanced devices. That would be something which required regulation. The difference is choice. The consumer has tons of choices for wireless service. So if a customer wants to choose VZW, thats fine. They also have to go by VZW's policies.
Finally, someone who knows what they're actually talking about.
I think it's a bad thing Verizon raised their ETF to $350...
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I personally wish the ETF fees were 10 or even 100 times what they are now. People agree to contracts, and they need to understand that it is a legally binding agreement. If they don't pay attention to the terms they get to pay the price.
And yes its a contract, not indentured servitude no other industry practices this form of customer retention to this extent.
Many who think this is right, and the government should stay out, have no problems whatsoever when there is government intervention which works for them.
Carriers, and not only VZW, feel a customer is a customer for life, network enhancements have nothing to do with infrastructure maintence and enhancement, that comes from paying my bill (which I do).
Funny thing, the nations that did this before us have discovered the error of their ways. They are trying to undo the situation before there is more damage- our politicians aren't smart enough to know, or care, what will happen because of all of this. They just want the power, and the best way to win elections is to give people things for free.
Indeed, the FCC should stay out of this issue. And if they did, the FTC would be able to do a much better job of this mess. Every time the FCC tries to do these things, they act all confused, changing their mind all the time and making unclear statements.
This is a Trade issue, not an issue with Spectrum
did your mom drop you on your head when you were little?
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If verizon is losing money charging and etf on a 23rd month cancellation, how can they offer upgrades before that?
Their claim doesn't make sense.
just my take on it: its a case by case basis. if a customer purchases a high end device, it is most likely associated with a required plan, feature, or other fee, which helps the company make up for the subsidy given to the customer. it usually takes between 16-20 months for a carrier to make back that subsidy. This ETF, in my opinion, is for those customers who choose to scam carriers by flipping phones. to charge 175 to replace a 400 subsidy is ****ing ridiculous, this should have started a long time ago.
With sprint, you can get annual upgrades (if you qualify, but those would always be high end devices).
I don't know about Verizon, but I can't believe that they are any different - customers with high end devices can upgrade before that 16th month- with the existing etf.
Final point is, if you don't like Verizon's ETF, either don't cancel, don't get a new smartphone from Verizon, or just don't get Verizon ...
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you must have worked at Enron.
You can make a lot of money selling mexican slaves, but is it moral and ethical?
Celling_it said:
This is a free market economy and that means that companies can charge what they feel is fair and consumers can buy what they want to buy.
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR THE FCC TO BE GETTING INVOLVED IN PRIVATE BUSINESS.
No one is forcing people to sign a contract with a $350 etf, they can sign with another carrier or they can pay retail and not sign a contract at all.
...says the VZW ETF coordinator...
Jeez... so people who don't want to pay DOUBLE ETF fees are socialists? I guess our founding fathers (who didn't like getting charged bs fees and tariffs by overstuffed pigs) were socialists? The Boston Tea Party was a communist ralley? The American Revolution was the inspiration...
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Azeron said:
Boston Tea Party was a group of thugs/vandals pretty much out and out law breakers. The American Revolution was inspired by smugglers who were more than willing to demand and accept protection from the Crown, but when it was time to pay for the protection through taxes--revolted. The British should have handled it by either giving them representation in Parliament based on their paltry numbers population wise or crushing the Rebellion with an iron fist regardless of Colonists' lives lost.
Thanks for the English perspective, guvna...
CamelTowing said:
...says the VZW ETF coordinator...
Jeez... so people who don't want to pay DOUBLE ETF fees are socialists? I guess our founding fathers (who didn't like getting charged bs fees and tariffs by overstuffed pigs) were socialists? The Boston Tea Party was a communist ralley? The American Revolution was the inspiration behind Yao Ming's communist China?
Sorry, man, the FCC has a right and a duty to investigate why a COMMUNICATIONS company would charge double what every other carrier charges for the same thing. VZW has always publicly stated that their $&^+ was better smelling than everyone else's. It's time someone showed them they were wrong.
You might want to go back and enroll in a ...
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Switching carriers to make a point has little effect. Issues surrounding the wireless industry as a whole, is causing the complaints generated by the subscribers. Upwards of 30 percent of the subs for carriers are either discouraged of dissatisfied with their respective carrier. Alarming to say the least. All the rhetoric or justification from carriers is going to eliminate these facts.
VZW is standing out amid these complaints for many reasons:
1) The 1.99 fee which no good reason has yet been presented.
2) VZW claims losses on high end smartphones and then starts running ads on buy one...
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Celling_it said:
You might want to go back and enroll in a high school American History class. Thye American Revolution and the Boston Tea party were against the British government and the feeling that they had too much control over things in America.
Well, actually, I aced my History class at university.
The Boston Tea Party and The American Revolution was about Money. The End. Amen. High taxes and Tariffs, buddy. Sounds like your American History was written by Washington Irving...
Our founding fathers didnt have the choice to avoid these tariffs. That's the difference. The government isnt saying that everyone has to have an advanced device, on verizon, always under contract. everyone who has a cell phone can make that choice. Why is that so hard for you to understand? The govt. should be responsible for things like antitrust situations, where the public HAS NO OPTION but needs to keep their noses out of private business like this.
Frankly, I'd rather see the govt. work on getting all those men and women fighting overseas home t...
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bp3dots1 said:
Frankly, I'd rather see the govt. work on getting all those men and women fighting overseas home to their families, or getting our schools up to par with the rest of the industrialized world, or getting the massive amount of unemployment fixed, and not policing the pricing policies of a private business.
Funny you mentioned that... Those other "industrialized" countries that have better education and don't get involved in retarded wars are the same governments that don't allow outrageous ETF fees to be charged to their customers. Europe "polices" carriers more stringently than the rest of the world and the european customers love it.
This forum is closed.