I have to agree that this charge is ridiculous. You think Verizon isn't losing customers?

Well, I brought in over 70 lines to Verizon via friends, family, and my own company and personal lines.

So far now I've got over 20 of them to not sign a new contract. I'm not yet encouraging them to switch though many are extremely frustrated and ready to jump ship.

I don't want to leave Verizon, but they WILL NOT get me to sign up again and most people I talk to will not either. At least allow the OPTION to not have the data. If someone uses a ton and then cries about it screw them they can pay for it. I for one have used the data I needed, but I wasn't required to do so whether I used it or not.

People like me who want a nice phone but don't use data, let me have an option for a nicer phone.

I can promise to take away thousands in revenue from Verizon if they don't change this. I may just be one person, but I don't care. This is how I feel and it's people like me who will make a difference. Consumers have a voice. Don't sign up for new contract. Walk out like me and others. Don't renew your contract. I have filed complaints with Verizon online and I get some ready made reply "Thank you for your concern, the benefits of data are . . . " I too called customer service and got a mangers manger to call me and same story, they are no help.

Moral is . . . speak with your wallet. :-)