Free Press files complaint with the FCC over Verizon's anti-tethering actions

[Bateluer]

http://www.droid-life.com/2011/06/0...filed-with-fcc-by-free-press-against-verizon/

We pulled some points out to highlight the arguments they have given to the FCC over blocking tethering apps on LTE (which is where their arguments stands strongest):

Verizon’s actions in cutting off access to tethering applications unlawfully “limit” and“restrict the ability” of its customers “to use the devices and applications of their choice.” This practice [blocking tethering apps] restricts consumer choice and hinders innovation regardless of which carrier adopts such policies, but when Verizon Wireless employs these restrictions in connection with its LTE network, it also violates the Federal Communications Commission’s rules. When Verizon purchased the spectrum licenses associated with its LTE network, it agreed that it would not “deny, limit, or restrict” the ability of its users to access the applications and devices of their choosing.
Removing applications from the Android Market severely limits and restricts their distribution. Removing [tethering] applications from the Android Market severely restricts their use. [Meaning they are harder to find than other apps in the market, therefore are not as easily available as all apps should be.]
Mobile broadband providers, including Verizon, offer their own expensive tetheringservices that compete with the free and low-cost options offered in the Android Market. Mobile broadband providers have a financial stake in limiting access to third-party tethering applications. As noted above, many tethering applications are available for free or for a modest fee. By contrast, when Verizon introduced the Droid, it charged $30 per month for tethering service on top of its $30 per month “unlimited” data plan.

As DL points out, the results of this complaint could have very powerful and long reaching consequences.

 

[brandonbull]

This would be sweet. It's time these phone companies get called-out on their price gouging.

 

[ponyo]

And? It would be big news if FCC did something because of this filing. But all they did was filed written complaint. If you don't know anyone is allowed to file complaint with the FCC. Heck just last week I filed written complaint against T-Mobile for illegal bait-and-switch and breach of contract with the FCC, FTC, BBB, and my state Governors Office of Consumer Affairs. Yet you didn't see a writeup at DroidLife.com about it.

 

[alent1234]

this will go no where fast, verizon isn't limiting anything. they are just pricing network access for people who use more data. those of us who only use 1Gb or less don't want to pay for those who spend all day on netflix/youtube or using their cell for BT

 

[AstroManLuca]

This would be sweet. It's time these phone companies get called-out on their price gouging.

As if any member of the legal system would ever side against one of the big telecom companies.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

this will go no where fast, verizon isn't limiting anything. they are just pricing network access for people who use more data. those of us who only use 1Gb or less don't want to pay for those who spend all day on netflix/youtube or using their cell for BT

Then don't sell "unlimited" plans (which they will "correct" later this year apparently).

As it stands the plan states you have unlimited data, and no cap. If that is true, then it doesn't matter what the actual end device is. I could, in theory, write a bittorrent app for Android and download stuff all day with it on my phone and that would be kosher. If I do the same thing using my phone as a modem, then that isn't ok.

Your arguement, and VZW's, fail when you realize that if the data is unlimited then it's irrelevant what end device it goes to. To prove this, does it matter to you if I have a 2 gb cap on my phone plan and download 2 gb of data on my phone or using my phone as a modem to my computer? Let's also not forget that in both cases it's the phone that is using the data as far as the carrier is really concerned. It's no different than you using your cable box to hook up to a PC so you can get decrypted channels to record.

If they want to bitch about tethered users using more data, fine. Then charge for a set amount of data and have caps in place. If a person wants to pay for using 20 gb's in a month, then so be it as you're getting paid (a rather large amount most likely). If you want to keep your unlimited data to attract customers, then you can't bitch when they use their unlimited data for whatever the hell they want.