Community 1, VerizonWireless 0

So, it is time for my annual summer vacation in Avalon NJ and I had a problem.  I thought we were renting a home with broadband access, but my wife selected one without it.  I need broadband access because unlike past vacations when I worked for corporate America, I'm planning on working through part of the vacation.  So, I decided to bite the bullet and look for some equipment to connect my laptop to my Treo 700W with Verizon's Wireless Broadband access.

My first problem was I could no longer find any links to pick up the equipment.  Plus, I read somewhere that Verizon disabled a feature on the phone to prevent connecting to it to save on usage.  That's the first problem.  I'm already paying for broadband access with a phone totaling $180 per month (includes 2 family plans).  So, with the monthly access for broadband and voice minutes you'd think they would love for me to use the networks.  Not so.  I am still upset by that; that's some customer service.  Can you hear me now?  I'm a pissed off, high paying customer.

So I figured out a work around, by searching for DUN Treo700W in Google and it took me to a link for PDANet software that allows you to connect your laptop to your Treo 700W's wireless broadband access using nothing more than your cable. 

It cost me $34, but this work around is great.  Unlike the reviews, I've yet to surf at DSL speeds, most likely due to my locations, but right now I'm connected at 2.4M/s which isn't bad.  I can get email and browse most web pages, but it is a little slow to render some pages.  Plus, video is spotty so it is not worth watching.

It is too bad that Verizon disabled the link.  Why shouldn't I be allowed to surf the wireless broadband network?  Don't I already pay enough for service?  Now, I paid some group of programmers $34 to reactivate my access.  At least the internet community came up with a solution.  Can you hear me now?  Wise up Verizon.

PardonMyFrench,

Eric

C

Comments

[Ann Handley]

Glad you found a solution. It definitely beats having to troll the streets with laptop in hand looking for an open connection somewhere...anywhere...not that _I'VE_ ever stooped THAT low! NEVER! : )

Have a great week...!

[Eric Frenchman]

Yes it is better than looking around for a hotspot. There was one in the coffee shop for $5 per day. I'm still upset with Verizon Wireless. I'm paying $44 for wireless broadband access. How much money do I have to pay now?

Eric