DISQUS

Hey Matt,

This method still works for me with Leopard. However, please read the update to the post above. Verizon has updated their network, and now additional steps are required to make this work.

- Bill

Bill Lae,

Unfortunately Verizon has updated and further locked down their firmware since I wrote this post. In order to get this hack working with the latest Verizon phones, I believe you have to perform a seem edit to enable editing of the WAP servers.

Checkout Howard Forums for a wealth of information about seem editing and enabling free WAP on the newest Verizon phones.

Alec and Phil,

Make sure you have included the "@vzw3g.com" on the end of your username, and that your password is all lowercase "vzw".

- Bill

Tyler,

This works regarless of whether or not you have a data plan. You will just be billed (voice) minutes for the time that you are connected. Thus, it's free after 9pm and on weekends :)

- Bill

Mark,

I think what you're missing is changing the authentication type (step 4 above). If you don't change it, you will get immediately disconnected.

If you already did #4 and still have problems, leave another comment and I'll see if I can help.

- Bill

Hey airwave,

Your phone must be forced to 1X mode because the "@vzw3g.com" login method only works on the 1X network. If the more advanced EVDO network is available, your phone will try to use it by default for all data connections, and your login will fail.

I'm not entirely sure why this is, but if you would like some more explanation, head over to the HowardForums, and I'm sure someone there more knowledgeable than me can answer you.

- Bill

Rishi,
Thanks for the tip, it really is amazing the lengths that spambots will go to advertise their products.
- Bill

Jay,

The same concept should work, however, the menu options to change your Treo to 1X only mode will be different than most Verizon phones. If you figure out how to set your Treo to 1X only, everything else in the walkthrough should remain the same.

I'd be really interested to see if you get it to work on a Treo, can you please post another comment and let everyone know if you had success?

Good luck,

-Bill

Hey guys,

Again, thanks for your well written and thought out comments. You raise some good points. I'd like to briefly refute a couple of them, and agree with some others.

HOTI -

Google's profits have skyrocketed as of late, however, I don't really think this has anything to do with the net neutrality issue. They will be affected by a two tier internet, however, these profits have been earned in the current, equal landscape. By supporting a neutral internet, Google does not seek to gain any kind of advantage - things will remain as they are. Google is seeking to prevent telcos from gaining a competitive advantage.

I agree that Google is supporting net neutrality out of selfish interests (a neutral internet is simply cheaper for them), however, this does not make the issue any less important.

Harry -

I agree that the propagation and public uptake of the net neutrality issue is fascinating, especially from your point of view and experience. However, I don't share your point of view that the issue only impacts large companies like the telcos and Google. Yes, Google's costs would increase substantially on a two tier internet. Honestly though, they would probably have no problem bearing the cost.

The issue of network neutrality affects all of us, especially entrepreneurs trying to start competing businesses. This is the point of view I was trying to argue in my first post - that a non-neutral network will create extremely high barriers to entry on an internet that has traditionally had none.

To all -

This is the issue that I would like to bring the discussion back to. I would like to specifically discuss how network neutrality affects the little guys, entrepreneurs and startup companies in particular. If anyone has opinions on how cash strapped entrepreneurs will be able to compete with Google, Yahoo, etc on a non-neutral internet, please share!

Harry,

Thanks for linking to your article and providing the opposing viewpoint! One of my favorite things about blogging is that instant discussion and feedback.

I do have to disagree with some of your points though. Your AOL/TCI argument is correct, however, 1990's telco politicking is somewhat irrelevant today.

Your article makes it seem as though Google and company will gain some giant advantage over AT&T; and friends on a neutral internet. However, a neutral internet is exactly what it sounds like. Anyone may send any data to anyone, with equal preference. In fact, by creating a tiered internet, AT&T; and it's brethern are attempting to destroy the equal marketplace as it exists today, and gain their own competitive advantage over everyone else.

Your article references a "wacky group" that thinks the issue is about the protection of "little websites, bloggers, and entrepreneurs", however, you don't back it up with any facts. You also don't address how entrepreneurs will be able to compete on a tiered internet. You've argued against net neutrality, but haven't refuted the arguments for it.

Terri,

The method should still work, on all Verizon phones with Bluetooth. If you're using a digital phone, make sure that you always remember to do step 2 to put your phone into 1X only mode.

I have only tested it with the vx9800, however, I know people at HowardForums have had success on many other models.

- Bill

Hey Mike,

I think I agree with your point about experience also being a "push factor" for entrepreneurs. I know a number of people who worked for a number of years at large companies, only to say "I can do better" and strike out on their own.

I also agree with your idea that the corporate environment may suppress people's preference for innovation. However, that preference, in my opinion, was already there. The in-born entrepreneurial drive is what makes them take the leap.

Thanks for your comments and for reading! I like your blog by the way, seems extremely applicable to your market.

- Bill

Hey guys,

I'm not sure what's causing your error 692, but I suggest you look for some more information over on Howard Forums. It's a great resource for cellphone power users.

Hey Fred,

I've been using this method for over a year now, and my plan doesn't have any sort of data feature, and I've never been charged for anything. There are also many other people who are using this method over at HowardForums.com, and nobody has seemed to get in any trouble. Here are some links to threads on the subject there.

Thread 1
Thread 2
Thread 3

Basically the rule of thumb is - use it when you need it, but don't go "crazy" - ie. downloading music and movies, using it 24/7, etc. The idea is to keep your traffic relatively low, if you cause this massive spike, your account will probably get audited.

Hope this clears things up.

Hey Rob,

You actually don't need the data plan, that's what makes this method so great!

All you need is a Verizon phone that supports Bluetooth, and ideally free nights and weekends on your plan so you can get totally free minutes during those times.

hey swebs,

Any Bluetooth hardware should work. You can probably go to BestBuy/Circuit City/your local computer store and pickup a USB Bluetooth dongle for about $10-$20.

There's this one at BestBuy, but I'm sure you can find one a little cheaper.

Haha well I guess we're still up for the same reason then :) That one's my favorite tip, I've printed it off and taped it above my desk. I guess I should quit blogging and go back to work though...