Monday, December 19, 2016 1:33:54 PM
Verizon creates monthly “maintenance” fee for customers with old routers
$2.80 monthly fee boosts broadband bill for FiOS customers with old equipment.
Jon Brodkin - 7/20/2016, 4:26 PM
The Verizon FiOS Quantum Gateway (no maintenance fee required).
Verizon
116
Verizon FiOS customers using one of the company's older routers are being told they must pay a new monthly "maintenance charge" of $2.80 to cover the cost of supporting the apparently outdated equipment. Customers also have the option of buying one of the company's newer routers, though some report being able to convince Verizon to give them a new one for free.
"Our records indicate that you have an older model router that is being discontinued," says an e-mail to customers published today by DSLReports. "If you do plan to keep using your current router, we will begin billing, on 9.29.16, a monthly Router Maintenance Charge of $2.80 (plus taxes), to ensure we deliver the best support."
Verizon confirmed the change to DSLReports, saying that the notice was sent to customers using the BHR1 and BHR2 routers. "Many of these routers have been in use for nearly ten years and have required more frequent repairs, so we’re trying to reduce that maintenance load and expense," Verizon said.
Advertisement
Customers getting this e-mail were also told they can "upgrade to a certified, pre-owned FiOS Advanced Wi-Fi Router" for a one-time purchase of $59.99 with free shipping. But some customers discussing the change in a DSLReports forum thread say it's sometimes possible to get a newer router for free by calling Verizon or asking on the Verizon Direct forum. One customer who followed this advice says Verizon promised to send an Actiontec router that doesn't require a maintenance fee. The Actiontec model isn't the newest one Verizon pitches to customers, but it's new enough that it hasn't been discontinued by the manufacturer.
New FiOS customers are told that they can rent an FiOS Quantum Gateway for $10 a month or buy it outright for $150. This is Verizon's most up-to-date model, with 802.11ac Wi-Fi technology.
You can also buy the FiOS Quantum Gateway from Amazon for $134 or an older Actiontec model. If you buy one outright, you'll avoid the maintenance fee—at least until it's "discontinued."
Using a router not approved by Verizon is a bit complicated. Some customers hook up the Verizon router but connect it to another router that provides Wi-Fi and other capabilities for their home networks. As such, they're annoyed that they suddenly have to pay a new fee. "The only thing the piece of junk does is run into my high quality network," One DSLReports user wrote. "I've even turned the Wi-Fi off. Seems illegal to make you get a maintenance contract without choice. If I'm paying a 'maintenance surcharge' this must mean I have maintenance and they'll, of course, replace it free if it breaks (trying not to laugh too hard)."
Recent VZ News
- Verizon to report earnings April 22, 2024 • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/18/2024 06:00:00 PM
- Verizon stands ready to respond during severe weather season and beyond • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/17/2024 01:00:00 PM
- Verizon Connect launches Verizon-designed Equipment Asset Tracker in Europe • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/16/2024 03:30:00 PM
- Verizon’s newest exclusive streaming deal offers six months of the Disney Bundle, on us • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/16/2024 02:47:46 PM
- Verizon provides accessible, affordable and reliable connectivity options for those who need it most • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/15/2024 02:20:47 PM
- Verizon Frontline to showcase mission-critical communications solutions at FDIC International 2024 • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/15/2024 01:00:00 PM
- Verizon Business, AWS, and the NHL demo 5G-enabled cloud broadcasting at the 2024 NAB Show • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/14/2024 03:00:00 PM
- Verizon Business to demonstrate cutting-edge media and entertainment technology at NAB 2024 Verizon Business to showcase its media and entertainment technology at NAB April 13-17 at booth #W2042 • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/10/2024 01:00:00 PM
- New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center announce extended partnership with Verizon • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/09/2024 01:30:00 PM
- Verizon powers digital government for the Commonwealth of Virginia • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/09/2024 12:30:00 PM
- Verizon Business provides NASA with a network solution to allow for a live broadcast of solar eclipse • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/05/2024 12:30:00 PM
- Verizon-ADOT and MAG pilot program wins transportation award in emerging technology category • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/03/2024 03:30:00 PM
- Verizon to donate $70K, celebrate Latina leaders and offer free headshots at career event in Philly • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/03/2024 12:00:00 PM
- Retiree Shareowners at Verizon Push Clawback Policy & Transparency on Lead Cables Hazard • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/02/2024 04:00:57 PM
- Verizon Business’ customer program wins big at the 2024 ABPM World Class Awards • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/02/2024 01:00:00 PM
- Verizon to award $50K disaster-preparedness grant to KIPP DC Public Schools during April 2 event • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 04/01/2024 12:00:00 PM
- Verizon Joins RE100 and Shares New Milestones in its Responsible Business Plan • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/28/2024 01:30:00 PM
- Verizon offers soccer fans the chance to attend LALIGA “ElClásico” in Spain • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/27/2024 07:23:50 PM
- Verizon Intelligent Call Back Capabilities Powered by Mindful by Medallia Now Available on CALNET • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/27/2024 03:30:00 PM
- The AI revolution is here: Samsung brings Galaxy AI to more smartphones • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/26/2024 11:00:00 PM
- Verizon Frontline delivers critical connectivity at Baker to Vegas Law Enforcement Race • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/26/2024 07:00:00 PM
- Verizon to report 1Q earnings April 22, 2024 • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/26/2024 03:30:00 PM
- Verizon Frontline headlining sponsor of IWCE 2024 • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/25/2024 01:00:00 PM
- Verizon Business unveils AI-Powered ‘Experiences Room’ at Enterprise Connect • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/25/2024 12:00:00 PM
- Verizon Frontline delivers critical connectivity during South Carolina earthquake exercise • GlobeNewswire Inc. • 03/20/2024 01:00:00 PM
Coinllectibles' Subsidiary, Grand Town Development Limited, Acquires Rare Song Dynasty Ceramics Worth Over USD28million • COSG • Apr 18, 2024 8:03 AM
ILUS Provides Form 10-K Filing Update • ILUS • Apr 17, 2024 9:54 AM
Glucotrack Announces Expansion of Its Continuous Glucose Monitoring Technology to Epidural Glucose Monitoring • GCTK • Apr 17, 2024 8:00 AM
Maybacks Global Entertainment To Fire Up 24 New Stations in Louisiana • AHRO • Apr 16, 2024 1:30 PM
Cannabix Technologies Begins Certification of Contactless Alcohol Breathalyzer, Re-Brands product series to Breath Logix • BLOZF • Apr 16, 2024 8:52 AM
Kona Gold Beverages, Inc. Acquires Surge Distribution LLC from Loud Beverage Group, Inc. (LBEV) • KGKG • Apr 16, 2024 8:30 AM