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Verizon $5/mo renew method has changed?

Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
Explorer
Two years ago I got one of the $5/mo Verizon 3G Mifi units on eBay. Has worked great. However, just tried the phone number I've always used to renew it for another month and it wants to connect me to an operator to help me. Previously I just keyed in the info.

Anybody else still using these and what phone number do you use? I've used 888-294-6804 since I got it.

I'm a bit worried this is the end of this "special" plan.

Thanks,
Ralph
2006 GMC 2500HD, XCab, SB, 6.0L w/2001 Lance 845
Bilstein Shocks, TorkLift Stable Loads, 100 Ah LiFePo4, 225 watt solar
My RV Travels Webpage / Yearly Campsite Map / 740 Campsites / YouTube Videos /
Instagram
50 REPLIES 50

Dutch_12078
Explorer
Explorer
My $5 Jetpack is still working, but the renewal date is approaching. It'll be interesting to see what happens.
Dutch
2001 GBM Landau 34' Class A
F53 chassis, Triton V10, TST TPMS
Bigfoot Automatic Leveling System
2011 Toyota RAV4 4WD/Remco pump
ReadyBrute Elite tow bar/Blue Ox baseplate

DancinCampers
Explorer II
Explorer II
My account is no longer active, quit last week on our return to New Orleans.
Dan & Sharon (Kasey, Our Yorkie, RIP 9Jan'05-26Jul'17)
2012 Winnebago Journey 36M
2020 Chevy Equinox, Blue Ox Aventa II, Air Force One

If You Obey All The Rules, You Miss All The Fun

Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
Explorer
Heisenberg wrote:
I think it is the beginning of the end.


I definitely agree with that! Even if they don't stop renewing the $5 hotspots, then the "only 4G towers" situation will make it unusable. I've already found a few areas while traveling the last couple of years where mine didn't work, even though there was a strong signal.

I have flip-phone about 10 years old. Never thought about that becoming unusable. Don't really want a smartphone. Too big.
Ralph
2006 GMC 2500HD, XCab, SB, 6.0L w/2001 Lance 845
Bilstein Shocks, TorkLift Stable Loads, 100 Ah LiFePo4, 225 watt solar
My RV Travels Webpage / Yearly Campsite Map / 740 Campsites / YouTube Videos /
Instagram

Tom_M1
Explorer
Explorer
It looks like Verizon is clamping down on the $5/month plans. Several people on the Cheap RV Living forum have reported losing their account. I've had a 3G account for two years and a 4G since May. The 4G is still working, but I suspect that it won't last long. It was good while it lasted.
Tom
2005 Born Free 24RB
170ah Renogy LiFePo4 drop-in battery 400 watts solar
Towing 2016 Mini Cooper convertible on tow dolly
Minneapolis, MN

MrWizard
Moderator
Moderator
my DW phone is G'Zone and still working as of yesterday
i think this one is 6yrs old this month
long time customer on post paid, my Android and her flip phone on this account
I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !

....

Connected using T-Mobile Home internet and Visible Phone service
1997 F53 Bounder 36s

BarneyS
Explorer III
Explorer III
My wife had a Casio GzOne 3g flip phone that she loved registered initially on Verizon then on Tracfone/Verizon network. She got a message that the phone would no longer be supported and that she could not renew her monthly subscription with that phone. I tried every phone company I could find and there was no one that would accept her phone. It was an expensive flip phone that was only about 4 years old.

It now sits in a drawer so she is using a Jitterbug phone on the Great Call network and she loves it. I don't know if that is a 3g phone or not - don't care as long as it works well for her and she is happy. ๐Ÿ™‚

I would say Yes, the end is near for 3g phone service if it has not arrived already.
Barney
2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch (Sold)
Not towing now.
Former tow vehicles were 2016 Ram 2500 CTD, 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 PSD, 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 gas engine

Heisenberg
Explorer
Explorer
Ramblin' Ralph

I think it is the beginning of the end.
2013 Winnebago Sightseer
2017 Colorado

Ramblin__Ralph
Explorer
Explorer
That article says they will no longer "activate" 3G phones. Activate applies to new accounts. Doesn't say they will shut off existing 3G phone/hotspot accounts.
Ralph
2006 GMC 2500HD, XCab, SB, 6.0L w/2001 Lance 845
Bilstein Shocks, TorkLift Stable Loads, 100 Ah LiFePo4, 225 watt solar
My RV Travels Webpage / Yearly Campsite Map / 740 Campsites / YouTube Videos /
Instagram

Heisenberg
Explorer
Explorer
I read today Verizon will not renew any new 3G activations.

https://www.cnet.com/news/verizon-will-no-longer-activate-your-old-non-4g-phone/
2013 Winnebago Sightseer
2017 Colorado

DancinCampers
Explorer II
Explorer II
Mine is still working, although when I call the 6804 number it doesn't give me an expiration date. Even though it says I am on the $30/month, I only added $5 as I have done in the past.
Will see how it goes.
Dan & Sharon (Kasey, Our Yorkie, RIP 9Jan'05-26Jul'17)
2012 Winnebago Journey 36M
2020 Chevy Equinox, Blue Ox Aventa II, Air Force One

If You Obey All The Rules, You Miss All The Fun

Tom_M1
Explorer
Explorer
MrWizard wrote:
Maybe that's what happens when you don't keep up the VZW account pmts ?
Okay, rub it in. ๐Ÿ˜‰
Let's just say it wasn't unexpected. Time to shop around to find someone to flash it.
Tom
2005 Born Free 24RB
170ah Renogy LiFePo4 drop-in battery 400 watts solar
Towing 2016 Mini Cooper convertible on tow dolly
Minneapolis, MN

jweb98
Explorer
Explorer
Mine quit working yesterday. when i tried to add more money the Verizon robot said they could not find that number. When i punched 1 to verify the number the robot said she was having difficulties and to try later. Have tried several times with the same results. Lasted for 2 years. Does anyone know where i can send the hotspot to get it flashed again?
Jim
Arizona and Texas
2014 Silverado
2016 Rockwood 2604ws

MrWizard
Moderator
Moderator
Maybe that's what happens when you don't keep up the VZW account pmts ?
I can explain it to you.
But I Can Not understand it for you !

....

Connected using T-Mobile Home internet and Visible Phone service
1997 F53 Bounder 36s

Tom_M1
Explorer
Explorer
Well, it finally happened. My account for my 4620 3G has disappeared. This means I will have to have it reflashed.
Tom
2005 Born Free 24RB
170ah Renogy LiFePo4 drop-in battery 400 watts solar
Towing 2016 Mini Cooper convertible on tow dolly
Minneapolis, MN