<p>I know this is a somewhat silly question, but here goes. A few months ago I downloaded a ringtone for my Verizon phone. The charge showed up on our next bill and I paid it. When the same charge showed up on the following month’s bill, I assumed it was a mistake. I called customer service and was shocked to find out there was a monthly charge for the ringtone. (When I told the rep I hadn’t seen that when I bought the ringtone, he said it was “in the fine print.”) Anyway, I told him I didn’t want the ringtone any longer, so he got rid of the charge. The most recent bill arrived, and the charge is gone. </p>
<p>SO, here’s my question. The ringtone is still on my phone. If I use it, will I go back to being charged? I guess I was assuming Verizon would somehow “off-load” the tone from my phone.</p>
<p>My D did this (at age 13) --she thought she was downloading one ring-tone and apparently clicked a box that signed her up for MONTHLY downloads. We didn’t notice the extra charge for 3 months. I called Verizon, pretty mad that they would allow at 13-year old to essentially sign a contract of this sort – and it is subtle if you don’t read what you are clicking! I don’t think they removed what we already paid, but we were able to stop the service. I think you have already purchased the ring-tone you have–although you should check with Verizon–the charge is for allowable new downloads. After this experience, I blocked application downloads on all of our cellphones.</p>
<p>Incidentally, I’m quite angry at Verizon right now, because they are now requiring data plans for all of their “smart phones” and even phones with a QWERTY keyboard. We don’t want or need a data plan – although everyone texts alot and we have unlimited texting for the family. They have a canned response that they have done this because people were getting angry about data charges, and because you need the web to be enabled to take advantage of smartphone capabilities. I think this could be handled by having folks sign an acknowledgment that they may incur significant charges if they download data form the web, or only selling them without a data plan to people who block web access (as we have done). I have written to customer services, the FCC, Verizon CEO, etc. but don’t expect more than the canned response. At this point, I’m ready to let our service contract run out and find a new provider.</p>
<p>FYI, I believe that the reason that Verizon is pushing the data package now is because that method of pricing will be the base method in the future. Skype is now available for most phones with data packages, reducing costs per minute dialed (especially for overseas calls, which still have high global phone rates) very significantly.</p>
<p>Oh, you mean for the time I was paying the monthly Verizon charge I could have downloaded other ringtones? Well, what a waste on my part! I should have gotten a bunch of others and then canceled. All I really wanted was the tone I bought, that’s still on my phone. So, I’d actually be happy with just still being able to use it.</p>
<p>Any other thoughts out there?</p>
<p>PS Just read that the iPhone may be available on Verizon soon.</p>