DISQUS

Pete · 1 month ago

iDon't charge extra for exchange support.

pinoytutorial · 1 month ago

you mean "iDon't take advantage to a peron's wallet" :D iPhone vs. Droid is pretty stiff. The list shows the "technical aspect" side of the story.

Droid Goodies and The Official Video From Moto:

Hope droid will not kill us by robbing our piggy banks!!

Amit · 1 month ago

Actually the iPhone does have a $45/month data plan for business accounts, which is what Verizon pricing plan requires, so it's not different in pricing than AT&T.

EDIT: Just to bring to the top what I mentioned below. This article isn't accurate. The “business” or “enterprise” data plan for $45 will be required if you’re on a corporate paid plan, or if you have a business account. They will consider those businesses and require the business data plan.

If you're on a personal account, you can stick with the $30/month plan.

John · 1 month ago

I get so sick and tired of writers who do not get their facts straight, or leave out bits and pieces so that their shiny iphones on a crappy service provider won't be lowered a notch. AT&T and Verizon BOTH charge extra to business customers for exchange support. If you are a consumer account and not a business account, there is no extra $15 fee for exchange support. I also then get REALLY annoyed by the AT&T/Apple zealots who just parrot the things said in those incorrect articles, further spreading the error rather than checking the facts.

pinoytutorial · 1 month ago

you mean "iDon't take advantage to a peron's wallet" :D iPhone vs. Droid is pretty stiff. The list shows the "technical aspect" side of the story.

Droid Goodies and The Official Video From Moto:

Hope droid will not kill us by robbing our piggy banks!!

dibonafide · 1 month ago

Here is what I don't like about data plans. I am paying $60/month for a Verizon USB broadband device. Why can't I use that data plan for a phone? Why do I have to pay another $30/month for an additional data plan? Very lame.

mikey · 1 month ago

sue them for discrimination

charlieohearn1 · 1 month ago

What are you doing with your broadband connection? If you're downloading media this might not work, but might be able to tether your PDA for only $15 more per month as I do. This is great in a fix when I am out in the field and need to provide quick remote desktop support or check a server.
Unfortunately, I'll give this up if and when I get the Droid since, our of the gate, tethering wil not be available.

Michael Koby · 1 month ago

Unless they've changed things, AT&T does have an additional charge for "exchange" support on their BlackBerry plans (there's a BIS plan and BES plan). But's it's not called "Exchange Support" rather it's an additional charge to connect your BlackBerry to a BES server (which MOST companies use to connect their corporate BlackBerrys to the exchange server).

Edit: I should note that you can connect a BlackBerry on a BIS account to an Exchange server via POP or IMAP, assuming the IT department of your company allows this.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

Yeah, exactly -- if you want to do Exchange over POP (which equates to Push anyway on a BlackBerry) and your office isn't controlling about it, you can. But you pay extra for the BES, not that one feature. It's an entirely different platform and the rate of $45 a month is standard across all carriers (and must be set by RIM to a certain extent).

This "we're going to charge more for an ActiveSync implementation of Exchange support" thing is totally different and in my mind, the very definition of nickel-and-diming.

Matt · 1 month ago

ATT charges a mandatory $10 premium on CORPORATE ACCOUNTS going on the assumption you are using Exchange. Verizon only charges you IF YOU TELL THEM. ActiveSync works just fine in Android at the OS level, and did as of Version 1.5 and earlier. It uses OWA on port 80 and 443 and as a result can NOT be filtered out, as it would kill ALL WEB TRAFFIC.
Just get the phone, don't tell verizon, and set it up yourself or have IT do it. This is F.U.D. and you do not need to give Verizon a single penny to enable Exchange sync on ANY Android device, let alone the Droid.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

Yes, they charge a mandatory $10 for Enterprise Accounts, but you have to be on an Enterprise voice plan to pay that. This is for consumer (non-coporate accounts). Yes, there are probably workarounds but the fact that they are trying to make a software feature seem like it's the same as BES is stupid. It's price gouging and it's stupid.

Matt · 1 month ago

@Christina, I do not disagree that it's stupid. Its also unconscionable on Verizons part. I'm simply letting people know not to avoid a fantastic piece of equipment because the VZW PR department is having a field-day playing with people who honestly just don't know any better.

charlieohearn1 · 1 month ago

Hope you're right!

NDYNAMICS · 2 weeks ago

Agree. AT&T charges $45/mo for a "business data account" if you just mention Exchange to them. BOTH AT&T's $30/mo "consumer" account and Verizon's $30/mo data plan will support Exchange Activesynch. Just don't tell 'em you're doing it.

IC Weiner · 1 month ago

No you don't; that is completely wrong.

Matt · 1 month ago

You can go to RIM's Blackberry User page, sign in, and set ActiveSync to use OWA with I.T. supplied credentials. It is free, doesn't require BES or BIS, and syncs all data in real-time.

firerock · 1 month ago

Or just download 3rd party exchange software like touchdown for a one time $20 charge to get your exchange service working.

Khürt · 1 month ago

Aaarrrrggghh! Do they want to fail? Tiered pricing based on how the user intends on using a software feature that requires no work whatsoever from Verizon?

iDon't think so!!!!

typicaleeyore · 1 month ago

Seems a little steep to me, but if it is critical it may be worth it.

Annoyatron · 1 month ago

That's complete bogus, which is usually the case with North American carriers. Coming from Northern Europe I was baffled when I realized I had to pay for incoming texts and phone calls. I think it is high time that North American cell carriers upgrade their pricing plans to something other than the 1960's telephone monopoly style pricing with its made-up fees.

snappy316 · 1 month ago

Verizon nickels and dimes customers for EVERYTHING. The only reason people stay with them is their superb network coverage and good customer support.

Patrick · 1 month ago

It is possible that they can provide the superb network and good customer service because they earn nickels and dimes?

snappy316 · 1 month ago

Possibly, but it seems like more people would like them even more if they quit charging for every little thing. For instance, AT&T includes GPS, tethering and visual voicemail with their data and voice plans...but Verizon charges extra for each of them. I can't remember the numbers off the top of my head what the numbers are, but it's a pretty penny.

Matt · 1 month ago

Tethering, at least for an iPhone is about $50 extra per month. And GPS is severely crippled to require the purchase of the $100 'Apple-Approved' GPS applications.

davidcosine · 1 month ago

Verizon appears to be successful in terms of marketshare compared to Sprint which appears to be an equal competitor in terms of network and customer service. Perhaps for the average consumer the handset is most important part of the choice in decision making for phone buying. However most blogs and reviews gloss over the carrier discussion in terms of cost benefit analysis of the phone.

Verizon has a great network. They appear to cost 20% more but there are too few articles that geek out on line item pricing that it's hard to compare. For example I have a cheap EnV from Verizon. Because it's not a smart phone the data plan is $5. To upgrade to any smart phone I have to add an additional $30 to $50 dollar fee on top of an already $100 plus bill per month.

I want Unlimited Text/Data/Voice/Tethering for $100 a month.

Perhaps I'll wait until my contract ends and get a Pre.

Veizon

Tal Baron · 1 month ago

Good customer support? You must be one of the few that believe that. I know many people that have had battles with Verizon customer service and have switched over to another carrier because of it.

snappy316 · 1 month ago

Compared to other carriers that I've heard stories about, plus my personal experience with them, they're pretty good. They DEFINITELY have room for improvement, but they're a lot better than other customer service groups I've dealt with before.

ParaCAD · 1 month ago

Not impressed

Scott Oppliger · 1 month ago

I wouldn't pay an extra $15/mo for Exchange service. I'm able to connect to my Exchange server with my iPhone at no extra cost. I know it's not the same as native Exchange support, but I get what I need. I have to say though, WOW that's an ugly phone. After the cool, mysterious commercials they've been running, I expected a much sexier product. This thing is a clunker. It looks like a mini TI-99/4a vintage 1970s.

Tobin Truog · 1 month ago

I think they would rather you use the google apps stuff and finally kill exchange!

Tobin Truog · 1 month ago

any thought that they would rather you use google apps and go ahead an kill exchange?

CGiboi · 1 month ago

Here in Romania (Europe, that is) Vodafone charges me on a business plan 6 Euros (~ $9) for 500 MB monthly data transfer on top of my voice plan. Doesn't matter if I use Exchange, Nokia Email, Android Email or any other device for that matter (even iPhone which is Orange RO only). For BES they charge 13 Euros.

That's why Blackberry BES is not that welcomed here, because of that surcharge which doesn't make sense.

So, looking at those prices, I seriously suggest that you guys in the US get FTC to enforce harsher regulation against opperators and lower those prices.

All the best.

Ron Tan · 1 month ago

Given that I don't like the iPhone (tried it for a month and went back to Blackberry....seemed like more of a toy than anything) I'd consider the extra cost for the Exchange support. Additionally, bear in mind that business users (i.e. those that are locked into an Exchange server) are frequently reimbursed for their mobile communications expenses and suddenly the $15 looks a lot less important.

Robert · 1 month ago

My guess the business stipend you are referring to is static for most people (flat rate), so if they, like me, moved from a Blackberry where BIS is covered, to the Droid where an additional $15 is charged, it becomes very visible and important. No company in their right mind will bump a stipend due to the choice of the device.

Leandro Oliva · 1 month ago

Seems like a pretty bad idea. They are introducing a phone that has gotten mildly positive reviews into a very competitive segment, and they are already tiering service plans that limit their potential share?

Cris · 1 month ago

LAME!

Matt · 1 month ago

ATT does the same thing for "corporate accounts" (they charge an additional $10/month for Exchange support) they just include it in the data plan cost. The Android Mail app does Exchange over OWA in 1.5, 1.6, and 2.0. Just don't tell Verizon you need it, and set it up yourself. Besides, the chances of your corporate IT department allowing Exchange to be open outside of a corporate firewall are absolutely ZERO, which is why OWA exists in the first place. (OWA is also the same protocol that the iPhone uses for Exchange, as well as Blackberries without a Blackberry Enterprise Server.)
F.U.D. Seriously. This crap is getting old.

Matt · 1 month ago

If this phone is truly open as Verizon advertises it, and is running ANY variant of the Android OS (which, it is in fact doing) then this is complete crap and can only be enforced on the basis that the customer is naive enough to tell Verizon they'll be doing Exchange interaction. You can VERY EASILY AND MOST DEFINITELY USE EXCHANGE WITH ANDROID WITHOUT PAYING VERIZON ONE RED CENT. You dont even need a third-party application to do it.

camkevbell · 1 month ago

Phone makers don't have a vested interest in giving you exactly what you want. If they give you the perfect phone, where do they go from there?

Smitty · 1 month ago

This is a non-story. There is nothing new about Verizon offering a $30 vs $45 dollar data plan. The $45 is also "unlimited" which is limited to 5 GB. To get exchange support you have always had to go with the 'unlimited' plan.

facebook-562439659 · 1 month ago

Seems a bit apples to oranges though. I'd be more interested in what the exact same plans stack up between AT&T and Apple. (Data Plan + Texting + minutes + Exchange). From my own shopping around, the same plan on AT&T vs Verizon has Verizon being cheaper still.

Roger · 1 month ago

This is ridiculous, and is pure gouging. I currently use ATT Blackberry using BIS for access for my corporate email (my company is too small that afford the BB Enterprise software). It's included in the $30/mo data plan, and it works just fine (emails can be delayed 15 minutes or so, but that's fine).

When the Droid release date was announced, I went to BestBuy the same day to pre-order the phone. I was excited to get a new smart phone with all the "extras", and still do my business emails. When I heard about the extra $15 a month for the exact same access that the BB BIS service provides, I was shocked, a a bit pissed off. There is absolutely no overhead for Verizon.

I will not be picking this phone up on Friday like I thought I was. Instead, I will have to wait until there's another phone with the options I both need and want, at a price that I can afford.

Matt · 1 month ago

The only ridiculous part is that people don't know what they are talking about. Exchange support is built into the OS. It uses port 80, same as all web traffic, and can't be crippled be Verizon.
Just don't tell them you use Exchange, and have your IT department setup Android Mail to use OWA, which is all they will do in the store (assuming you know the connection info. Otherwise, they charge you the $15/month and still tell you to have your IT department set it up).
YOU ONLY HAVE TO PAY FOR IT IF YOU TELL VERIZON TO CHARGE YOU FOR IT. IT IS BUILT INTO THE OS AND IS FUNTIONAL OUT OF THE BOX.

Robert · 1 month ago

Are you sure about that? OWA is just a Web enabled Outlook client. Yes, you could just launch the browser and check your email that way, but it's not a push to the phone. BB BIS uses my OWA account to get my email, but then it pushes them to my device. Are you saying that the Droid email configuration will allow you to set up OWA in the same manner as BIS and push it to the device? I saw nothing in the documentation that suggests that, but then again I'm not currently an Android 1 user, so that functionality may be there.

Matt · 1 month ago

I use it all day every day on my HTC Hero. The Android Mail app has an option to tie directly into your OWA server account and pull everything, contacts, meetings, mail, etc all in real time. It wouldnt be in the Droid documentation because its not a Motorolla or Verizon feature, its an ANDROID feature.
And unlike BIS/BES it is not being used as an intermediary. The client itself is taking care of the communication. The Mail "app" running within the OS handles server requests in real-time.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

Actually, this totally depends. Some of the HTC devices have Exchange support because HTC built it into their own Android builds. As a standard Google Android feature, it won't be available until Android 2.0.

Yes, there are third-party apps, but those apps confine mail and calendar and whatnot to the app and not with the rest of the phone (there are workarounds but it isn't the same experience). We'll have to see if Verizon actively enforces the Exchange support thing or not, but if they wanted to, they could totally turn off the feature for people who don't pay.

And sure, you could still use OWA, but if you want to have the unified inbox thing and easy access to your exchange calendars from the native calendar app, that's not going to happen.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

@Matt
I'm not disagreeing with any of your assertions, I'm simply saying that with the way the company I do work for is setup, I can only do Exchange on my iPhone with Exchange 2007 (we even had an with 2003 and that was one reason that they upgraded to 2007, one of the execs wanted an iPhone).

Now, how Verizon will handle any of this, we'll have to wait and see. I absolutely believe that workarounds, whether using third-party programs or specifying certain settings or even just using the Android mail app straight-up will be around so that people can get Exchange access without forking over $15. However, the official line from Verizon is that Exchange is $15 more. If they enforce it or not, we'll see, but that's what they are claiming. And that claim (however necessary it turns out to be), is what I think a lot of people take umbrage with.

Knowing that Android (as Google implements it, not as third parties might add it on -- and I'm pretty familiar with the Android SDK, Exchange as a method of being used as the main e-mail address assigned to the phone is absolutely a new 2.0 feature) is adding Exchange support now, it isn't clear if Verizon will do anything to limit this to only corporate clients or not.

As far as the OWA via VPN thing, I know -- I agree that it is completely stupid to require the VPN to even access it -- but there are a lot of IT practices that make no sense there. I'm contracted out so it's above my pay grade to worry too much about their IT inefficiencies (of which there are many).

Matt · 1 month ago

I have several friends who use non-HTC phone models who have this functionality in 1.5 and 1.6.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

That's awesome and good to know, but if they do, it's probably because they did what HTC did and built in their own support. Google didn't add Exchange support (via ActiveSync) until 2.0.

Matt · 1 month ago

All the exchange app is doing is querying the OWA server info, as most IT departments scoff at the idea of enabling RPC over HTTP(s). This allows for full interaction between the device and the server without completely removing all the security for your Exchange server.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

If they are going through ActiveSync then you can specify your server data and connect without having the IT department freakout. That's how Exchange works on iPhone. You need Exchange 2007 or higher for it to work (I work for a company that switched recently from Exchange Server 2003 to 2007 and my iPhone can connect to Exchange -- and this is a company that makes me use a VPN to do any other remote connection, including OWA). So if what Google is implementing is ActiveSync support (which is my guess, as that's how they are doing Push for the iPhone for Google mail accounts), then that would be different than going through OWA and probably would require the $45 plan.

But it's still fundamentally a software issue.

Matt · 1 month ago

@Christina, I beg to differ. We have dozens of users here who are tied into the Exchange server (Using the Exchange portion of the Mail app) by tying directly into the OWA server settings. We have a cluster of Exchange 2003 servers that are handling this. We have RPC over HTTP(s) blocked completely, and only allow port 443 OWA traffic. They are all using Exchange without issue. All receive mail in real-time, calendars sync up perfectly, etc. I'm generally not so adamant about things I am not 100% sure about, but as I've set it up literally dizens of times (including on my own iPhone) without using corporate accounts, and without using Outlook 2007 I can definitively say that you CAN do this as I have described.

Matt · 1 month ago

Also, upon re-reading that, requiring users to VPN in to use OWA defeats the entire purpose. You could simply launch your Outlook client once the tunnel is established. The point of OWA is to allow a port 443(SSL) connection to your mail server via an insecure, outside connection.
I don't doubt your company does this, I just question WHY they do this.
And security is the name of the game where I work. So much so that as a network engineer I was recently subjected to several rounds of drug testing and CIA level background checks and security clearance investigations. We all have RSA random-sequence keys simply to check our e-mail.

Matt · 1 month ago

@Christina, my mistake. The way you initially worded it led me to believe you were speaking about ALL iPhone Exchange connectivity, and not your particular situation.

And I agree, Verizon is definitely putting what could potentially be the first nail in the coffin of a fantastic device. I just hope that users will wait to see the reality of the situation before writing the device off wholly.

IT departments generally are very cumbersome and overbearing, and usually this is a direct result of upper IT management coming from non-technical backgrounds. Fortunately it is not the case here, and I am lucky enough to be within the pay-grade required to make important security-related decissions.

'Twas a fun comment-chat. Geek well.

Amit · 1 month ago

@Matt It sounds like you are talking about Exchange ActiveSync to sync your Exchange account down to your phone. But here's the thing that's important - companies can apply policies that are required before letting a device sync over EAS. This includes things like remote wipe, pin reset, screen lock. From this thread - http://groups.google.com/group/android-discuss/..., it sounds like Android 2.0's implementation of Exchange ActiveSync lacks these things. So $30 or $45 doesn't matter if your IT dept won't approve the device to sync.

adamhirsch · 1 month ago

I have the droid. Setup the Exchange account already. I'm just assuming I already was paying the extra $15 for when I was on my Windows Mobile Treo. So far so good on exchange support.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

Ooh, you have the droid? How do you like it? VIDEO POST!!

John · 1 month ago

this is the same as iphone's enterprise data plan which also costs extra.
exchange support should be something you can live without. if it's needed for your work, well then your company should be paying for it.

most consumers will do with just the $30 unlimited plan. if you're just thinking of using microsoft exchange to push your gmail account (like with the iphone), you can also do that with verizon's $30 data plan. i'm doing that with my imagio and i'm only paying the $30 data plan, not the $45 business data plan.

Thomas Fischer · 1 month ago

I am trying to figure out just how cheap the entire plan will be in general. I am not how Verizon plans to sell a lot of phones when they are adding more money onto the original price.

Although the Droid does look cool, I will stick with my iPhone and AT&T even though the service does suck sometimes, the phone itself with all it can do outweighs everything else!

charlieohearn1 · 1 month ago

Extra charge for Exchange...what does this mean? Is this something more than being able to connect to my company Exchange server through ActiveSync? If so, my MotoQ9m does this at no additional cost. iPhone has feature built-in as well. As a consultant, I will use my PDA to test new Exchange implementations, then switch back to my own server.
I can always setup IMAP protocol to bypass, but it's not as smooth as ActiveSync.

And no tethering? I was so excited about getting this cool new phone, but now, not so much.

Amit · 1 month ago

It's not $45 just for Exchange support.

The “business” or “enterprise” data plan for $45 will be required if you’re on a corporate paid plan, or if you have a business account. They will consider those businesses and require the business data plan.

Otherwise you can use the $30/month plan without any concerns.

Amit · 1 month ago

Well this negates the sensationalism of the article: http://b2b.vzw.com/productsservices/wirelessema.... These details that are starting to emerge are coming from Verizon's own web page that has provided this information long before the announcement of Droid.

Scott Weiner · 1 month ago

What about the people like me who have the Blackberry and use Outlook with it... but not exchange because it's personal not business.

Is there a way for me to sync outlook to the Droid easily? Do I have to pay for it? How do I do it?

Shawn · 1 month ago

Get your facts right before you make an article like this. The $15 is only if you want Verizon to host your exchange account. Stop freaking out people!

Mxx · 1 month ago

Ah, finally verizon's evil head is showing up.
we didn't really expect them to have a competitive price, did we?

Shawn · 1 month ago

Let me make it clear, you don't have to pay extra if you have an exchange account with your business or work. It is only extra if you want Verizon to host an exchange account for you, but $15 is a little high if you ask me.

Mark · 1 month ago

I am a Verizon customer and I stay with Verizon because of their network but they charge too much and clearly block innovation and limit choices by trying to control services that run over their network in an effort to bolster revenues. If AT&T's network were as strong I'd be an AT&T customer using the iPhone. When will Verizon and the other 800 lound gorilla's understand that users don't want to pay extra for features like GPS, tethering or exchange integration when its already a feature of the phone? The phone manufacturers get it and are clearly frustrated. Verizon as well as other large carriers alienate their user base by disabling features of the phone then charging to enable them. This has nothing to do with network utilization and everything to do with revenue. Develop flat rate plans that are affordable and attractive to a large user base without hidden fees and feature disablement. The little guys like Metro PCS, Cricket and other get it. Time the big guys wake up and smell the coffee or eventually find they are a dinosaur.

NetWork Dr · 1 month ago

Charging extra for Exchange support is Bu11$hit!
How do you expect to get a foot into the Enterprise market by nickle-diming everything?
....and don't hand me that "It's for the personal phone market" nonsense. If that were true, why even provide an option for Exchange sync? You're just a bunch of back-stabbing scabs trying to stick your hands further and further into my pockets. So much for customer loyalty meaning anything.
(shuffles back into cave with a pout and a sniffle)

P Cora Jr. · 1 month ago

How many of you "Personal Use" people are getting exchange email on you phone? Unless you are a corporate user wtf do you need exchange for? Gmail? I used exchange (push) on gmail and I did not see the huge advantage over imap. Actually Push drains the battery faster.

People are so in love with every push, everything instant. The only thing I need pushed to me is work e-mail and my work pays that bill, so I do not care. For my personal stuff IMAP just works fine. Either that or just check you e-mail more often......

ns · 1 month ago

I think it's clear now. check this out.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355249,00...

P Cora Jr. · 1 month ago

Christina your Report is wrong... Please see http://www.gearlog.com/2009/11/personal_droid_d...

Did you even call Verizon to double check is this was accurate?

SpamWax · 1 month ago

This explanation about additional $15 makes more sense:

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2355249,00...

fdossantos · 1 month ago

So do you still think Verizon is the promised land for the iPhone? All is fair, balanced and cheap in Verizonland?

P Cora Jr. · 1 month ago

No Redaction? Pathetic.....

IC Weiner · 1 month ago

Is there a single thing about your article that's correct? You don't have $45/month if you're a personal user and AT&T charges the same amount for enterprise users. Please cite your sources if you're going to make outrageous claims because it looks like you made this one up.

Christina Warren · 1 month ago

Actually our source was PC World (http://www.pcworld.com/article/181232/want_a_dr...). I reached out to Verizon for a response and for clarification and still haven't heard back. Because Verizon's website doesn't have Droid plans available for viewing right now, I had to go off of the BlackBerry plans (per the original story in PC World) where, regardless of what type of customer you are, corporate e-mail is part of the $45 plan.

I added an addendum to the post linking to Gearlog. While I certainly hate getting anything wrong and spreading misinformation, the situation as it was 18 hours ago was that a reliable source had a story with quotes from Verizon, Verizon did not respond to my requests for comment or clarification and the web site did not show any information on Droid plans. If the facts are different now (as it appears that they are -- though I have still not heard from Verizon), we'll update our post with new information and do our best to clarify.

Meko · 1 month ago

This article is BS. You will only pay $45.00 instead of $30.00 if you're a BUSINESS. Personal and family cell phone plans are EXEMPT from this. Seriously, the author of this article is flat out wrong!

You can call Verizon to verify this, but the link below clearly states that someone has already kindly done this ...

http://www.phonesreview.co.uk/2009/11/04/motoro...

Have no fear people.

Meko · 1 month ago

How about the author correct her post. Seriously, do your homework Christina Warren. All you had to do was call Verizon to verify this.

Talk about lazy!

Drew · 1 month ago

This article is incorrect. You should remove it from the Internet, since it is causing confusion and is a complete fabrication.

Simply posting a little italicized disclaimer that the article you're about to read is wrong doesn't count. Remove this misleading article. It's a lie.

defilm · 1 month ago

I was all excited about Droid, but my Iphone does exchange and they don't charge me for it.
Been waiting to get on the Verizon EVDO Rev A network with an Iphone, but that won't happen, and besides, as a Mac user, the Iphone is kind of old. As Wired puts it... Droid = Wired, Iphone = Tired. I have multiple email accounts, and don't use Gmail for a reason.
So I think I am going to skip this phone until Verizon gets some sense. Besides, I expect competition, and would hate to be stuck with a Droid when I could have had a Super Droid whatever from Sprint...

John · 1 month ago

ANother inaccuracy. Verizon doesn't charge an extra $15 for exchange unless you have a business account for your phone. AT&T also charges an extra fee for exchange support for business users. Consumers (home, non business accounts) do not pay an extra fee.

kook321 · 4 weeks ago

I just hate how their data plan is mandatory, whats the point of having wi-fi?

moo goo gai pan · 4 weeks ago

Seems like a typical Verizon stunt to charge more for something simple..think about text service & how simple that technology is. Why charge 15 cents per text for something so simple & automated. Hmmm Verizon is falling short on budget..I have an idea let's send a random nonsense text to every user..whammo...we just made out numbers for the quarter...Remember that Verizon used to be Bell Atlantic...does monopoly ring a bell anyone?

guest · 3 weeks ago

actually I have an iPhone on my exchange server and at&t charges a $15.00 per month EXTRA charge on top of my $30.00 full data plan.. so it aint free there either..

smartsense · 3 weeks ago

Verison is a pig. They have always make sure you pay for every service. Even if it should be free with the current technology. I was going to up date to the Droid, but when I found out they require another $30.00 per month. I really only wanted the WIFI and that scares them. I don't need the internet from them.

Some day soon their competitors are going to become really competitive and they will wounder why the customers left. They should try to make customers happy for a change.

DirkaDirka · 3 weeks ago

The $29.99 personal email data plan and the $44.99 corporate email and data plans are flat fees ACROSS THE BOARD for all Verizon Wireless smartphones/blackberrys. Been that way for years. They both include UNLIMITED email and web browsing. I don't understand the problem here. Verizon Wireless is the MERCEDES BENZ of wireless service in the USA. Would you compare a Mercedes with a Hyundai? Can't afford a luxury car, get a subcompact! Sheesh! You get what you pay for. Go get Boost Mobile or a Tracfone if you want something cheap at the expense of reception.

Kevin · 2 weeks ago

Bought the $30 unlimited data/e-mail plan, and love the service thus far. I use Exchange e-mail for work, and would use my Droid for work if it didn't cost extra. Unfortunately, the $15 extra, plus their other nickel & dime costs, is enough to keep me using my company supplied phone from another carrier for work biz, and keeping Verizon from the high-end contract I'd give them instead of AT&T. For no extra charge, AT&T gives me unlimited data, e-mail, visual voice mail, exchange e-mail push, tethering to my laptop, and just about everything else Verizon charges for.

If data is supposedly unlimited, why does it matter if we use that data on the web, on Gmail, on an exchange-based e-mail, or if that data is to our phone or just passing through the phone to my laptop? Verizon is just taking advantage of us and their new-found popularity. If their service area weren't so good, and my family weren't on Big Red, I'd drop them in a heartbeat and just use my work phone on AT&T!

To answer another comment about the accurateness of the article, Verizon did indeed confirm that it wasn't a difference between personal or corporate accounts, it's the difference between allowing or not allowing exchange access.

Allan Thygesen · 2 weeks ago

Matt,

I am interested in using a non-Exchange ActiveSync-enabled calendar app on the Droid. Any suggestions on how to enable that?

Allan

merganser · 5 days ago

They told me I was going to have to pay to get my exchange account setup. I downloaded Touchdown Exchange email app and it works just fine. $10 one time vs $15 a month. Easy choice