Unlimited-The Definition
teeshot
Contributor - Level 1

According to Merriam Webster, the definition of "Unlimited" is as follows:

Definition of unlimited

1: lacking any controls : unrestricted
  • unlimited access

2: boundless, infinite
  • unlimited possibilities

3: not bounded by exceptions : undefined

  • the unlimited and unconditional surrender of the enemy
  • —Sir Winston Churchill

The FCC should come down hard on all of the wireless carriers for using the term "Unlimited" when it is clearly false advertising.

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Re: Unlimited-The Definition
rcschnoor
Legend

It is just a word and the FCC does not really care when Verizon and other carriers specifically DEFINE what they mean by their various "unlimited data" plans, which in THIS case means "unlimited data", NOT "unlimited speed". Otherwise, it would be IMPOSSIBLE for any carrier to EVER use that word. You CANNOT give an example of a plan Verizon could possibly offer which would adhere to the "strict" definition you have listed above.

The word "unlimited" may mean "without limits", but you are adding another word to the equation which in this case happens to be "data", so in fact simply adding that additional word means you are LIMITING it to data only.

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Re: Unlimited-The Definition
teeshot
Contributor - Level 1

Except, that Carriers are placing "restrictions" on the plans, whether it be voice, text or data.  Since "without restriction" is a part of the definition of unlimited, it makes the use of the word in any context where there are exceptions or restrictions unacceptable.

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Re: Unlimited-The Definition
deloused
Master - Level 3

That's actually not false advertising, you're just applying the term 'unlimited' in a much more broad sense than carriers are.

The plans do only offer unlimited downloads and uploads of data byte amounts without the restriction of overage charges within it's set coverage area. By advertising plan offerings a long with the detailed terms and conditions all internet providers offering 'unlimited' (wireless and landline) meet legal requirements.

Inferring that 'unlimited' should apply to speed wouldn't make sense, as it would be limited based on the technology in use (2G/3G/4G, DSL/Cable/Satellite), bandwidth, location,  device used, location of use, and the provider's terms & conditions.

Insinuating that any carrier is advertising unlimited speeds, time, location is ludicrous. Consumers should read the details of any offering's terms and conditions. It's the same with any industry, even restaurant's offering 'all you can eat' are allowed to stop cooking, close after hours, enforce dress/conduct policies even if patrons can still eat and that's also not false advertising.

While you can still download/upload as many bytes as you'd like to without the restrictions of overage charges in the US, you can't use data in the middle of the ocean, in some basements, if your battery is dead, or quicker than the parameters allowed by the network, device or provider.

Re: Unlimited-The Definition
glitchedpixel
Specialist - Level 1

Do you get charged an overage for data used? If no, you have unlimited data. I could say I'm giving you free candy and have 1 m&m still count even if it isn't the same amount as a full bar.

What you're ranting against is speed not quantity. If any carrier allowed unrestricted full speed 24/7, those with small data use will suffer the same strained use as someone using the network the way you would a home ISP and that isn't exactly fair. I don't get this entitled mindset of people thinking a wireless provider should be able to produce the same experience as wired home ISP.