Vodafone's "Unlimited" Internet

MaFt · Last edited by MaFt on Mon Oct 04, 2010 2:33 pm; edited 2 times in total

tedkay · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:42 pm Post subject:

MaFt

Actually I was very much 'on-topic' with my original message ....

I am aware that there have been 'unlimited' internet access issues with various mobile operators - that is why when I renewed my contract I sought and received assurance that I would not be charged extra for internet access. As I said previously, my itemised bills show hundreds of internet accesses and none of them are charged for ......

But anyway my (on-topic) point was that in view of TTs' removal of support for 3rd party POI's on their new devices; the inconsistent LIVE service; the intractible manner in which TT provide their charged-for map updates; - mobile phone satnav is looking more appealing .....
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TED

"If at first you don't succeed; call it version 1.0"

MaFt · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 1:48 pm Post subject:

tedkay · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 2:15 pm Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 2:25 pm Post subject:

The use of the term 'Unlimited' has been covered on many occasions in the press. It is not unlimited in the normally understood sense and all services will refer to a Fair Use Policy.

The fact that you have not been charged is great, but that does not mean that you can exceed the Fair Use limits they have in place. Were you to do so then depending on contract you could be warned, have your access throttled or curtailed completely.

If we wish to discuss this further, and it is an interesting subject, let us do so in a new thread in the off-topic area.
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Darren Griffin

MaFt · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 2:35 pm Post subject:

tedkay · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 3:00 pm Post subject:

...or let's stay stay absolutely on topic ...

I have been travelling every day throughout September and I have used Google Maps on my mobile throughout this time, including directions, search etc. I have also used the mobile internet for many other things like Weather, Googlemail, Facebook, and general internet use. I haven't been charged extra for it. So if Vodafones' 'unlimited' internet does in fact have a limit I have not reached it with quite heavy internet use, and that surely is what matters for the purpose of this particular discussion.

So, compared to TomToms' map service which is subscription based and only updates the maps 4 times a year, Google Maps which is updated constantly for free is a better option, especially considering that it also includes a reliable and contemporaneous search facility which is infinitely better than TTs' 'here one minute gone the next' LIVE service which, even when one is lucky enough to be able to access it, provides what I have often found to be extremely inaccurate information.
Blimey Google Maps even gives you a photo of your destination !
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TED

"If at first you don't succeed; call it version 1.0"

pcaouolte · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:39 pm Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Mon Oct 04, 2010 8:44 pm Post subject:

tedkay · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:07 am Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:12 am Post subject:

TeleAtlas do not provide Google with continuous map updates. They feed Google updates every quarter.

You can also be darned sure they charge Google for using the map data. The fact that Google chooses not to charge you to access it is another matter.

And as for Google's own map data, take a look at the US map forums, there are thousands of complaints about Google's US roads data and the US road network is a darn sight easier to map than ours which has evolved over many hundreds of years unlike the US.

I don't think using Google is a no-brainer, personally I find it useful for quick address lookups but as a serious navigation tool I'd only ever consider it IF it was the only one available to me.
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Darren Griffin

tedkay · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 9:52 am Post subject:

MaFt · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:12 am Post subject:

Darren · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:16 am Post subject:

Personally I still have concerns about things such as this that are free.

There is ALWAYS a cost, be it hidden or delayed. Google will be itching to make some return on the nav apps and I'll wager that ads will soon be polluting the app.

Personally I still see the value in paying for some things. Much as I expect you wouldn't wish to work for free, most companies have to make a profit. Google turns a very healthy one and offers free maps because it is a sideline to their primary cash generating business.

But yes, Google's POI data is better, and those LIVE equipped new models can look up data from Google using Local Search.
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Darren Griffin

tedkay · Posted: Tue Oct 05, 2010 10:35 am Post subject:

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