robrecht
Pretty good member
I guess I'm not old enough to have encountered the first situation you're referring to, so the answer to your question is no.10 years ago the cable companies tried to do this same thing.. imaging having a router for each computer in your house? it was "illegal" and against their "tos" to connect more than 1 computer up to their internet connection.
now, 10 years later we're letting the wireless companies get away with THE VERY EXACT SAME THING.
Did you pay for each computer in your house that accessed your internet? Nope...and we shouldn't be forced to do it with cellular.
Nobody is forcing you do anything. You're free to purchase services from Verizon or not. If you want to negotiate the terms, you're free to do that too. I'm all for that. You're also free to purchase services from another provider if they provide you better service or terms that better suit your needs. Competition is good for the customer. Why do you bring up the idea of a company forcing you to do anything? It's not the sign of a well thought out argument.
To me it was always obvious that 'unlimited' data on a phone was an altoghether different category from 'unlimited data' on a computer, and the pricing differed accordingly. As phones and networks have progressed, this distinction has become blurred and you can now get a faster data connection on your phone than most home WiFi systems. So it is no surprise that Verizon is adjusting their pricing model accordingly. They've been successful in promoting their brand as a premium provider, able to provide higher quality services at a higher price than companies that provide lesser quality services as a commodity. I respect any company that is able to distinguish themselves as providing a higher quality product or services and generally prefer to do business with those companies that distinguish themselves in this manner. Up to a point, I don't mind paying a little more if I can trust that problems will be fewer and, when they arise, they will be resolved quickly with courtesy and professionalism. Makes my life more enjoyable. I don't mind paying a little more for that. I wish I had such a choice for my cable provider.