So yesterday, I decided to give my computer a rest and concentrate on other things, like chores on the property.
I set up the download scheduler to download some items during the LNFZ, giving plenty of buffer time between the start and stop times.
I checked my usage according to Viasat at midnight.
I checked it again this morning at 7:00 am.
According to Viasat’s method of accounting for data, I used 700 mb yesterday. An unheard of amount for me who has been keeping track of Viasat’s daily records for many years. And I was outside doing chores!
One way for Viasat to increase revenue without raising monthly fees is to tamper with the data usage calculation.
If true, this would be more smoke and mirror tactics, just like implying an expected download speed of 12 mbps when its actual occurrence is miniscule or stating (not implying) that we should expect download speeds in excess of 1 mbps after reaching our monthly allowance.
I have traveled all over the world. I found these smoke and mirror tactics in third world bazaars. I did not expect to find them in the US from large corporations.- 121 Posts
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Posted 2 years ago
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I've already provided you with a screen capture of what Glasswire can do for you. Here's what a reputable router can provide (ASUS RT-AC3200 out of the box with no third party firmware - even has it's own download scheduler but haven't really used it):

That's my last 24 hours of usage and it provides cumulative totals for each of my two devices. I can see how much data was used each hour and from there can also drill down into more detail on each device. Note that despite having Windows Updates disabled altogether, I still get some Windows Update usage.
Looking at Glasswire, the usage on each device is consistent with that of the router (with some minor rounding errors encountered).
Comparing both against the Viasat usage accumulation during that period shows no significaant differences. But those are my results, I obviously have no complaint (in fact Viasat's count is actually slightly lower than both of those) but YMMV - as previously noted I've only had ONE unexplained discrepancy in my history of using Wildbue, Exede and Viasat services. History is not an indicator of future results and I don't trust the fox to guard the hen house. The only thing this demonstrates is I don't have a problem and am only suggesting you need to provide some more compelling evidence that you are ;)
Diana, Viasat Employee
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Please send an email to viasatlistens@viasat.com and will get you the details of your data usage. Include your account and contact information.
There is no smoke and mirror tactic! At Viasat, customer satisfaction is something that we take very seriously and would never compromise under any circumstances. Diana
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And how do you know that? Do you have access to the accounting software that determines data charges? Or have you been told that and just accept it.
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Andy
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That's one of the reasons I quit posting here for a few months...got tired of all the "they stole my data" threads. People need to be proactive. Old Labs has detailed over and OVER how to monitor your data usage. Me? I use a Netgear router that has the Netgear Genie software, it has an internal usage meter which shows exactly how much data you are using.
Andy
Steve Frederick-VS1/Beam314, Champion
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That does not mean they should just give up and accept the corruption in the criminal justice system. They owe it to themselves and society to try to improve things.
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GabeU, Champion
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I use a Netgear router that has the Netgear Genie software, it has an internal usage meter which shows exactly how much data you are using.
Same here. Plus Glasswire and Networx, though the latter I use piecemeal. Glasswire is always up and running.
One of these days I'll invest in one of the Asus routers that can run the Merlin software so that I can see data use by device, but for now the total given by Netgear's Genie software is good enough in conjunction with Glasswire.
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My point is you may not need new hw for monitoring. Your current router could just need new software to take advantage of the feature.
Also not that Asus comes preloaded with good monitoring. Flashing a router has some risks so make sure you do your homework or use an old router first like I did.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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also... old labs did try to help you out... but yet... it kinda sounded like... mem tried to tell old labs about the current situation... old labs did try to help mem... but yet... it sounded like mem didnt want the help... also... i missed of what mem said to old labs... cause i seen old labs saying keep roaring and stuff XD which was kind of funny to be honest XD cause... all what old labs was doing was trying to help mem... but yet... tried to convert the topic and go into details and stuff about there data loss and stuff... BUT!!! ive gotta hand it to old labs :) cause... she told the truth and stuff :)
mem... its up to you to either download what old labs has told you to download... OR... you can just keep on using up your data even though you dont know whats going without any programs :P also... what jim16 said about you keep on paying viasat and so viasat can steal your money :P its up to you of what you want to do :)
everyone has tried to help you... but yet... you dont want to even try and do things onto your own :P so yeah... its going to be your loss though :v
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You will understand after you learn English. I am not surprised that you don't know what is being discussed.
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Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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I'll second that. What a disruptive force that Jim16 is. He thinks its his forum.
Get a life and stop antagonizing people.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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I don't know what your circumstances are nor is it really important to me. I generally don't judge a book by its cover (or try not to anyway despite human nature)
My brother suffered speech as well as learning disabilities despite an outwardly normal appearance. He was often bullied for it - except of course when I was around.
He overcame them and became a world class chef - he was one of the executive chefs at the Atlanta Olympics and is currently the
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Thanks for your heads up. You are correct. I know nothing about her personal circumstances.
Therefore I will tread lightly and no longer respond, as you suggest.
Bev, Champion
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My grandfather was like that, always on about some horrible, unfair, wrong, dishonest, not good enough thing - he was happy. If he stopped complaining, we took him to the doctor, he was definitely not feeling well if he wasn't complaining. LOL
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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@Bev yeah i shouldnt worry about memes at all!!! :3 memes is his new nickname from me XD and i didnt know your grandfather was like that!!! @>@
well... i guess memes just wont respond :3 BUT!!! ill keep on posting onto this womans post :3 even though they wont respond cause... memes said she no longer respond XD i hope the woman memes doesnt respond at all :3 even though i will comment onto her post though :3
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The same students who would be mocking him in the past.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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I am glad that you say your grandfather was happy, despite what you perceived as his complaints.
I am exceptionally happy. God and society have been very generous to me. I could not possibly have hoped for a better life. I never thought I would end up so blessed.
Regarding what you perceive as my chronic complaints, the only complaints that I have made in the past five years have been directed at Viasat or some of its Champion forum members. To assume otherwise would be incorrect.
I help the unfortunate through my charitable givings, I contribute to the community through civic clubs such as Rotary (an officer), I have never sued anyone, I have never been sued, my credit raring is 815 (which means I don't stiff people), and I generally like most people. I have some of the most loyal friends ever who would give me the shirt of their back because they know that I would do likewise.
I have been hard on Viasat and one particular forum "champion" because their actions support my responses.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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Since I know you are a jerk who tries to sabotage this forum, and since you think I am the same, let's both voluntarily drop out of this forum.
The net result would be a forum free of your abuse and antagonism to many decent honorable people who seek advice without your "CRAP" (your word which is so often used by you, not mine).
As for me, I will miss the sincere advice I have received from the honorable forum members.I have never found your advice to be useful and almost always cloaked in sarcasm and derision. This is a common know it all tactic used by insecure people trying to prevent others from realizing just how little you actually know.
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So since Jim16 scorns you with truth, you would have him disappear. That's mighty big of you offer to leave too, except, there are more like you here but only one Jim16. Naw, if the only light in the room is extinguished, the whole room will be dark.
Jim shines the light of truth on you and your kind for all to see. We won't be stumbling in darkness with him here, suggest offer be denied.
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Re: Jim16, Champion,
It appears Ivan Bludnik, MEM, and Mohammad Hussein al-Baghdadi don't appreciate the comments made by Jim16, Champion.
Here's how it works people; You say what you will and expect some form of approval, even hoping others will join your point of view. Your perception of free speech is one where we all have free speech, as long as we agree with you, including Jim16. A problem occurs when someone doesn't bow to you and your ideals, that is to say, they disagree. Jim16 speaks the truth and sometimes that truth hurts, and since you have zero tolerance for pain, you wish to shut him up. Crap in one hand and wish in the other, then tell us which one fills up first. There will always be opposing points of view so someone will eventually tell you when you have reached the point of no possible further progress in your quest, whatever it may be. If you have a problem and people tell you about solutions to that problem but you keep insisting on doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results, that is insanity.
If you think ViaSat has rigged the data tabulation in their favor on your account, prove it, as the burden of proof is on the accuser. Speculation and threats of spreading your diatribe to other venues seeking support and recognition to your suspicions is libelous prejudice (condemnation prior to investigation).
@ Jim16, Fear not, the truth shall set you free.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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That's close, but it's really about seeing what happens first, the wish gets fulfilled, or you end up with a hand full of crap. I suspect one hand will remain empty for a long time.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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I think you should re-read my comments.
You say " If you have a problem and people tell you about solutions to that problem but you keep insisting on doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results, that is insanity" That statement is propaganda promoted by a few of my detractors.
My problem is that Viasat is unwilling to share with us how exactly they calculate data. I have stated this over and over again. What part of this do you not understand. I can see my electric meter. The power company does not try to hide it. I cannot see Viasat's meter and they have not explained in sufficient detail how they charge us for data. They expect us to trust them.
I have appreciated and implemented the advice I have gotten from sincere helpers when that was appropriate. And I want that to keep coming from the well intended.
In this case, the subject of this post, that is not appropriate. No amount of comments from forum members who are customers can speak for Viasat. It is up to Viasat to answer my questions. To date that has not happened.
As far as the proof that you demand, I somehow think no amount of proof will satisfy some of you. In any case, the iron clad facts are being reacquired. They will speak for themselves at the appropriate time.
So stop falsely accusing me of not taking advice from the well intended.
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Actually, there were 3 persons addressed in that post. If the shoe fits, wear it, or not.
Deku (The #1 Hero Data Saver), Champion
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And who would know better than a person who decides to call himself/herself Judge and Jury.
I guess we should bow down to you as the final arbiter of everything.
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This conversation is no longer open for comments or replies.
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Jim16
MEM
MEM
Old Labs (VS1-329-L12FZ)
At the very least contact Glasswire support over in their forum - Glasswire works for me, I'm on Windows 7 and just use the free version with no problems. It also works for others with no problems - the fact that it doesn't work for you may even be an indicator that you have a problem you're unaware of - it does rely upon the built-in Windows Firewall as I recall.
Like I said the burden's on you to show that there's a discrepancy in usage. Or simply send the email to Diana as requested and they'll provide a general categorized break down of your usage - I personally find those categories to be too broad to be of any real help. All of those complaining about phantom data loss don't trust Viasat's accounting to begin with - breaking it further down won't eliminate that distrust.
You're not going to get any other answer from a Viasat employee here than you've already received.
Mohammad Hussein al-Baghdadi
What kind of logic is that Old Labs? He said his Glasswire has problems connecting to the Viasat server. Many apps require connecting to the publisher's web site to confirm that the license is valid. It appears the problem is just as stated, a Viasat connectivity problem. Instead you blame the pc, or the Glasswire software, or a virus.
You are quick to blame anything except the real problem. :)
phinneus
His problem is using toooo much data.
Mohammad Hussein al-Baghdadi
He states "I installed Glassware more than I year ago. It does not always run. It needs a connection to a server." He says he has the paid licensed version.
That makes it difficult to diagnose usage when Glasswire will not initialize properly.
phinneus
I have 2 tabs on my desktop pc. Top one is my local machine. The second tab down is my windows laptop.
For the past 3 years of using glassware I have maybe 5mb of internet usage from it.
Old Labs (VS1-329-L12FZ)
Once he's done that he's going to find he has a tough time convincing Viasat that the issue is on their end if the evidence suggests it. Trust me on that one, been there and done that early on with Exede
thatand the only real satisfaction I got out of the effort was knowing that I was correct - eventually, however, Viasat wound up fixing the discrepancy when enough people documented it over in the other forum(s). Since that time no discrepancies for me.Your's is the logic suffering - the fact that he's paying for Glasswire is reason enough to seek support from Glasswire or use another alternative that does work in his environment.
To date, MEM has yet to provide any evidence that it is a Viasat problem or vice-versa so you're the one jumping to conclusions.
Show me some evidence and I'll be the first to support MEM's conclusions - right now he's got nothing.
P.S. FWIW Mohammad, he said it needs a connection to a server. The server being referred in that message is not Viasat's server - it's the Glasswire service running on the local machine or another machine on the local network. I see that on starting up Windows until the Glasswire service is fully started. If persistent that indicates a Glasswire install issue and is all the more reason to contact Glasswire support if paying fro the product. Each Glasswire instance functions as it's own server as well as allowing other instances to communicate with it and display their stats as phinneus points out - the server reference in the message MEM is getting is within the more traditional context of client-server technology not the internet.
MEM
Look. Let us get one thing straight. I made my comments about Viasat’s data calculations for the benefit of those Viasat customers who already think Viasat’s data accounting methods are suspect. It was meant to be thought provoking. I never intended to change anything about the way Viasat conducts their business, for I have concluded that they will not change their ways unless legally forced to. And this post is definitely not intended for the few Viasat forum members who are Viasat apologists and defenders. Especially Jim16.
We, then silent majority, are tired of their relentless propaganda.
Yes my Glassware works fine, but that has nothing to do with the issues here. And yes, as requested I have sent my account details to Viasat Listens, but that also has nothing to do with the issues here.
For those who hold Viasat on a pedestal, look no further than Volkswagen. Several senior executives have been caught manipulating data given to the US Government. They protested their innocence up until the time they were found guilty in federal court. They have subsequently been fired, and worse. The underlings at Volkswagen defended their company to the end, believing what they were told by the company hierarchy.
There is an old saying that figures do not lie but liars figure. I know from personal experience how easy it is to create an accounting system that gives the answers that the bosses or I wanted.
A red flag exists due to Viasat’s unwillingness to be transparent about how they determine our monthly usage. As I pointed out previously, Viasat publishes a statement about how Viasat calculates a customer’s monthly data. Their answer is double talk and in no way answers their own question. This is one example of smoke and mirrors, even though certain forum moderators swear it is not. We customers should be willing to trust Viasat’s data counting integrity only if we can verify its integrity. It is our money. I can see my electric company's meter. I cannot see Viasat's meter.
Four days ago, I requested answers to some detailed questions about Viasat’s data calculation methods. These questions remained in the post until recently. Now I cannot find them. Were my pointed questions embarrassing to someone at Viasat who wanted to make sure other Viasat customers did not ask the same things. These questions included:
1. Is the data measured at Viasat’s end or at the modem?
2. What procedures are in place to prevent overcharging data usage?
3. How much data does a reboot consume?
4. How much data does a Viasat initiated software update consume?
5. What data items are included that we did not initiate. We accept updates by our apps as our responsibility.
6. What overhead data is charged to the customer?
7. And several more questions of similar vein.
To Matt, Viasat employee, who has demonstrated integrity and honesty to me, where can I find these previously posted questions? If Viasat deleted them, why did they delete them?
If deleted, you, the customer, decide why I cannot find that portion of my previous post any longer. What is Viasat hiding? Does the Volkswagen fiasco sit in the back of their minds?
The truth will eventually come out. Perhaps some disgruntled ex-employee will spill the beans. I would not want to be on the wrong side of the truth if that happens. And I will be the first to admit that I was wrong if Viasat makes it data counting methods transparent which indicates no malfeasance on their part.Old Labs (VS1-329-L12FZ)
https://community.viasat.com/viasat/topics/i-question-data-usage-and-how-viasat-calculates-it
Be sure to expand all of the View Previous Links encountered in the conversation (some replies are collapsed).
Old Labs (VS1-329-L12FZ)
1. The modem counts data usage and is periodically polled (under normal circumstances every 15 minutes although it can be up to 24 hours later - best guess is that modem uses some form of differential reporting and doesn't maintain the count across polling boundaries. With a keen eye on an idle connection you can actually observe (the lights on the modem exhibit a pattern) the exchange as it occurs - I've done this an note that the usage meter is updated immediately after that exchange. This is why you should not see any data accumulation during an outage. Once the outage is resolved you may see some immediate accumulation as the modem catches up from the missed reporting intervals. Polling appears to be initiated from the server side.
3. None until the reboot is completed and the modem goes fully online.
4. None - FWIW I've been experiencing repeated software/firmware downloads on a daily basis (sometimes twice a day) for well over a week now duie to a failed download - none of it is showing up.
As noted you're not going to get any direct answers on a site that is a marketing department extension.
MEM
I know that but the audience is more than a handful of Viasat employees.
My intended target is the silent majority of Viasat users.
Viasat may make changes if the roar is loud enough.
BTW, what marketing department would allow such negativity on their forum? Are they plugged in?
Old Labs (VS1-329-L12FZ)
But don't be surprised when others disagree in a public social media venue.
MEM
I deleted my post based on your valid comments to me.
I received confirmation that the post was removed.
However this post still appears on my PC.
Is there a situation where posts cannot be removed or deleted?
Thanks.
Old Labs (VS1-329-L12FZ)
Also beware of browser caching when somethings showing that should not. GetSatisfaction isn't particularly cache friendly.