Free access to forums using PM network

[youbme]

Since the Public Mobile forums are a necessity for members to troubleshoot and resolve issues with service, I propose that it should be free to access via the PM network. In other words, it shouldn't cost me data to view any of the PM websites, especially the forum and self serve portions.

I'm not sure about implementation, but I recall that Virgin mobile did a similar thing when accessing your account via your phone, it did not cost any data to do so (two years ago when I was with them).

[jaswest2754]

They had this before but people were abusing it to get free Internet to stream and that somehow that's why they disabled it. 

[youbme]

During the past year and a half I've been with PM, this was not an option. From a quick google search I saw a case with T-Mobile and a 17 year old gaining access without even having an account. While there's always a way to exploit networks, I still think this would be worthwhile if PM can manage some basic security to avoid anyone (easily) taking advantage of it.

[IWIK]

I was with Bell and don't they have the same setup? No cost to go to bell.ca and no cost to use the MyBell app data.

[youbme]

Exactly @IWIK! I suppose part of my suggestion is related to the support on the Lab for creating a PM app that gives us better access to self serve and the forum via our phones. With such an app, it shouldn't be difficult to implement free data when using the app.

[MrAureliusR]

Freedom does this currently. They also allow you to access Facebook Zero for free.

[youbme]

@MrAureliusR, which is why I think it should not be difficult to implement. There is no call centre, everything with PM is provided online, so giving customers easier access without costing them data makes sense to me.

[Rockdaddy22]

You can also you email to get support, that uses extremely small amounts of data I believe.

[youbme]

Yes, good point @Rockdaddy22, but that only works once an email is sent out via the online form and there has been a response from the support team (correct me if there is a direct email address that can be used).

In the scheme of data use, I realize that it's not a significant amount of data to occasionally access the PM site, but I think it is a nice gesture to make access 'free'.  Of course, if it is difficult to implement, then it would be more trouble than its worth! Judging from the lack of bravos, I totally understand this is not a priority for PM customers among all the other issues that need addressing first

[Rockdaddy22]

I definitely don't disagree. I love free data 🤑

[Brooke_C]

Hey @youbme,

@jaswest2754 is right that we used to our Community members to access the Community without using any of their data. Unfortunately, there was a lot of abuse and we had to stop providing this.

-Public Mobile Community team