Quote:
Originally Posted by Quoth
Can't afford to use data on my phone. I only use WiFi for data. I have plenty of WiFi, but wouldn't use it with any ereader. I only even turn it on on the phone or tablet when needing it.
Lots of kids are not allowed WiFi or smartphones.
My dad had PC, broadband, Kindle, but never managed to figure out WiFi. He used the shop to register.
Plenty of people rely on downloads in work or at a friend's house.
Everyone is in at different situation. This is a dreadful way to treat new customers. Arrogant.
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I have unlimited data ('low priority' but more than good enough for me) for about $30/month. I don't really need data, unless I'm traveling somewhere and need driving directions and some music streaming; coverage is spotty where I live, but I'm mostly only doing short excursions and so nearly all of my data and calling is over my broadband WiFi at home. It wasn't that long ago that plans cost more for much poorer services, relative to Europe. But I guess that's changed here because they have reached economies of scale after forcing smartphones on everybody and taking a cut on sales of those (mine is unlocked).
As I suggested in earlier post, Amazon will have a very good idea of how many of their Kindle customers use D&T and never use WiFi, and I'm guessing it is not a very large percentage, or they would hold off on doing this. The bean counters are looking for corners to cut and this is one of them. And also it is about building higher walls around the Kindle garden.
Kindles are probably even less popular with pre-adults than they are generally. I know many adults but I'm the only one I know with a Kindle (apart from my siblings and mom). I cannot even find anyone to give one to. Most are still reading print books as far as I can tell.
So this is a tempest in a teapot issue, as so many of the discussions we like to have here are (and nothing wrong with that, it counts as fun for me). I don't like that it is happening, but it will not inconvenience me at all.
In the end, Amazon exists to make a profit, make its shareholders happy, do what is required to maintain their customer base and market share(s), and make its shareholders happy some more. I would call it capitalism, not arrogance.