Just recently this week, the number one mobile operator in America has decided to quietly introduce a new rewards program called Verizon Up. Basically, this program from Verizon Wireless gives its subscribers one credit for each $300 they spend on the Big Red’s products and services on their monthly bills. These credits can be amassed by customers, and they also are given access to many reward options, which include monetary credits toward a new handset, generous discounts on accessories, or other rewards by way of the carrier’s partners.
Verizon Wireless will also be showcasing offers that do not need credits, and those signed up under the new rewards program can exclusively enjoy access to tickets to various events, like sports events, shows, and even music concerts. The offering is made available via the Big Red’s updated My Verizon mobile app.
The new rewards program, however, is starting draw some flak. According to a report recently published by The Verge, it appears that customers who join the Verizon Up program are required to sign up for Verizon Selects. By doing so, these subscribers are essentially allowing the wireless carrier to monitor their Internet surfing habits, mobile app usage levels, GPS location, demographic profile, full street address, and even other potentially sensitive private information. The data that is tracked is shared with Oath, the brand that Verizon Wireless has created to represent its digital media and advertising operations (as a result of its buyout deal with Yahoo to the tune of $4.48 billion), plus with other partners and suppliers.
The Verge is not the only news outlet that is raising questions about the whole set up. BetaNews claims the arrangement violates the customers’ privacy, Android Authority is warning people about the price they are paying, and Engadget is pointing out how the program basically is a means for the Big Red to get access to lots of customer information.
Verizon Wireless insists that it grants its subscribers the option to join or not to join as they like. In other words, the Verizon Up program lets the customers decide for themselves whether they want to enroll and enjoy the benefits, and if they think it is not worth it, they can always opt out anytime they want.
Few may realize that the new Verizon Up program is actually sort of a successor to the Smart Reward program that the major US wireless carrier had debuted over three years ago. Smart Reward had also required customers to sign up for Verizon Selects.
