Verizon Wireless now offers Usage Controls, an online service providing
customers the ability to better mand control how they use their wireless phone,
as well as how their children or others on a "family share" or
multiple-line account use their phones.
With Usage Controls, customers can monitor and control voice and data usage
levels, Parrentscan also managing what content their kids are viewing or
understanding if they are accruing additional costs.
Usage Controls are accessed through the MyVerizon Web site and customers can
change or update their settings under the MyServices tab. With the
service, customers can:
- Set thresholds for voice
minutes; - Set specific limits for text,
picture, IM and video messaging as part of pay-as-you-go or message bundle
plans; - Set time of day restrictions
for data use and messaging; - Create lists of
"trusted" and "blocked" numbers (calls to 911will
always be allowed to connect); and - Employ content filters.
Usage Controls is available for a $4.99 monthly subscription for each
line. Customers must have a Nationwide Calling Plan - either Family Share
or single line - to take advantage of Usage Controls.
Chaperone 2.0
Parents can also add Chaperone 2.0 to their accounts for $9.99 per line per
month. Chaperone 2.0 has many features and enhancements including:
- The ability to locate
multiple Chaperone Child devices at the same time; - Family SMS Messaging that
allows a text message to be sent to one or more Chaperone Child phones
from the Chaperone Parent application or Chaperone website; - Changes to the Child Zone
settings, allowing parents to add time and date settings or to add
multiple children per Child Zone; - Integration with VZ Navigator,
allowing parents with VZ Navigator subscriptions to receive turn-by-turn directions
to their child's location; and - An improved Chaperone website
that's easier-to-use.