Community Forums

vsheetz · 02-20-2016, 07:55 AM

Well, last week I ordered a Karma GO, to see it would be a viable alternative to my Verizon Jetpack service (albeit using the less desirable Sprint network). Subscribing to the NeverStop program (15Gb/month LTE high speed, then then throttles back to slower data rates (unlimited/month)) - for $50/month. Fired it up at the house - easily got it working and it worked well.

Then a day or two later I receive notification that the NeverStop subscription service level is going away - being replaced by a tiered system of data for $$, much like most other hotspot devices. And the pricing is not good - actually higher than my existing Verizon Jetpack service.

Sorry Karma GO, I am not interested in paying more for less. There is a 45 day return privilege. So back to Karma GO it goes...

Oh, one more thing - I am writing this at a campground connected by my Verizon Jetpack, where the Karma Go does not have service...

MSHappyCampers · 02-20-2016, 09:37 AM

Thanks for the heads-up Vince!

smiller · 02-20-2016, 10:09 AM

Yeah, the Karma story has been quite the debacle. At first they offered a 'Neverstop' plan which featured unlimited data for $50/month, an incredible deal even if it was on Sprint (my initial plan was to use the Karma wherever we had Sprint coverage and use my Verizon phone as a backup.) That actually worked great for a month, until Karma changed the Neverstop plan to a fixed $50/15 GB. Even that was a reasonable deal but then they recently changed again, terminating Neverstop and introducing 'Pulse'... with data rates about the same as Verizon prepaid! I'm not sure why they think anyone would choose a Sprint MVNO over Verizon at the same price? Anyway, as much as I wanted to like these guys they apparently don't know how to run their own business. To their credit they have been very good about returns though, I returned mine and got an immediate 100% refund (meaning for both the device and service.)

Karma does have one worthwhile option left and that is their regular plan with non-expiring data. That is a unique offering and might appeal to those who want to keep a charged backup unit around and not have to worry about data expiration dates, but beyond that their other plans no longer make any sense. And the way they have been running things who know how long it will be before the email that cancels even the 'no expiration' deal.

Triker56 · 02-20-2016, 10:24 AM

Buying Pulse at 10GB for $75 is $7.50 a GB, 20GB for $120 is $6.00 a GB
Buying a Sprint Hot Spot from Sprint has 12GB for $80 or $6.66 a GB, and 30GB for $110 or $3.66 a GB.

Only difference is the Sprint requires a 24 month contract and Pulse non.

My Karma Neverstop 15GB runs out March 10th.

Thinking strongly of getting Exede here at my winter spot. And putting it on vacation($9.99 month) during my 5 month summer trips.

smiller · 02-20-2016, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triker56

Only difference is the Sprint requires a 24 month contract and Pulse non.

In any event a no-contract Verizon prepaid hotspot plan is only $5 more per month (for 10 GB) than Karma. For five bucks extra I think most anyone would choose Verizon over Sprint.

I'm not trying to slam Karma as again I do appreciate their valiant attempts at 'no asterisk' wireless service, but sadly they just don't seem to have it together.

vsheetz · 06-29-2016, 03:33 PM

An update here. I bought a Karma just as they changed the service plan. So I returned the unit months ago. No refund had been made. I keep getting excuses and put off.

I have filed a dispute with credit card company. But will probably go nowhere due to too much time elapsed.

Scam. Money down the drain. Etc. )-:

powderman · 06-29-2016, 04:14 PM

If the credit card co. doesn't make good, try giving a call to your state attorney general. I have found Ohio's to be helpful. YMMV.

smiller · 06-29-2016, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

An update here. I bought a Karma just as they changed the service plan. So I returned the unit months ago. No refund had been made. I keep getting excuses and put off.

I have filed a dispute with credit card company. But will probably go nowhere due to too much time elapsed.

Scam. Money down the drain. Etc. )-:

Has Karma has confirmed receipt of the unit in good condition? What excuses are they making?