[95TsiAwd]

I currently use the Verizon network. So I'm just curious , how do they know what type of phone I have? See I used to have a basic phone plan with a basic phone, but now I have a BB and they are trying to charge me a premium data plan, which I do not need. Now they are charging me more money. How did Verizon know I had a BB? Is there a way to block there visibility? Because this seems very intrusive on their part.

[Tre Lawrence]

I currently use the Verizon network. So I'm just curious , how do they know what type of phone I have? See I used to have a basic phone plan with a basic phone, but now I have a BB and they are trying to charge me a premium data plan, which I do not need. Now they are charging me more money. How did Verizon know I had a BB? Is there a way to block there visibility? Because this seems very intrusive on their part.

Device ID, type of data transmission, etc... there are several ways VZW can find out.

To be fair, while one could argue the ethics of charging you for services you don't use, it is tough to disagree with the service provider wanting to know what devices it's servicing, no?

[howarmat]

every phone has an IMEI that "registers" with the network and that tells the company what the phone is essentially.

[Hamp]

Beat me to it Howarmat. And to the OP, there is no way of changing an IMEI on a device.