Kindle Wireless Fees Not Out of the Question?

A lot of us tend to pick up things without reading the terms and conditions set forth by the manufacturer first. Think about it. You want to buy that nice HDTV or get that nice gaming console. Who has time to spend a few hours going through the terms and conditions and legal Mumbo Jumbo. But after having worked in the financial industry for a short while, I know you can get nasty surprises if you don’t know all the facts in hand. That’s why I read Kindle’s terms and conditions before I bought it. And you’d be surprised to know what’s in it.

Amazon Kindle comes with free wireless connection. That’s one of its strengths and has set it apart from other competitors such as Sony PRS 700. What most folks don’t know is that you can actually get charged for using your wireless connection for anything but shopping from Amazon Kindle.

Amazon provides wireless connectivity free of charge to you for certain content shopping and downloading services on your Device. You may be charged a fee for wireless connectivity for your use of other wireless services on your Device, such as Web browsing and downloading of personal files, should you elect to use those services. We will maintain a list of current fees for such services in the Kindle Store. Amazon reserves the right to discontinue wireless connectivity at any time or to otherwise change the terms for wireless connectivity at any time, including, but not limited to (a) limiting the number and size of data files that may be transferred using wireless connectivity and (b) changing the amount and terms applicable for wireless connectivity charges.

As you can see, you can get charged for surfing the Internet or tweeting on your Kindle. Not only that, if you are a bandwidth hog, Amazon could charge you a fee for your trouble. And if the Sprint partnership falls through some day, you can find yourself without wireless connection, and you won’t have the right to get your money back.

What surprises me is to see so many people complain about their area not being covered by Sprint after they have bought the Kindle. Amazon clearly states that your location may not be covered by Sprint, and that’s not Amazon’s fault.

… if your Device is located in any area without applicable wireless connectivity, you may not be able to use some or all elements of the wireless services. We are not responsible for the unavailability of wireless service or any interruptions of wireless connectivity.

And don’t for a second think you can use Kindle’s wireless connection to check something quick on your laptop. That’s not allowed either.

You agree you will use the wireless connectivity provided by Amazon only in connection with Services Amazon provides for the Device. You may not use the wireless connectivity for any other purpose.

I am sure Amazon values its customers too highly to charge them fees or discontinue their wireless service anytime soon. But don’t be surprised if and when they do that. You were told about it when you bought your Kindle!

Your take: is Amazon leaving the door open to charge for the wireless connection in the future?