Viper Permanently Disabling Smartstart Module

Guys, I recently got an email from Viper stating that my GPS and SmartStart module was going to be permanently disabled this month and would not be able to be reactivated (ever) if I don't sign up for service this month. Personally I think that this is total BS and wanted to let others know. I do not currently have an active account subscription, but I planned on reactivating it later this year. However I now won't be able to because they are permanently disabling hardware that I paid good money for. What a cheap way for them to force you into keeping a subscription! I will never buy another product from them... Just thought other people may want to know.

Sounds like you need to forward this forum post to the top execs at Directed so they know how much of a reach the consumer can really have. This new corporate culture of you don't really own what you pay for is not acceptable.

You should have received another email at some point saying that the unit installed in your vehicle will no longer work at a certain point. The reason for the is how it communicates with the cellular network. I believe they had multiple offers on upgrading or possibly swapping parts for the newer system. This is due to the fact that the service that the system is using now will no longer be supported. This is not completely a directed issue, it is more of a cellular network issue. Depending on the system that you have installed, there will be a time when you will not be able to renew any service package for it.

Thanks for the responses. For clarification, there is nothing wrong or incompatible with my hardware. I had previously had the AT&T module. That started getting phased out, so I purchased the newer Verizon based module. The emails I have received do not mention any issues with compatibility. It states clearly that I can continue to keep my device active for as long as I want, if I give them money now. So I can give them money for a 3-year subscription and use it for the next 3 years. But only if I give them money before the deadline this month. Otherwise they are threatening to permanently disabled my module and I will never be allowed to reactivate it. I would understand if there were some cost involved to it remaining on but inactivated, but there isn't. They are just using it as a threat to keep you from not activating it for a while, then reactivating it. They want that steady flow of money coming in, even when it has no value to you. This vehicle is a Jeep which i often Park in the winter, then run with no doors or top during the summer. The only time I want the extra security of GPS tracking is during the summer. I cut it off in August, so it isn't like it's been a yearor many years... They did respond saying that they would be willing to "extend" permanently disabling my device, but then followed up that statement with "do you know when you will be reactivating" or as I read that, we are willing to hold off our strong arm tactics, but you better bring give us some money or we will follow through with the threat! And what really makes me mad is the threat to permanently disabled or blacklist the module so I can't use it later or sell it! Unbelievable! I am willing to copy the emails here if you guys want to see the wording. I'm not misrepresenting this.

Verizon is shutting off their 3G network in 2019. What happens to the current units then?