Accessing a webcam - anyone heard this story?

Here's one that simply doesn't make any sense.

I have an IP webcam at my home, connected to a wireless router. It's on 24/7 and available over the Internet for viewing when I want to see what's going on in the neighborhood.

My Sidekick II via TMobile receives it's pages just fine. My Verizon phones (v710 and RAZR) don't, producing a variety of error messages when I attempt access the camera's URL.

Calling Verizon, I get the response that their system blocks webcam access for security reasons and also since it may "overload" their towers.

What's the deal here and am I getting a bogus response? (If TMobile can do it, and a friend on Sprint can too, why would Verizon be any different?):loony:

Any insights would be most appreciated.

 

Thanks Jay...I don't think I know how to put another browser (Opera) on either cell phone. Maybe I'll look at other providers. Cingular has an E62 and a 3125, both of which look interesting.

Brad

 

Thanks. I will check on the Verizon "Get it Now" site. I am thining that this may be possible on the GSM phones but not on Verizon's CDMA. Although Verizon does have pretty solid coverage, they seem to be more than willing to take customers, and their respective issues, for granted. Witness their crippling of Bluetooth features on some phones, etc.

I've been looking into Cingular specifically the 3125 and the E62 and may take the plunge if VZW doesn't come through.

Brad

 

Thanks Jay. I hope Verizon hasn't crippled my ability to download and install such as that. Prevention of functionality seems to be a big part of their business model.

 

Yep, I'm beginning to think the same way. I went to the trouble of installing and configuring an IP Webcam and while my friends using Sprint and TMobile can access it fine, my Verizon service doesn't allow it...even on the Razr with the extra monthly payment for their VCast Service, web, etc.

I've stuck with VZW based on what I perceive to be their better coverage but I suspect that's not the case either and others are equally competitive.

 

Thanks for all the replies and inputs. The more I get into it, the more I come to realize that, while Verizon does have solid coverage, they are a bit dictatorial to their customers.

I suppose my choices are: a) continue the otherwise unneeded Sidekick II service with TMobile so I can actually access real web pages, including my security camera; b) suck it up and let other people use their [non-Verizon] phones to access it and tell me what's going on; and c) find a service and a phone that will do everything I need done, which is: make calls, browse the net, serve as a basic (or not so basic) personal information manager.

 

Finally, the apparent answer is: Verizon blocks streaming video [from all sources other than it's own that is]. So, my little webcam, sending pictures of my house and the neighborhood, can't be accessed through a Verizon phone. However, Sprint, TMobile, and I suspect other services, allow it with no problem.

 

Yep, that did work. Good suggestion. Now I have to figure out how to make my personal webpage ready to accept an emailed picture.

Thanks,

Brad

 

FTP? I don't really know since it's remote and I am not there to do it. I think the easiest is to simply continue using my daughter's old Sidekick or another Tmobile or other service that doesn't block the access. Thanks for the idea and I will look at my camera to see if it's built in server has that feature.

Brad

 

Thanks Drcellular.

Actually, my camera uses activex but is accessible from both IE and Firefox browsers, plus whatever the Sidekick uses.

Verizon's store rep spent about 5 minutes asking her supvevisor and the answer from there, plus a previous call to Verizon's Customer Service number got the response that they don't allow it because it's "unusual" web activity.

I think they block all non-Verizon streaming video in order to be able to sell their silly little service for watching videos.