Core Viewpoint - The rise in popularity of portable Wi-Fi devices has led to consumer complaints regarding false advertising, mandatory prepayments, and misleading data usage claims [1][2][3] Group 1: Consumer Complaints - Consumers report being misled by promises of easy activation and low-cost data plans, only to find hidden fees and conditions upon purchase [1][2] - Specific cases highlight issues such as mandatory prepayment requirements and slow internet speeds that do not match advertised speeds [1][3] - Difficulty in obtaining refunds has been a common theme, with consumers facing numerous obstacles when trying to return products or reclaim funds [3] Group 2: Industry Practices - The sales model for portable Wi-Fi devices often involves selling hardware on e-commerce platforms while binding data plans to separate operators, complicating refund processes [2][3] - The lack of regulatory oversight allows for misleading marketing practices, where consumers are often unaware of limitations on speed and data usage [3] Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest enhancing platform regulatory responsibilities, including requiring merchants to provide proof of prepayment fund management and establishing clear dispute resolution mechanisms [4] - The establishment of a unified "prepaid fund escrow" system is recommended to protect consumer funds and prevent merchants from absconding with payments [4]

Core Insights - The portable Wi-Fi device market is experiencing a surge in consumer interest due to the demand for mobile internet access, but issues such as false advertising, mandatory prepayment, and inflated data usage claims are prevalent [1][2][3] Group 1: Consumer Experiences - Consumers report being misled by promotional offers, such as being required to prepay a minimum amount to activate devices, contrary to initial promises of "pay-as-you-go" [1][2] - Complaints include slow internet speeds and unexpected charges for upgraded service plans, leading to feelings of being trapped in a cycle of additional costs [1][3] - Difficulty in obtaining refunds is common, with consumers facing numerous obstacles and delays when attempting to return products or reclaim funds [3] Group 2: Industry Practices - The sales model for portable Wi-Fi devices often involves hardware sold on e-commerce platforms while data plans are tied to separate service providers, complicating dispute resolution [2][3] - The lack of regulatory oversight allows for misleading marketing practices, where consumers are not fully informed about limitations on speed and data usage [3][4] - Experts suggest that e-commerce platforms should enhance their regulatory responsibilities, including requiring proof of fund management from sellers and establishing clear dispute resolution mechanisms [4]

Core Insights - The portable Wi-Fi device market is experiencing a surge in consumer interest due to the demand for mobile internet access, but issues such as false advertising, mandatory prepayment, and inflated data usage claims are prevalent [1][2][3] Group 1: Consumer Experiences - Consumers report being misled by promises of easy activation and low-cost data plans, only to find hidden fees and conditions upon purchase [1][2] - Many customers face difficulties in obtaining refunds, with some experiencing prolonged delays and unresponsive customer service [3] - Instances of data usage being inaccurately reported have been noted, leading to frustration among users who feel deceived by the marketing tactics [2][3] Group 2: Industry Practices - The sales model for portable Wi-Fi devices often involves hardware sold on e-commerce platforms while data plans are tied to separate operators, complicating dispute resolution [2][3] - The lack of regulatory oversight allows for misleading marketing practices, with some companies violating consumer protection laws by providing false or misleading information [3] Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest enhancing platform regulatory responsibilities, including requiring merchants to provide proof of prepayment fund management and establishing clear dispute resolution mechanisms [4] - A unified "prepaid fund escrow" system is recommended to ensure consumer funds are securely managed, reducing the risk of merchants absconding with payments [4]

Core Insights - The portable Wi-Fi device market is facing significant consumer complaints regarding false advertising, mandatory prepayment, and misleading data usage claims [1][2][3] Group 1: Consumer Complaints - Consumers report being misled by promises of easy activation and low-cost data plans, only to find hidden fees and conditions upon purchase [1][2] - Specific cases highlight issues such as mandatory prepayment for activation and unexpected downgrades in service quality after initial use [1][2] - Many consumers struggle to obtain refunds, facing numerous obstacles and delays from customer service [3] Group 2: Industry Practices - The sales model for portable Wi-Fi devices often involves hardware sold on e-commerce platforms while data plans are tied to separate operators, complicating dispute resolution [2][3] - The lack of regulatory oversight allows for misleading marketing practices, where consumers are unaware of limitations on speed and data usage [3] Group 3: Recommendations for Improvement - Experts suggest enhancing platform regulatory responsibilities, including requiring merchants to provide proof of prepayment fund management and establishing clear dispute resolution mechanisms [4] - A unified "prepaid fund escrow" system is recommended to protect consumer funds and prevent merchants from absconding with payments [4]