Our friends over at Android Central got their hands on all the details of the upcoming changes to Verizon Wireless data plans this morning. If you're still a little confused about what the changes are and how they will affect you, hopefully this will give you the answers you're looking for. It looks like what it boils down to is if you're currently enjoying unlimited data for $29.99/month with your 3G or 4G LTE smartphone, you can continue to do so. If you aren't, you either have two weeks to make that switch, or miss out on it forever. We'll list the main changes for you below, and you can hit up Android Central for an in-depth look at the materials they received.
- $30 for 2GB with $10/GB overage
- $50 for 5GB (this also includes business e-mail at no additional charge) with $10/GB overage
- $80 for 10GB (this also includes business e-mail at no additional charge) with $10/GB overage
- Mobile hotspot access will cost $20 a month for 2GB of data
- EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That have our $29.99 unlimited data plan WILL BE GRANDFATHERED IN, they will keep their unlimited plan after 7/7/11
- EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That current have the unlimited data WILL BE ABLE TO UPGRADE AND KEEP the unlimited data feature (No known end date on this as of this moment)
- EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That add lines post 7/7/2011, will NOT be able to choose the $29.99 unlimited data feature
- NEW CUSTOMERS- Any customer that sets up service from now, until 7/7/2011 WILL BE ON, AND WILL BE GRANDFATHERED into our $29.99 unlimited data package
- NEW CUSTOMERS- Any new customer that set up service AFTER 7/7/2011, WILL NOT be able to choose the $29.99 unlimited plan
Reader comments
A closer look at the new Verizon Wireless data plans
The million dollar question though is will we get to keep our $29.99 pricing if we move from BlackBerry to another device. Verizon has different data plans for BlackBerry than they do for Android/iPhones due to BIS and RIM infrastructure provisioning. It looks like we can keep our pricing if we stay within the "BlackBerry Data" plan, but might be screwed if we switch to another device, where as a Thunderbolt user for example on an unlimited plan would have no problem switching to the iPhone.
I, like probably many others on the forum have been holding out for the BlackBerry 9930, but if that underwhelms, I am off to the iPhone 5. I am going to be really pissed if I get relegated to tiered pricing, simply because of some semantics between a BB data plan and the one used on every other smart phone.
See my posts above. Unfortunately, your fears are well founded. You are going to be pissed. You have to pick either BlackBerry or every other smartphone going forward. Switching knocks you into a tiered plan.
When AT&T went to similar plans, I jumped at the chance to reduce my data charges from $30/unlimited to $15/200 MB. This is because my average usage on my BB was under 100 MB for the previous 6 months (including streaming radio). And since I don't have an iPhone, I don't notice any significant difference in coverage between AT&T and Verizon.
I understand the need for these plans. A minority of users abuse the "unlimited" data, but also, smartphones in general have more apps that consume data. Unfortunately, Verizon is offering no way for the customer to save money; theirs is strictly a price increase.
I took a peak at my last 10 billing statements...oldest to newest (in GB):
.737
1,18
.526
1.07
1.3
1.38
1.61
1.57
1.64
1.04
So clearly, the 2GB level is appropriate for me. This includes plenty of Podcast downloads. But I set Wifi on when I am home. That helps keep my totals down.
I am sticking Berry, and may upgrade from my Bold to the Bold Touch. But I guess I am happy to know I could go to another platform and come close to staying under 2gb (knowing that there is compression on the BB side of things). If I ever went, say, iPhone (likely never since I hate touch keys), I could take my primary data usage "off-line" and grab my podcasts from iTunes and just copy them over. Don't like that method, but at least it's an option.
Bottom line for me, unlimited now. Will be unlimited after 7/7.
For VZW's perspective.......You have me at unlimited. That isn't going to change (at least for now). I was considering a smartphone for my wife, but we're not ready to pay $30/mo now. Paying the same for less down the road completely takes the possibility of a new data plan/smartphone off the table for the foreseeable future.
You are going to lose with this VZW.
What I have not seen yet is this.....
Back when the tiered stuff was first mentioned, wasn't there some speculation that they may offer "family" data plans....i.e., pay a certain price and all phones count towards that data?
To me, for VZW, that should be part of the roll-out of the tiers. What's a great way to get someone playing $30 for unlimited to pay a bit more for something limited? Make it be a large bundle of limited data.
All this, at this point, doesn't affect me as I am on unlimited with my BB. Who it does affect is my wife. She has yet to go smartphone as we have held off on paying another $30/month. But I guess when the time comes, 2GB would probably be enough for her.
At least the overage cost is by full GB and not piecemeal measly MB.
These guys have usually played it straight w/me over the years (even voluntarily told me of the $30 price drop from $45 for WinMo Big Red didn't bother mentioning). They told me so long as I didn't change my # (ie- start a "new acct" or add others to my current setup), that the $30 "unlimited" stays intact. Even if you jumped around devices (upgrades/contract re-ups, across PLATFORMS). I asked again to make sure I heard right. They (two employees) insisted a VZW rep was in that morning explaining it to them.
Seems too good to be true, so as has been said, have to wait for official word...which likely won't be until AFTER the 7th (or whenever this kicks in).
Equally confounding is what I was told does NOT pressure me into upgrading straightaway and would make me a flight risk if they DO punk me at upgrade/renewal time. I avoid the local corp stores as they're riddled w/the scheistiest mofos out there (I stick out VZW b/c of the network coverage where I frequent).
Just reporting my exploration...
Thanks for that feedback, we will all have to wait and see. Much of what is said this early into an announcement is just speculation. I too have found it better not to use the local Verizon stores for service and questions. The reps they have on the phone seem to be more knowledgeable and helpful. Also, for those of us that have been long time customers that haven't jumped around between carriers are more likely to get a favorable result since those are the customers Verizon would like the retain most.
They will have to grand father current unlimited users, if not it would be a modification of a contract which would allow many to cancel free and clear which would include me first if possible. But with the way these cell phone companies are getting now a days paying in access of 200 or more a month, boost, straight talk, cricket and the likes look much better. I like a BB but when you get down to it the purpose of the phone is to talk and 50 a month seems good right now. If BB came to these likes, which I can say they will be low grade models I might keep BB'ing. But its all about profits and I can no longer justify paying more for the use of a cellphone than a car note or in some people cases a mortage note.
I hope that is the case ! I don't want to lose my plan for some tiered gig. Alol
even after the official date, the unlimited data plan should be available, they are grandfathered. as for the data plans, the unl data plan will still have the employee discount because the data plan discount is for 29,99 or higher data plans, so that will stay the same, it's just unlimited calling plans that don't have the discount because the calling plan has to have a minute plan. that's what i heard. hopefully they revamp the prices, they still have 2 weeks to do this. my hubby has an iphone and he used to have a droid, he didn't even come close to 2 gb's, not even close to 1 gb.
So, I am curious, if the cutoff is 7/7/11, when exactly is Verizion going to inform their customers of the change? Or should I say the Blackberry customers
These tiered plans are going to kill RIM even more. With no new handsets for awhile, there's going to be a flood (or at least a good number of people) who will want to get the best and most technologically advanced smartphone available and lock themselves in before July 7th.
You can sure as h3ll bet that no one is locking themselves in with an outdated POS BB phone! LMFAO
EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That current have the unlimited data WILL BE ABLE TO UPGRADE AND KEEP the unlimited data feature (No known end date on this as of this moment)
Sounds like you will be able to upgrade and keep your unlimited plan to me.....
It may sound like that at the moment, wait until the official language comes out and we see terms like "certain conditions may apply." That disclaimer allows a large loophole in which to operate.
I really wonder if current subscribers can try another platform and go back to BB for instance if they don't like the other platform and maintain unlimited status. Does the grandfather clause only apply to one upgrade? Verizon often cancels customer friendly programs like that. Look at their new every two and VIP programs.
I read somewhere that text messages were way down and was a major source of revenue. This is an attempt to make that up. Also coming to a computer near you! Days of free unlimited data are going fast on any platform!
Texts are down, due to newer apps that use data instead, ala BBM or other platforms have different apps that will do the job. With AT&T Family plan I pay $20 for unlimited family texts, not bad. But I also got $30 BIS unlimited plan too. I will stick with AT&T.
I haven't read if free WiFi is involved in these data plans? Verizon is really dropping the ball if they don't include free wifi. Why I love Att. Waitin on my Torch 9810 patiently!
I don't know if Verizon even has it's own Wi-Fi Hotspot network like AT&T and T-Mobile do.It does give AT&T an advantage now since they do include free Wi-Fi on their tiered data plans.
I've just had the same screw up the butt with sprint. Its gonna get to the point where people who are rich are going to be the only ones with cell phones and us working class people are gonna go back to using dixie cups and strings.
This answered some questions except the upgrade question. If we switch platforms but are current users with an unlimited plan with our BlackBerry? I may take a hiatus from BB and give Android a fair chance and come back to BB if their QNX phones get good reviews and better developer support.
The girl at the local store said yes even if you have the unlimited plan and upgrade from smart phone to smart phone you get dumped into the tired plans. But like said above they probably don't even know the details yet as she didn't know what the pricing was yet lol
I'm afraid she's right because BB Plans have a different system code than other Smartphone & E-Mail Data Plans.Unless Verizon allows CS or Sales to override it the computer will treat the data plan change as a new add-on and force you to a tiered plan.*sigh* I hope I'm wrong.*sigh*
I spoke to a cs rep on the phone this morning and she said the plans are not interchangeable. You can keep your BlackBerry plan with unlimited data but if at any time you switch from a BlackBerry data plan to a smartphone data plan (despite both being $30 they are technically different plans) or vice versa you have changer your data plan and you will be tiered. I will check this again when plans are oficially announced as you can never trust one rep. However, if this cs rep is correct then if you want to keep unlimited data you will have to decide prior to 7/7 if you want to stick with a BlackBerry or go with another device. You cannot change or bounce back and forth and keep unlimited data.
Thanks, that's what I've read from several different sites. The question now is: Is the 9930 worth the "no looking back" decision............
It's a tough call. I like my android device and my BlackBerry. I like being able to switch between the two. I also think a QNX phone will be great. However, who knows when that will come out? Late 2012? 2013? Sticking with RIM on VZW is essentially having you forego LTE for a year or two despite the fact that they keep lighting up new markets all the time. This will put BlackBerry users on the fence in a tough situation. I know some on here will say "see you later" but RIM can't afford to lose even more customers on VZW.
bah.. i just checked the last 6 months.. the most i used was like 106mb... lol
so even if i switch.. no big deal.
They should offer lower rate plans for people like you and me. I don't think I use a gig a month on my BB storm2. The lowest rate is the same price as the current unlimited rate wtf.
yeah but that's coming from a sales rep... and we know how knowledgable they are most of the time. I guess we'll wait and see. It may be time to finally say goodbye to Verizon if this is true. The first major strike was when they dropped the global unlimited data plan at the beginning of this year. The 2nd major strike was when they told me they also dropped support for Asia and parts of Europe. This will be the 3rd strike and I'm history.
I just went to a local Verizon store. The customer service rep said if you upgrade you will lose the unlimited data plan if you upgrade after the plans take effect. The only way you can keep unlimited is if you keep your current smart phone. :/
I believe that rep is wrong!
Just look at this from the post at the top:
"EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That current have the unlimited data WILL BE ABLE TO UPGRADE AND KEEP the unlimited data feature (No known end date on this as of this moment)"
That says to me that you CAN upgrade and keep unlimited, but that at some point in the future they could change this....
What about those of us who are not heavy data users who have the $15.00 per month 150 mb plan now? I usually am connected to wifi somewhere, so I have not even used 75 mb in a month yet. Will my wife and I be forced to pony up $30 more a month between us for the 2 gb plan? I do not see it addressed anywhere. Do we grandfather in too?
This is just for Android phones? Why wouldn't it apply to other smartphones too like BB or iPhone? Also 75MB for $10 is a small threshold, I like the ATT 200MB for $15 as a more practical plan.
I think Verizon's new pricing plan blows, Sprint and ATT have more practical data plans, IMHO...
This does blow. I'm glad my wife and I are going to be grandfathered with our unlimited plans. I really do wonder what Verizon and the FCC are looking to accomplish or change with these plans. Yeah they look to profit in a great way, but some people down the line will be at a loss, especially with how much they're gonna charge for the overage.
The question is: Are BB and Android $29.99 smartphone data plans interchangeable?
I spoke to a cs rep on the phone this morning and she said the plans are not interchangeable. You can keep your BlackBerry plan with unlimited data but if at any time you switch from a BlackBerry data plan to a smartphone data plan (despite both being $30 they are technically different plans) or vice versa you have changer your data plan and you will be tiered. I will check this again when plans are oficially announced as you can never trust one rep. However, if this cs rep is correct then if you want to keep unlimited data you will have to decide prior to 7/7 if you want to stick with a BlackBerry or go with another device. You cannot change or bounce back and forth and keep unlimited data.
No. I manage our company Verizon account online and every time I have changed a user from a BlackBerry to an iPhone or Android it always throws an error that the current data plan is not compatible. BlackBerry phones use a plan called Email and Web for BlackBerry, whereas the other two use Email and Web for Smartphone.
I'm currently using a BlackBerry Tour with unlimited data and thinking very hard about staying with BlackBerry but hoping the Bold 9930 doesn't disappoint me. I'm tempted by unlimited 4G but none of the current ones seem be what I would be happy with.
Wow this really blows. One piece not mentioned above is if you get a business discount, %20, it no longer applies to the 29.99 data package, only the $50 and up one.
I'm happy I switched back to BB, my data usage with a Droid was way way higher than compared to me BB, but realistically this just sucks period.
I was under the impression current smartphone users with company discounts were grandfathered in but after 7/7 discounts only were available to the $50+ new data add-on plans.