Verizon killing off unlimited data plans for smartphones

It appears that Verizon will finally go through with killing off their smartphone unlimited data plans, moving to a tiered structure like rival AT&T's.

Additionally, the carrier will start "Family Data Plans," which will let families on the same plan share data for a cheaper price just like they do with voice minutes and texts.

Adds a spokesperson:

I think it's safe to assume that at some point you are going to have mega-plans (for data) and people are going to share that mega-plan based on the number of devices within their family. That's just a logical progression.

AT&T's plans are currently $15 for 200MB and $25 for 2GB.

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 19 May 2011 23:01

moondad

I signed up for a two year contract, if they break that contract I should be able to break mine and get out and go to AT&T or Sprint.....

19.5.2011 23:12 #1

moondad

I signed up for a two year contract, if they break that contract I should be break mine and go to AT&T or Sprint, right?

19.5.2011 23:15 #2

KillerBug

I totally agree...if I am not grandfathered in, I am leaving.

http://killerbug666.wordpress.com/

19.5.2011 23:16 #3

nintenut

Dammit, I knew it was too good to be true!

20.5.2011 04:02 #4

redcape

Originally posted by moondad: I signed up for a two year contract, if they break that contract I should be able to break mine and get out and go to AT&T or Sprint.....
AT&T did it first, so if you want unlimited data go with Sprint. That is the only reason I am with Sprint. Unlimited Data.

20.5.2011 07:00 #5

snardos

Quote:I think it's safe to assume that at some point you are going to have mega-priced-plans (for data) and people are going to share that mega-priced-plan based on the number of devices within their family. That's just an illogical progression.

fixed

20.5.2011 08:59 #6

PIERCED69

I don't know how you yanks put up with the overpriced phone contracts you have to deal with.

Most contracts in Europe have unlimited data plans now or are heading that way.
Seems in your country phone companies are going backwards not forwards with the new needs on bandwidth.
Sounds like they would rather cap users than invest in upgrading their networks.

20.5.2011 09:05 #7

hearme0

You all need not worry. That's the way it goes with "grandfathering". If you're on an unlimited plan now then you get to keep it UNTIL you re-sign an agreement so if you want to keep that plan, then everyone will have to buy phones outright for the FULL PURCHASE PRICE in order to stay where you're at.

Otherwise, if you get a new phone for $1, $99, or $199 and resign a 2 year agreement, you can kiss that unlimited plan goodbye.

This is precisely why I buy phones outright. Ebay, MyTouch 4G, brand new, $337.00 after PayPal 10% "Technology discount", and since I snuck in on a 4 hour offering from T-Mobile (apparently offered by mistake) for UNLIMITED EVERYTHING for $59.99, I'm planning on sticking with this until it gets even cheaper.

The way I see it, I'm paying 20 bucks a month LESS than EVERYONE, including Sprint users (4G users) and saving $440 over the course of 2 years. That's enough to buy a phone at full price.

People just need to wisen up and do the math. Too many just wanna ghetto-grab the next phone because it's cheaper but in the long run......Most pay 199.00 for new phone and sign 2 year contract for 20 bucks more a month and pay $640.00 or more (especially users that re-up every year) over the course of a contract.

20.5.2011 09:15 #8

hearme0

Originally posted by PIERCED69: I don't know how you yanks put up with the overpriced phone contracts you have to deal with.

Most contracts in Europe have unlimited data plans now or are heading that way.
Seems in your country phone companies are going backwards not forwards with the new needs on bandwidth.
Sounds like they would rather cap users than invest in upgrading their networks. Hey, I'm an American from Chicago and sadly must admit, our asses are behind the times and American business inherently screws people out of what "should be done"............so yeah..........American phone companies are either technologically regressing or at the very least........stagnant.

20.5.2011 09:18 #9

snardos

It's even worse in Canada. Most people I know only get 100-500MB per month and they are paying anywhere from $15 to $30 for that. Plans with more data are available but then you are paying a lot more. At the moment the best way I have seen to get data is to go pre-paid but that is starting to go downhill as well.

20.5.2011 09:29 #10

ChiefBrdy

I'm with T-Mobiles' unlimited plan. Of course when AT&T devours them I guess that party will be over. And how long do you think it will be before Sprint follows suit. It's evident the big 3 are in bed together anyway despite this being illegal.

Fortunately there's still smaller companies like Virgin and others that offer unlimited plans. I'll just go with one of those if and when the time comes.

Europe is indeed far ahead of the US in phone service but Europe gets it in the arse far more than Americans. Can you say VAT, much higher costs for food, fuel and housing. 40% income tax etc. In the long run, Americans save tons more money than Europeans in overall lifestyle when looking at the big picture.

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"We can do it the easy way...Or we can do it the REAL easy way."

20.5.2011 09:48 #11

SHOU5

Originally posted by moondad: I signed up for a two year contract, if they break that contract I should be able to break mine and get out and go to AT&T or Sprint.....

That's what I did. Switch to Sprint on my personal phone with unlimited data and thethering. Glad I did it with my awesome EVO phone. On my work phone I still have my new iPhone on Verizon though. I like still enjoy my EVO better than my iPhone 4. The plan makes a difference.

20.5.2011 09:51 #12

editmon

Originally posted by PIERCED69: I don't know how you yanks put up with the overpriced phone contracts you have to deal with.

Most contracts in Europe have unlimited data plans now or are heading that way.
Seems in your country phone companies are going backwards not forwards with the new needs on bandwidth.
Sounds like they would rather cap users than invest in upgrading their networks. It's called pay the investor. All corporate business models here in the U.S. work that way. Hell with customer satisfaction, customers are here to pick up the tab. Course, I don't own a "smart phone", if I did I would be an investor. ;)

20.5.2011 10:23 #13

hearme0

Originally posted by ChiefBrdy: I'm with T-Mobiles' unlimited plan. Of course when AT&T devours them I guess that party will be over. And how long do you think it will be before Sprint follows suit. It's evident the big 3 are in bed together anyway despite this being illegal.

Fortunately there's still smaller companies like Virgin and others that offer unlimited plans. I'll just go with one of those if and when the time comes.

Europe is indeed far ahead of the US in phone service but Europe gets it in the arse far more than Americans. Can you say VAT, much higher costs for food, fuel and housing. 40% income tax etc. In the long run, Americans save tons more money than Europeans in overall lifestyle when looking at the big picture.

I'm betting my bottom dollar the AT&T/T-Mobile merger DOESN'T go through. I just don't see the DOJ allowing the elimination of 20% of the "post pay" cellular providers in the U.S. Mark my words and we'll revisit this coversation in a year. NOT HAPPENIN'

20.5.2011 10:34 #14

davidb

Originally posted by hearme0: You all need not worry. That's the way it goes with "grandfathering". If you're on an unlimited plan now then you get to keep it UNTIL you re-sign an agreement so if you want to keep that plan, then everyone will have to buy phones outright for the FULL PURCHASE PRICE in order to stay where you're at. I agree. We pay higher rates to offset the "discount" that they sell phones for. I might be wrong, but it seems that many other countries charge cheaper rates but one pays full price for the phone.

If you don't change your "setup" (i.e. switch from a non smart pho to a smart pho), you should be able to keep your existing plan. My experience with Verizon is that even after your contract is up, you will stay on your current plan until you make a change that necessitates changing your plan. Hint: For some changes, one can call Vzw customer service and sometimes make a change without having to change plans. We are on a family share plan with no smartphones. Other than 1400 minutes, plan includes unlimited everything (data/text) Online, to change a line to a smartphone would require changing plans. But a call to CS revealed that I could change one line to a smartphone for $5 extra a month without having to change plans. I suspect that if I purchased my new smartphone from Vzw (at a discount), however,I would have to sign a new contract (versus going month to month grandfathered), CSR was vague on that point.

20.5.2011 11:32 #15

Lan21

So do you know when this will happen. IS it soon or later.

20.5.2011 12:09 #16

Lan21

So do you know when this will happen. IS it soon or later.

20.5.2011 12:10 #17

ebega

I'm with AT&T. Been with them forever. I originally had their unlimited data plan on a 2-line family plan. I still have both lines (I don't use the 2nd line anymore, so I pay only $10/month to disable that line) and am allowed to keep my existing plan and upgrade without changing said plan. I'm actually due for an upgrade now, trying to decide between the Atrix, Infuse, or wait for the Galaxy S2.....either way my 3GS is on it's last leg. But as long as I don't change my plan, I'm allowed to upgrade, at the discounted price and keep my existing unlimited plan. The only way that changes is if I actually change my plan, which I tried to do by changing to a single line, but then I would've lost my unlimited data.

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20.5.2011 12:12 #18

hearme0

Originally posted by ebega: I'm with AT&T. Been with them forever. I originally had their unlimited data plan on a 2-line family plan. I still have both lines (I don't use the 2nd line anymore, so I pay only $10/month to disable that line) and am allowed to keep my existing plan and upgrade without changing said plan. I'm actually due for an upgrade now, trying to decide between the Atrix, Infuse, or wait for the Galaxy S2.....either way my 3GS is on it's last leg. But as long as I don't change my plan, I'm allowed to upgrade, at the discounted price and keep my existing unlimited plan. The only way that changes is if I actually change my plan, which I tried to do by changing to a single line, but then I would've lost my unlimited data.

Umm.....you're gonna be disappointed because resigning a new contract means you HAVE TO go with a current plan. Can't "re-up" on an expired plan so keep your hopes up but you're dead wrong on this one. AT&T rep is misleading you badly.

You will absolutely not be able to keep the plan you're on now if you buy a new (discounted) phone. Sorry but it is what it is and you're up for a serious letdown.

20.5.2011 14:51 #19

xnmalletx

Originally posted by hearme0: Originally posted by ebega: I'm with AT&T. Been with them forever. I originally had their unlimited data plan on a 2-line family plan. I still have both lines (I don't use the 2nd line anymore, so I pay only $10/month to disable that line) and am allowed to keep my existing plan and upgrade without changing said plan. I'm actually due for an upgrade now, trying to decide between the Atrix, Infuse, or wait for the Galaxy S2.....either way my 3GS is on it's last leg. But as long as I don't change my plan, I'm allowed to upgrade, at the discounted price and keep my existing unlimited plan. The only way that changes is if I actually change my plan, which I tried to do by changing to a single line, but then I would've lost my unlimited data.

Umm.....you're gonna be disappointed because resigning a new contract means you HAVE TO go with a current plan. Can't "re-up" on an expired plan so keep your hopes up but you're dead wrong on this one. AT&T rep is misleading you badly.

You will absolutely not be able to keep the plan you're on now if you buy a new (discounted) phone. Sorry but it is what it is and you're up for a serious letdown. Ummm...I re-signed a new 2 year contract for an Iphone 4 back in November with at&t and stayed grandfathered unlimited data. Just saying, it IS possible.

20.5.2011 15:31 #20

ebega

Originally posted by hearme0: Originally posted by ebega: I'm with AT&T. Been with them forever. I originally had their unlimited data plan on a 2-line family plan. I still have both lines (I don't use the 2nd line anymore, so I pay only $10/month to disable that line) and am allowed to keep my existing plan and upgrade without changing said plan. I'm actually due for an upgrade now, trying to decide between the Atrix, Infuse, or wait for the Galaxy S2.....either way my 3GS is on it's last leg. But as long as I don't change my plan, I'm allowed to upgrade, at the discounted price and keep my existing unlimited plan. The only way that changes is if I actually change my plan, which I tried to do by changing to a single line, but then I would've lost my unlimited data.

Umm.....you're gonna be disappointed because resigning a new contract means you HAVE TO go with a current plan. Can't "re-up" on an expired plan so keep your hopes up but you're dead wrong on this one. AT&T rep is misleading you badly.

You will absolutely not be able to keep the plan you're on now if you buy a new (discounted) phone. Sorry but it is what it is and you're up for a serious letdown. Umm......I can even keep my current plan by upgrading online....it even says in the disclosure that the only reason I'm offered an unlimited plan is because I currently have one. Please check all facts before you mislead someone. I've have checked with several AT&T reps (from different stores) and like I said, was about to online last month and was given the option of keeping my unlimited package.

20.5.2011 15:56 #21

Lethal_B

As aforementioned, in most cases if you stay with your current deal, they won't meddle.

Forum Rules

20.5.2011 23:02 #22

Joshewah

Anyone else find it incredibly clich� when people start their rebuttal with "ummm...".

Umm... you guys sound like middle school girls.

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21.5.2011 02:27 #23

ebega

Originally posted by Joshewah: Anyone else find it incredibly clich� when people start their rebuttal with "ummm...".

Umm... you guys sound like middle school girls.

Umm.....you really don't think the "umm"s in the rebuttals were serious do you?

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21.5.2011 09:59 #24

six60six

these companies are retarded. hey, let's sell phones/tablets/computers that can watch streamed videos all day long, advertise that feature (the bait), then change all the rules when everyone wants to do it (the switch). there is no reason why this should be legal.

21.5.2011 11:22 #25

1nsan3

i know were with att. were are terminating early. (4 phones ) we will pay the termination fees and just get out. and going with sprint. Unlimited data.

eventually all the cell companys will go with unlimited data. bandwidth is getting cheaper and cheaper.

Its just the difference between a phone line for your home phone and charter for your telephone. pretty soon there wont be any normal telephone lines ..

but yes we are dropping att and going with sprint wile they still have the unimited plan. so if they ever do go with a limited plan we will atleast be grandfathered in.

piss on you att!

For Sale:

Parachute, Used Once, never opened small stain.
Best Offer!

21.5.2011 14:03 #26

ZeusAV

Originally posted by hearme0: You all need not worry. That's the way it goes with "grandfathering". If you're on an unlimited plan now then you get to keep it UNTIL you re-sign an agreement so if you want to keep that plan, then everyone will have to buy phones outright for the FULL PURCHASE PRICE in order to stay where you're at.

Otherwise, if you get a new phone for $1, $99, or $199 and resign a 2 year agreement, you can kiss that unlimited plan goodbye.

This is precisely why I buy phones outright. Ebay, MyTouch 4G, brand new, $337.00 after PayPal 10% "Technology discount", and since I snuck in on a 4 hour offering from T-Mobile (apparently offered by mistake) for UNLIMITED EVERYTHING for $59.99, I'm planning on sticking with this until it gets even cheaper.

The way I see it, I'm paying 20 bucks a month LESS than EVERYONE, including Sprint users (4G users) and saving $440 over the course of 2 years. That's enough to buy a phone at full price.

People just need to wisen up and do the math. Too many just wanna ghetto-grab the next phone because it's cheaper but in the long run......Most pay 199.00 for new phone and sign 2 year contract for 20 bucks more a month and pay $640.00 or more (especially users that re-up every year) over the course of a contract. Totally agree with you about people needing to buy their phones outright. Last time I bought a phone at the so called "discounted price" was back in 2008 when I got an iPhone 3G. Was paying nearly $100 per month for 450 mins, 400 texts, unlimited data, and poor AT&T customer service.

Now I'm on T-Mobile paying $70 per month for 1000 mins, unlimited text, and unlimited data. Whenever I decide that I want a new phone I just go on eBay or craigslist and get one for a good price and just keep this same plan. The only thing I'm worried about now is what will happen if the merger goes through.

21.5.2011 21:50 #27

blueboy09

Meh, was bound to happen anyways. It's like the kid that gets caught in the cookie jar: he can't just have one, and that kid will keep on going to that cookie jar until he gets caught red-handed. In a similar situation, this what happens when corporations get greedy and will stop at nothing until they get what they want, in this case its more money from us and charging bloated prices out of the ass and we are taking the shaft for it when we pay our monthly bill. When will they ever learn to take their hand out of where it doesn't belong? Those who are smart already know the answer to this, don't we?

Chance prepares the favored mind. Look up once in a while and you might learn something. - BLUEBOY

21.5.2011 22:53 #28

muddymike

For the price of a New Smartphone and all the baggage,I think the phone could do the math and research.My xp desktop can

21.5.2011 23:18 #29

Joshewah

Originally posted by ebega: Originally posted by Joshewah: Anyone else find it incredibly clich� when people start their rebuttal with "ummm...".

Umm... you guys sound like middle school girls.

Umm.....you really don't think the "umm"s in the rebuttals were serious do you? Umm...It was serious enough for you to edit your post. ;)

EDIT: Damn, I had to edit my post too. lol :/

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22.5.2011 22:57 #30

hearme0

Originally posted by xnmalletx: Originally posted by hearme0: Originally posted by ebega: I'm with AT&T. Been with them forever. I originally had their unlimited data plan on a 2-line family plan. I still have both lines (I don't use the 2nd line anymore, so I pay only $10/month to disable that line) and am allowed to keep my existing plan and upgrade without changing said plan. I'm actually due for an upgrade now, trying to decide between the Atrix, Infuse, or wait for the Galaxy S2.....either way my 3GS is on it's last leg. But as long as I don't change my plan, I'm allowed to upgrade, at the discounted price and keep my existing unlimited plan. The only way that changes is if I actually change my plan, which I tried to do by changing to a single line, but then I would've lost my unlimited data.

Umm.....you're gonna be disappointed because resigning a new contract means you HAVE TO go with a current plan. Can't "re-up" on an expired plan so keep your hopes up but you're dead wrong on this one. AT&T rep is misleading you badly.

You will absolutely not be able to keep the plan you're on now if you buy a new (discounted) phone. Sorry but it is what it is and you're up for a serious letdown. Ummm...I re-signed a new 2 year contract for an Iphone 4 back in November with at&t and stayed grandfathered unlimited data. Just saying, it IS possible.

Seriously.......????? That's dope!!! ATT must be maintaining some flexibility regarding that. GOOD! They should considering they have been bullsh*tting the public for GOD knows how long about their crap network being "4G" when in fact they are the farthest from 4G. That just really pisses me off they advertise that and they should pay. Good to know they're honoring a grandfathering. Quite unusual though.

23.5.2011 11:30 #31

ebega

Originally posted by Joshewah: Originally posted by ebega: Originally posted by Joshewah: Anyone else find it incredibly clich� when people start their rebuttal with "ummm...".

Umm... you guys sound like middle school girls.

Umm.....you really don't think the "umm"s in the rebuttals were serious do you? Umm...It was serious enough for you to edit your post. ;)

EDIT: Damn, I had to edit my post too. lol :/ Lol.....well played sir.....well played

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23.5.2011 12:02 #32

Ben79

US telecoms make infuriate me. Internet is going backwards, phone service is going backwards, mobile data is going backwards. GDI! Are they going to start charging for e-mail next? The wire in YOUR wall going to the box at the end of your street?

Anger rising...

23.5.2011 15:38 #33

ebega

Just a quick update...I upgraded to an Atrix 4G and kept my unlimited data/messaging for $50 a month. So those that have unlimited data with AT&T, make sure you keep it, because assoon as you give it up, you lose it forever.

Ummmm......(sorry.....couldn't resist :-p )

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5.6.2011 13:51 #34

henryhyva

Virgin Mobile, The Best Deal, Hands Down!

Here are my key points:

A. No Contract, or change the contract as you pleas by the month.

B. Plans pricing with much lover related fees, unbeatable with top quality network, US Sprint.

C. $20.00 3 / Month. If traveling extended period of time answers & delivers you massage.

D. $25.00 1 Month / 300 Minutes & Unlimited Data.

E. $30.00 1 month / 1500 Minutes, as mentioned earlier fees $1.80 - $2.00

F. $40.00 1 Month/ 1200 Minutes & unlimited data.

G. $60.00 1 Month/ Unlimited / Phone & Data.

I am using currently LG Optimus V $199 from Virgin Mobile but also available at BestBuy cheaper. It�s been a wonderful experience! It�s not I Phone or Samsung Galaxy SII, but if compared to my friend I Phone, my phone performance is fantastic & monthly $26.50 With Tax, not more than hundred by the month as my friend is paying. Cumulative savings within 24 month compared to my friend deal,or service agreement almost $2,000 a lot of money to spend on the extras like vacation or whatever it could be.

I recommend Virgin Mobile over any of these so called premium service providers. I was use to be with T-Mobile 5 years & thought I had great deal, what a bolony; 1500minutes $39.99 but with all taxes & fees my average was around $55,00 and it was just simply phone service nothing else!

Go for Virgin Mobile, you will not going to disappoint!

8.6.2011 12:01 #35

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