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More information about Verizon's new Enhanced Multimedia Phone Data Plans

More information about Verizon's new Enhanced Multimedia Phone Data Plans

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Published on: 31 August, 2009 by PhoneArena Team

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This article contains unofficial information. More information about Verizon's new Enhanced Multimedia Phone Data Plans

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Last week we brought you exclusive information regarding Verizon's initiative to require data plans for the upcoming Samsung Rogue U960. Today BGR has confirmed this with some new leaked documents showing more details about the data plans. First off, the only (new) phone that will require this currently will be the Samsung Rogue, as all other phones (enV Touch, Dare, Versa, etc.) will be grandfathered in. Verizon's new classification category will be called "Enhanced Multimedia Phone" and will be a dumb-phone (not a smartphone) that has an HTML Browser, EVDO Rev A, QWERTY keyboard (either physical or on-screen), and launches after September 8th. Since the Rogue meets these 4 requirements, here are your options. You can activate the device on either a Nationwide Basic or Select Plan, but are required to also purchase a 25MB data plan for $9.99/month or a 75MB data plan for $19.99/month. If you go over the amount of data included in those, you then pay 50 cents/MB (over 25MB) or 30 cents/MB (over 75MB). Verizon also has created a page that shows what the prices will be for Nationwide Select Plan customers, and how that "for one penny more" they can get a Nationwide Connect or Premium Plan, both of witch have unlimited data usage. Because of these new changes, the $15 VCast VPack will no longer be offered (only grandfathered in) and will be replaced with a $10 VCast Video On Demand package. The only difference here is that the VCast Video On Demand will not include unlimited MB data, like the VPack did. One thing to keep in mind, when the LG Chocolate Touch VX8575 is released later this year, chances are it will also be in the same data category as the Rogue.

source: BGR

So how do you feel about all this? Are you still planing on buying the Rogue and Chocolate Touch, or are the data requirements making you walk away? Let us know in the comment section below.

More information about Verizon's new Enhanced Multimedia Phone Data PlansMore information about Verizon's new Enhanced Multimedia Phone Data PlansMore information about Verizon's new Enhanced Multimedia Phone Data Plans


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1.
I think its great. I have the dare and I removed the vpack because I was paying for the vcast also which I don't use. Will I add the data back on when this comes out? Probably not. If Verizon lowers the cost of the Blackberry data plan, I'd be much more apt to reactivate my blackberry instead.
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+1
2.
This does not make me happy one bit. I know plenty of people that have "feature rich phones" that don't have data or Vcast pack because they don't need it but still like having a "cool" phone. I say shame on a company that requires such stupid things. This is essentially forcing people to get select plans. I was thinking of ditching my BB at the end of my contract, but I might as well keep some kind of smartphone cuz it will only cost me another $10 now, instead of going back to a feature phone in which I'll have to fork out more money to have ne way...and I'd rather have the full capabilities with my BB than pay almost as much for less capabilities with a feature phone.
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6.
Your correct... though I would think that must be the plan. Your teen wants a nice camera phone? well that will be another 20 bucks. You see we don’t want to force you to pay 1.99 for mistaken usage or allow you to block these features. They rather charge us all. It is completely irresponsible for these companies to charge people like this. They are bullying us all. Why is it they can raise prices and all the companies have these outrageous services and force you to pay. It makes me sick. The ass holes in those board meeting are just trying to rape your money out of your pockets. But then again maybe we need to speak out against these companies for once.
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14.
We don't say you have to have the data....... You can get phones that don't require it...... Nobody is bullying anybody. If you want "this phone" then pay for it. Otherwise, choose some other phone.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #6 ( Show )
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15.
The point of peoples' frustration is that there shouldn't be the restriction on your choice of phone. I'm all for the unlimited data plan for a PDA/Blackberry, that makes sense. Have you ever tried to use the internet on one of these phones? I have the EnV Touch, and the only time I ever use data is to check weather, or do a 411 type search and look for a restaurant online. The internet on these phones does not warrant a mandatory data plan, and at this point, VZW has tipped the scales in greediness. I'm almost 100% sure that at some point, VZW will be the first company to charge for customer service calls, I just hope I work somewhere else by then. I understand that sometimes there are business decisions that need to be made that may negatively impact the consumer (Nationwide migration as my prime example), but this one is inexplicable. On top of this whole problem, then you've got crooked store reps who won't tell the customer that it's required, or will slip it in there while the customer is playing with their phone, or distracted in some other matter, and then they're pissed when they see their bill and of course, have no idea it's required. Then they're even more pissed that it can't be removed, they want to cancel with no ETF, have their entire bill refunded, etc. Okay, maybe I embellished a little, however, VZW's greed will turn into the consumers' greed, and they will make ridiculous demands. What's even more ridiculous, is VZW forces these changes on CSR's, wants them to do all of the real work, and tells us, "Well, this will make your STI bigger!" That's what they said with NW plans, but that definitely wasn't the case. Sure, Lowell McAdam's bonus will be bigger, but the lowly CSR's get the short end of the stick, of course.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #14 ( Show )
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21.
Listen, just because you buy a top of the line HDTV, does not mean you get free premium digital programming/content. And besides if these companies order phones that are meant to drive up revenue, it is their right to price it how they want to. Why should companies put out cutting edge product and pay towards its development when all people do iscomplain about pricing? Cell companies could have called it quits with the startac. If you dont want extra fees, stay with a basic phone, or sign up for what is required by the provider. They are not forcing you to purchase that equipment, but if you do, then these are the requirements.
Everyone can thank Apple for this. millions of iphones sold and everyone of them with a required $30 data plan per month and no real complaints. This is the new way. Certain phones will have certain feature/pricing requirements. Fear not, there will still be bargains out there offered by struggling companies (Sprint).
Lastly, if you want to prove your point, then cancel your service and switch companies if you are not happy. But something tells me that most users are happy just where they are.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #6 ( Show )
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23.
AGREED.....So true...that's pull !!!
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #15 ( Show )
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24.
That statement makes not one bit of sense.... I have an HDTV and i don't have an HD cable or what not. Its my monitor.....


Point is you VzW fanboy is a Dumb phone doesn't have the capabilities to warrant such BS. SHow me one Dumb phone that can give a customer a good experience browsing the net.. You can't. People tend to buy the new "Enhance Multimedia phones" because they are nice to text on and they can use them as MP3 players. So a customer that wants the Samsung rogue for music (MP3 player they load their music on from their PC via an SD card.), texting, and a camera has to have Data they don't need nor want?


The truth is this is to force people to get data plans. It has nothing to do with helping customers. Do you know what the most common feature on a VzW account is? DATA BLOCKS! People buy these phones and block data because they dont want it. They want the Keyboard for texting and they want the screen for viewing their pics. This is just a way for VzW to force Data plans on customers they know won't use the Data features....
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #21 ( Show )
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27.
Thank you for calling bullshit on the alarmingly STUPID comment from *fairisfair*. I too own an HDTV, and am perfectly happy without HD programming from a cable company. I just really wanted a bigger TV. I do have a PS3, but not all games run in HD and I'm not entirely sold on buying blu-ray movies at their current price point. Not to mention the fact that when I purchased my HDTV, the TV company was essentially done with me. Now I deal with a cable company. He's trying to compare cellphones and their service with HDTVs and cable. Last time I checked, cellphones AND cell service are provided in one location, and from one company in conjunction with each other i.e. I buy a cellphone and receive service for that cellphone from a single company like VZW. When I start buying my HDTVs from DishNetwork, then we can compare the two.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #24 ( Show )
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42.
correction , my HDTV analogy was incorrect. my bad . however, my main point still stands . VZW, AT&T, etc will put out different phones in different tiers. These future phone offerings will REQUIRE certain features/plans. Get used to it because there is nothing anyone will be able to do about it. everyone threatens to leave the company , but year after year everyone stays with their current carrier.
Fact is people need to stop whining about a company's policies. While we may not like it, it is within their rights, and they are more times than not going to excercise that right. Like i said yesterday, If you do not like a policy, then leave and go to the provider that gives you what you want. but please stop whining about a company's policies.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #27 ( Show )
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47.
You are 100% on this comment, because none of our whining or complaining will do nothing. However, I can say that once I don't work at VZW and no longer get the steep discount, I will be going with another cell carrier. There's no reason for me to keep VZW, because I rarely ever use the phone, I merely text all day at work. I will probably end up with T-Mobile, because I don't need the "Most Reliable Network," I just need a cheap phone I can text with. It is their right to price phones wherever they want, however, it is customers' rights to leave and do business elsewhere. You can say that people don't change their carrier, but the churn is rising with VZW, and the top execs are beginning to be concerned about that. At this point though, it seems they've gotten very arrogant just because they're the biggest carrier, like AT&T will never catch them. You would think that a company that's trying to stay #1 wouldn't continuously push out these customer impacting policies, but once again, that is their decision.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #42 ( Show )
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53.
Dude, I take it you are a CSR..... You probably got some bad reps around you. Understand your frustration. I was once a CSR myself and am now a SRRSR. This isn't a bad thing when it is done properly. I completely agree with you that if someone is being shaddy, then it will be a lot of heartache on your part. I would call those reps out in a weekly meeting if I was you. Someone needs to know when they do things like that, they will be called out on the floor in front of everyone and have to explain thier actions. I am sorry you have run into this issue. I hope it gets better for you.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #15 ( Show )
Reply to YouLostTheGame Hide 10 replies to this comment
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3.
I can not believe that people don't understand what CONFIDENTIAL information means and don’t understand what damage they do to the company and STI when they do this and leek stuff. REALLY getting sick of this.
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4.
QQ more about. This means nothing. It is a feature phone, and the data plans have been known for weeks now. What harm is this causing the wireless industry? I assume nothing. This is actually forcing a higher plan on end users... It isn't a strategic move by vzw to lower costs in an effort to gain customers in the short run. VZW and AT&T play the prisoner's dilemma of economic game theory and have been for years. An increase in costs will actually drive supply up, but demand down, shifting the economic equilibrium point in the opposite direction than what could impose a drastic reduction in AT&T's bottom line that could force at&t to alter their marketing strategy to stay competitive.

Shut up and go play some wizarding games and keep up on Harry Potter forums if you don't know what you are talking about. This will not hurt your precious STI, if anything it will increase. Grow up and for the love of god, stop using a 12-year-old screen name on a forum to post about professional things... seriously, especially because you are an employee. Your ignorance dumbs down the rest of us.
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5.
Time to cry yourself to sleep.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #4 ( Show )
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7.
umm yeah I'm not upset with the price dork I'm upset with the jerk who leeked the info.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #4 ( Show )
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8.
CONFIDENTIAL means something to hide. If this were TRULY a "positive change", they'd be crowing about it. The key phrase in the document is "60% of new activations will require a data plan..." This is 100% about raping a few more dollars out of customers, 0% about "more choice."

It's not surprising from a company that would offer an "unlimited" data plan with a 5GB limit.

Keep leaking those documents, folks. It's the only way to know about BS like this, and make your voice heard before it goes into effect.
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13.
We never say ours is unlimited. Once we changed our plans, those words have never come out of our mouths when it comes to our Aircards. Also, phones with internet is unlimited use on the phone, just not tethering.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #8 ( Show )
+2
16.
How does leaked information about a mandatory data plan affect your STI? You may want to think for yourself in the future instead of being a puppet of VZW and repeating everything you've heard from your trainer/supervisor. If AT&T finds this document, finds out that we're actually changing things for the worse for the consumer, how would that give them a competitive advantage? Sure, if we were releasing a new phone, and that info is leaked, that would fit, but this? Apply some common thought to it, and take it for what it's worth. Besides, they're taking STI's away next year anyway. We'd hate to take money away from Big Red's bottom line. I'm not anti-VZW, but I am anti-greed. As I've said previously, sometimes changes might negatively impact customers to positively impact business, but this one blows my mind. Are any of the chief executives, VP's, area managers, etc. going to be dealing with customers cussing them out in store or over the phone? Nope, so why not throw regular employees under the bus so they can stuff their pockets... I hate corporations... But I hate hippies too... What to do, I can't go to a hippy commune and protest.... Because I hate protesters....
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #7 ( Show )
Reply to gryffindorgirl Hide 6 replies to this comment
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10.
What's to stop them from making this a requirement for the Versa, Dare, Krave or enV Touch?
+1
12.
Not considered an enhanced device. Won't be required
Reply to this comment
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44.
those are enhanced devices, but are grandfathered. this is probably done to prevent even more confusion. Sepy 8th release dates and on for equipment
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #12 ( Show )
Reply to DonLouie Hide 2 replies to this comment
+1
11.
Basicly what this means, is that if you want a "cool" phone, then pay for the actual features and use the device for what it is intended for. If you don't need the capabilities, why have the phone? It is like buying a porche. Why buy a porche that is only a 4 cylinder???? You buy it because of what it can do. Same here. If you buy a phone for style, that is just plain dumb. Stop complaining about an extra $10 to put something on a Connect Plan that allows you to do most of what the phone can do.

Also, for the Verizon Employee, do you really think this is going to hurt your STI? Really??? Whether people know now, or September 8th, it is what it is. It won't stop people from buying the phone and it won't stop people from getting service. I have over 12 renewal refferals waiting for this phone and are willing to pay the service for it. What this will do is cause people to make a choice. And for us as sales reps, this is great considering our return device quota as well. I am happy about this.
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17.
Once again, how is a mid-range dumbphone even considered a Porsche in your analogy? The Samsung Rogue is more like a... Honda Accord, and yes, they do have 4-cylinders available. As a matter of fact, I believe they make hybrids for the Accord, so what phone is that? Anyway, a QWERTY keyboard is for texting, not for emailing, or any of the other nonsense VZW tries to push on customers. I have the mobile email plan, and I use it for BASIC emailing, because it is NOT a strong enough email client to use it seriously. Same goes for the internet, it is not a very good internet service, and definitely doesn't warrant a mandatory data plan. Maybe if VZW would make programs worth having a data plan, that would be a different story. Why would I want to be forced to pay for a data plan that's nearly as much as a Blackberry data plan, for a sorry excuse for the internet? I know you love this because you'll get so much more commission for the extra data plans, but look at it from a consumer's perspective, it doesn't make sense. Your analogy for the Porsche's rings 100% true, if you were talking about Blackberries or PDA's, because they NEED data plans. But for a dumbphone? Why do you think they're called dumbphones? Because they're smart and advanced?
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19.
Have you seen the internet browser on the Rogue?????? And the analogy was to prove a point that why do you get something you aren't going to use all the features within the device
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #17 ( Show )
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25.
So you are telling me i should go with a phone that can barely render a site as well as the iPhone or Palm Pre? The browser sucks compared to Android, iPhone, and Pre devices. DUmb phones can have nice features but that doesn't mean you can use it. Your Porsche analogy makes no sense because yeah i can buy the car (I have 1960 mint condition 911 inherited from my father) but that doesn't mean i will be driving 160 down the highway.

Car analogies make no sense ever.... A car is always restricted by local traffic laws.....
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #19 ( Show )
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30.
Actually my father would be in the category of someone who buys a car for styling and not for "what it can do". He owns a 2004 911 Turbo X50 Cabrio. The car has about 7,800 miles on it, and he's NEVER had it past fourth gear. He's always been a Porsche lover in terms of styling and engineering. The power to him is just a bonus he'll NEVER use. In fact I would argue that's why MOST people buy supercars. It's not because they'll race them, it's simply because they are stylish and head-turners. Just like someone who wants to buy a nice "feature phone" but doesn't plan on using it to it's full capabilities. Not to mention the fact that when you buy a supercar, the dealership doesn't make you sign a piece of paper stating that you'll use the car to it's full capabilities. Agree with lolipopjones...car analogies make no sense in terms of this...right up there with HDTV analogies about this.
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43.
but you still had to pay the full price of the car . with phones there is the price of the equipment which also happens to be tied into monthly pricing requirements. enhanced devices(video,mp3,html web browsing) now and for the forseeable future will be tied to additional monthly fees.
Again I dont make the rules, I am just stating that the policies deployed by thes companies are thought out months , if not years, in advance of their launch. I just dont see how complaining about these issues will change anything. but if it makes you feel better....
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #30 ( Show )
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45.
Do you put in Regular, Plus or Premium in the car? Do you use synthetic, mix or traditional weight oil? Just as car companies/part makers give you options and recomended services so do cell service providers.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #30 ( Show )
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48.
I have, and just because the internet is better than other dumbphones, doesn't change the fact that it's a dumbphone, and there is no comparison at all to your average smartphone. I'm almost 100% sure that this whole data requirement for dumbphones is to encourage people to buy smartphones. "Oh, so you're not satisfied with paying $20 for the data plan on this phone that doesn't render internet pages properly? Did you know that for $10 more, you can get a much more satisfying experience with a smartphone?" VZW is becoming very obvious in their shameful self-promoting. I mean, this whole thing is essentially useless, because if you have a good employee discount, like Boeing, or even Home Depot, you get 20% off of the $29.99 data for a PDA, so that brings it down to $23.99. Why not pay the extra $3.99 to get the smartphone? It's utterly ridiculous to require data plans on dumbphones, even though we've known this has been coming since the middle of last year.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #19 ( Show )
Reply to BrokenImaege Hide 7 replies to this comment
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18.
Oh, and one final thing... THE PLAN ISN'T EVEN UNLIMITED! "Mr/Mrs. customer, we require this data plan because we don't want little Johnny here to have MB charges, making a bill that is outrageous." To which Mr/Mrs. customer replies, "Well, why isn't it unlimited then? Apparently, you only care 75MB's about me, above that, you can just rot."
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20.
And the TRUE UNLIMITED PLANS are the connect and premium plans!!!!!!! Most plans are unlimited texting anyways so $10 more to move to a connect plan to have unlimited will be the way to go!!!!! Anyone who would go with either 9.99 or 19.99 plan would just be dumb in the first place.
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49.
Once again, that's the point. MOST of plans are not select, a lot of them are, but the majority are not. Once again, that's yet another way to force the consumer into paying more money. "Well, why don't you purchase a select plan, and upgrade to a connect plan, and that way you get unlimited." It's simply more and more ways to gauge every customer that wants a decent phone.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #20 ( Show )
Reply to WKlingbeil Hide 2 replies to this comment
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22.
I agree this is why things shouldn't be leaked out people start running with it and most the time don't have all their facts set before they start bashing companies. First off if you read what it says it said they have the options between the 9.99 or 19.99 but you'd have to be stupid to pay 19.99 for 75mb when on the connect plan you get unlimited which is real unlimited no overage no 5g plan. 2nd it's a company they are trying to earn money just like any other company. I like what was said before about the HDTV ....if you don't want to pay don't get the phone that's the price you pay for getting the 'cool' new phones. Also I think that gryffindor chick was saying leaking of any info not just this sounds like they are fed up with people not waiting till the time it's released for people to find out. Didn't this happen with vzw unlimited plan and then that same week everyone else came out with something to compete? What's STI is that important? I have an Omani I love I have Internet in the palm of my hand....my kid wanted one, he is in high school he doesn't need that he needs to worry about grades he has a nokia don't remember the number when he's done with school we'll talk. I think if he wants this data plan though would be a good thing to make him pay. about time parents get a little more control on what our kids 'try' to get when it's not piratical in this economy.
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29.
I understood your points and could see where you were coming from right up until you mention "I like what was said before about the HDTV...if you don't want to pay don't get the phone..." I'M NOT REQUIRED TO BUY HD PROGRAMMING WHEN I PURCHASE A NEW HDTV! In fact I know of several people like me that just wanted a bigger television and their old box TVs were crapping out on them and so we have all gotten bigger TVs and NONE of us has HD programming! Comparing HDTVs and this crap from VZW is the stupidest analogy ever...right next to the previous analogy of what's happening and buying a Porsche!

I also notice the fact that it seems that the only people on here that are "happy" about this are VZW reps/employees. Go figure.
Reply to this comment
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35.
I don't work for them I work in for a doctors office....should get your facts befor you start something. I like the hdtv because cable companies control those channles and charge a lot for you to even watch tv.
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #29 ( Show )
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46.
don't forget you pay for channels just to get infomercials all night long too... my two bits
Reply to this comment This comment is posted in response to #35 ( Show )
Reply to cellaholic Hide 3 replies to this comment
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31.
Lets just look at it like this...in 2 years, you're essentially going to be required to put data onto most every phone worth purchasing. Do you think that the carriers arent going to find new ways to increase revenue? They realize that the text messaging boat has almost hit port, now they need another new ship.

Carriers like t-mobile cant do this, because they dont have the network to back it up. AT&T will eventually do it because they're smart and big red and them copy everything the other does. Lastly sprint....do we even have to go there?

The rogue is an ok phone, its aimed at kids...its aimed at getting 15 year olds to whine to their parents to pay more money to get them what they really want. Trust me on this one, you'll see ALL of the current phones that fit the profile (env3, env touch, etc) replaced with a quickness to take advantage of this new pricing.

Also this was all supposed to start back in February, they were just getting their ducks in a row...
Reply to this comment
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32.
I think this phone is definitely marketed/made for me. I'm a college student (whose broke) who wants a nice and slick looking phone that isn't a smartphone, because I cant afford it.

I do think that it is wrong/sleazy for Verizon to make data plans MANDATORY with this phone.

I have been waiting for months for this phone and most likely will get it.


I'm on a family plan and my sister got the envtouch and they gave her the option to have unlimited internet for $10 a month if the primary phone/ user (my dad) got it too.

For me I don't think 10 extra bucks is a lot. I wish I didn't have to pay for it but I willing to do so because I really want that phone.

How much is 25MB over the course of a month? If i check my email everyday what does that equal? I wont be a heavy internet user. It's not like I will be going on youtube all the time. Maybe just for maps, to check my email, facebook, real basic stuff.
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33.
Newbie here, but could you, in theory, buy an unlocked phone to circumvent all these effects?
Not sure how much money you may lose or save by doing so however.
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36.
welcome to the crazy life of phone arena! :-)
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