Verizon to require $30 data plans for new smartphones
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Verizon has long required a plan for rebate eligibility, and other carriers do this as well, but now all customers will be forced to cough up a significant chunk of change for the pleasure of using a neutered device. Like AT&T, Verizon's $30 plan gives the user unlimited web and email but nothing more. T-Mobile offers more competitive rates, but their 3G coverage doesn't warrant higher prices. Sprint handily leads the industry in data offerings: not only do they have arguably the most mature 3G network, but for the same $29.99 the user gets not only unlimited web and email but also messaging, GPS, TV and more.
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Oh, and one more thing. It looks like select Mobile Web 2.0 devices will start carrying a data plan requirement next years as well. Apparently they're planning on fixing their Nationwide Plan billing issues by requiring customers to fork out more money instead of addressing their system problems. For VZW subscribers it looks like Hamilton and Jackson are the new nickel and dime.
source: Howard Forums via BGR
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202 Comments
114. anonimo (unregistered) posted on 03 Nov 2008, 07:31 0 0
OLDER PHONES RELEASED PRIOR TO 11.14.2008 WILL STILL BE ABLE TO BE USED W/O THE DATA PLAN... This makes it so obvious that the storm is coming out on the 15th... as rumors claimd.
127. (unregistered) posted on 03 Nov 2008, 09:58 0 0
Not so. The popularity of the iphone raised all other carriers' awareness to data take rates(in this case forced). VZW in the past 2 yrs has already required data on Blackberry's. All they are doing now is clarifying. STORM may well still release on the 15th, but this data rate requirement is long overdue. If you want to play, you will have to pay.
136. (unregistered) posted on 03 Nov 2008, 11:09 0 0
I just think this is hilarious because all the iPhone haters were complaining OH YOU HAVE TO HAVE A DATA PLAN!!! Now you all can follow the same rules to get your "precious" strom, LAME
141. Anomalies posted on 03 Nov 2008, 12:19 0 0
Are you retarded? Re-read what the person you replied to has already said " VZW in the past 2 yrs has already required data on Blackberry's". People would have had to have a data plan to get the Storm already, this is for other PDA phone. Great job pointing out nothing!
186. kaylorra (unregistered) posted on 11 Nov 2008, 20:50 0 0
When inquiring about the Storm or Curve, I was told it was RIM who required the data plan on Blackberries. Then again, every customer service representative at Verizon is an idiot, pretty much. Everyone tells me a different story. This sucks though, because I was interested in the new Samsung smartphone that I heard is coming out this week. Hmph. And I'm a college student so I can't afford the extra expenses, hah.
2. (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 10:40 0 0
not suprised...the two sisters (at&t and verizon) always follow each other
3. (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 10:51 0 0
s*** man i wanted to get the storm, i prob wont now lol
6. (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 11:01 0 0
You had to get a data plan on the Storm anyways. All Blackberrys require a data plan.
22. Douchebagerslayer (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 12:55 0 0
Hey dude there's no reason to be a douchebag, try insulting people in real life.
23. vzw fanboy (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 13:10 0 0
why would paying a few extra dollars prevent you from getting a phone that looks really cool?
34. (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 14:10 0 0
ur r really that stupid? all blackberrys have required it from before, get out of here you nobody cause you dont know s***
67. so real (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 18:23 0 0
You'd b surprised. Imma vzw call center rep and I get @ least 5 calls a day from cheap skates who don't want data on their pda........I cringe at the backlash from this
69. (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 18:39 0 0
Hey 3 what goes on in your mind to honestly think about walking away from the Storm now that it rquires a data paln. Were you just going to buy it to show it off to your friends. All of you people who think this is wrong need to grow up and realize now all phones are for everyone. ALL PDA'S SHOULD REQUIRE PDA PLAN. If you want a calender, a regular phone has just as good of one. The only thing that I see is wrong would be to force regular phones to require data plans. NOW, ALL OF YOU CUSTOMERS AND VZ EMPLOYEES WHO CRIED ABOUT ATT AND THE $30 DATA PLAN FOR THE I PHONE I know have to laugh. I so wanted to cut and paste all of those entries because I knew this day was coming. Yes I work for ATT and for the most part we have been doing this for as long as I can remember. I do not think it is wrong for both companies to require this data plan for all smart phones. Thats what they were made for.
70. (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 18:52 0 0
You know what tough!!! If these customers want that specific phone then they need to realize there comes a price they have to pay. Not all phones are for everyone. The I Phone, BB Storm, as well as other PDA's shouldn't be purchased just to look cool in your pocket or at the next party that you attend. Let me re phrase this, you can buy them for that reason but don't bitch at the fees that come with them. I'm sorry if this sounds harsh but if you don't like the fees dont buy that particular phone. It's simple.
94. harper (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 20:28 0 0
just fyi, there is no way of unlocking the storm. though many people think you cant. vodaphone and vzw have blocked that from happening. read around if you dont believe me
97. (unregistered) posted on 02 Nov 2008, 20:54 0 0
fcc requires that any phone offered by a US carrier can be unlocked at anytime for any reason
