Verizon

Verizon to require $30 data plans for new smartphones

posted by Brian K. / Nov 02, 2008, 10:02 AM

Verizon to require $30 data plans for new smartphones

In a less than surprising move Verizon is discontinuing its 10MB and pay-as-you-go data options, as well as an outright block, for smartphone users. While in the minority, some smartphone customers choose to use them for their PDA functionality alone and forgot the web and email capabilities or stick to Wi-Fi (and we all know how receptive Big Red is to that.) If you fall into this category, and are looking to upgrade your XV6700, you better do so fast. As of November 14th all new smartphones will require a data plan of at least $29.99 in order to be activated.

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.

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

FEATURED VIDEO

Options

202 Comments

1. xxxgamer unregistered

*cries*

posted on Oct 20, 2010, 1:42 AM 0

114. anonimo unregistered

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.

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 7:31 AM 0

127. unregistered

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.

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 9:58 AM 0

136. unregistered

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

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 11:09 AM 0

141. Anomalies

Posts: 61; Member since: Jun 08, 2008

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!

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 12:19 PM 0

186. kaylorra unregistered

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.

posted on Nov 11, 2008, 8:50 PM 0

2. unregistered

not suprised...the two sisters (at&t and verizon) always follow each other

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 10:40 AM 0

3. unregistered

s*** man i wanted to get the storm, i prob wont now lol

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 10:51 AM 0

6. unregistered

You had to get a data plan on the Storm anyways. All Blackberrys require a data plan.

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 11:01 AM 0

22. Douchebagerslayer unregistered

Hey dude there's no reason to be a douchebag, try insulting people in real life.

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 12:55 PM 0

23. vzw fanboy unregistered

why would paying a few extra dollars prevent you from getting a phone that looks really cool?

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 1:10 PM 0

34. unregistered

ur r really that stupid? all blackberrys have required it from before, get out of here you nobody cause you dont know s***

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 2:10 PM 0

66. unregistered

Freaking awesome name!

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 5:52 PM 0

67. so real unregistered

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

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 6:23 PM 0

69. unregistered

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.

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 6:39 PM 0

70. unregistered

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.

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 6:52 PM 0

80. unregistered

thank god for unlocked phones!

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 7:28 PM 0

83. unregistered

what does that have to do with anything?

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 7:46 PM 0

94. harper unregistered

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

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 8:28 PM 0

97. unregistered

fcc requires that any phone offered by a US carrier can be unlocked at anytime for any reason

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 8:54 PM 0

99. unregistered

You know, something should be said about the broader perspective in that consumers in an ideal capitalistic economy, should be given the widest range of choices for the products they want to buy. Honestly, I do not see your point about why you feel the need to REQUIRE a data plan with a PDA. I happen to believe that this is quite inconsequential to me as I require a data plan for my work anyway, but truth be told, I don't think that the people who are against this requirement from VZW are unfounded. What's more ridiculous is your vehement response to such protest. You talk about growing up, well, I just gave you a lesson. I suggest you learn from it and not be so myopic.

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 9:42 PM 0

103. unregistered

98. the FCC requires no such thing. No verizon phone can be unlocked (easily).. and u sure as hell cant use a sprint phone on verizon's service even though they are the same tech and vice versa. Please, know what you are talking about, or not talk. GSM and CDMA are 2 diff techs and do not lock/unlock the same.

posted on Nov 02, 2008, 11:04 PM 0

121. unregistered

As a VWZ employee, here's the most common scenario Sept - Customer - "no, i don't want the data plan on my new cenrto, i'm just going to use the calendar to sync with outlook" Oct - Customer - "why the hell do i have data charges on my Bill???????" VZW - "because you used the internet" Customer - "bullshit, no one told me there were data charges!!! i want credits" VZW - "ok, sir, we can do that, But since you're using the internet, would you like the data plan?" Customer - "No" Niov -Customer - "why the hell are there data Chrges on my bill again? Can't you people do anything right?" as a cell phone employee, i get so sick of this scenario. the majority of people that don't add the data plan to PDA's that are (currently) optional come back to either add the package or bitch about their bill. If they had used common sense ion the first place, they would have saved themselves a trip or a phone call

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 9:28 AM 0

149. unregistered

I think he is talking about this: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2007/10/ca_sprint.html It was not the FCC though it was The California Supreme Court. Sprint settled it out of court but I think the entire thing was rediculas for the fact that no other carrier that I know of in the US will activate the phone.

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 2:46 PM 0

157. unregistered

um, metro pcs can unlock a verizon phone no problem. they can unlock it pretty easily too.

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 3:24 PM 0

160. unregistered

104 you can use a sprint phone on a verizon plan, I have a samsung instinct on one of my secondary lines, you simply have to send the ohone off for quality inspection and they will activate it for you. the majority of the features will be unavailable, but it is still a sick phone and the web browser even works on the vzw network..

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 5:43 PM 0

161. unregistered

When did VZW start the whole "Open Network" with a compatible device thing? I read where they were launching a sevice like that but did not know it was in effect. Are you still able to download the OTA firware updates like the new web browers they released a month or so ago? I'm also guessing the navigation and Live Search are part of the "majority of the features" that were unavalible. Makes me wonder if I could pull some stings with Sprint and get them to add an Omnia ESN to their database and activate that bad boy!

posted on Nov 03, 2008, 6:14 PM 0

171. unregistered

So for those of us who live on a campus with full WiFi coverage 8 months of the year, we get punished because retards complain about their phone bills. That's great. Since I won't be getting the phone I want, goodbye Verizon, I'll be leaving when my contract is up in May.