• Verizon Releases Statement Regarding its Stance on Unlimited Data Plans

    by
    Akshay Masand
    Published on 2012-05-18 10:40 AM
    24 Comments Comments


    Verizon recently issued a statement clarifying its position on grandfathered unlimited data plans. The wireless carrier reiterated that the all-you-can-eat option will only terminate when customers upgrade to a new subsidized smartphone.

    The statement was sent via email to the New York Times to help quell the reports which were claiming that current unlimited data subscribers would be forced into moving to capped shared data plans expected to launch this summer. It has been clarified that customers with unlimited data plans will continue to be grandfathered into the new pricing model that allows multiple users to share data on a single contract. Once the new plans debut, subscribers who choose to take advantage of subsidized phone pricing when upgrading will no longer have the option to continue the unlimited data service. For those of you who are interested, you can find the emailed statement below:

    – Customers will not be automatically moved to new shared data plans. If a 3G or 4G smartphone customer is on an unlimited plan now and they do not want to change their plan, they will not have to do so.
    – When we introduce our new shared data plans, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to customers when purchasing handsets at discounted pricing.
    – Customers who purchase phones at full retail price and are on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan.
    – The same pricing and policies will be applied to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.
    Unlike what many reports around the web are stating (including our previous report), it will likely take several years to phase out unlimited data plans, although Verizon is strongly pushing their customers away from that model. Verizon Wireless’ CFO, Fran Shammo, was the one who caused all the confusion by saying “when [customers] migrate off 3G, they will have to go to data share.” Although this is true in some cases, the company’s policy clearly allows for the continuation of unlimited data access if customers pay full price for new handsets.

    Source: New York Times
    This article was originally published in forum thread: Verizon Releases Statement Regarding its Stance on Unlimited Data Plans started by Akshay Masand View original post
    1. Categories:
    2. iPhone,
    3. Apple
    Comments 24 Comments
    1. bigboyz's Avatar
      bigboyz - 2012-05-18, 12:33 PM
      So in order to keep your "grandfathered" data plan, you have to pay $600+ for you iPhone? WOW!! If you choose to upgrade and get the discounted price of $200+ you get to keep your "grandfathered" data plan? Interesting..very!
    1. mustard05's Avatar
      mustard05 - 2012-05-18, 01:56 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by bigboyz View Post
      So in order to keep your "grandfathered" data plan, you have to pay $600+ for you iPhone? WOW!! If you choose to upgrade and get the discounted price of $200+ you get to keep your "grandfathered" data plan? Interesting..very!
      I think I understand what you are saying.
    1. steve-z17's Avatar
      steve-z17 - 2012-05-18, 01:58 PM
      It sounds like you have to pay full price for a new smartphone if you want to keep your "unlimited" data plan....that's lame.
    1. idkanymore's Avatar
      idkanymore - 2012-05-18, 02:02 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by bigboyz View Post
      So in order to keep your "grandfathered" data plan, you have to pay $600+ for you iPhone? WOW!! If you choose to upgrade and get the discounted price of $200+ you dont get to keep your "grandfathered" data plan? Interesting..very!
      Fixed
    1. Dizzy714's Avatar
      Dizzy714 - 2012-05-18, 02:19 PM
      This is going to lead to more used market purchases by the unlimited users, that's an L on Verizon.
    1. fatalcrixer's Avatar
      fatalcrixer - 2012-05-18, 03:28 PM
      I will be one of those paying full price for a phone
    1. cmwade77's Avatar
      cmwade77 - 2012-05-18, 05:12 PM
      If you are going to pay full price for the phone, just buy an unlocked phone and go with one of the many discount carriers that use the same networks as the big guys, but offer truly unlimited everything (including Data) for around $40 per month.
    1. bigliquid530's Avatar
      bigliquid530 - 2012-05-18, 06:59 PM
      It is Bull if you have an upgrade available you should be able to upgrade at the discounted price you have earned since you full filled your contract obligation

      These company's are just getting more and more greedy if gas prices weren't enough now you have to deal with lame sht like this
    1. The6uest's Avatar
      The6uest - 2012-05-18, 07:45 PM
      I hope AT&T doesn't do the same thing but I wouldn't be surprised if they do.. They really want to get rid of all the 'unlimited' data accounts with their tethering and throttling messages they send us. I'm getting throttled at 3GB now which is BS.
    1. GenesisDH's Avatar
      GenesisDH - 2012-05-18, 07:54 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by cmwade77 View Post
      If you are going to pay full price for the phone, just buy an unlocked phone and go with one of the many discount carriers that use the same networks as the big guys, but offer truly unlimited everything (including Data) for around $40 per month.
      Here's the thing: you won't get LTE or (in the case of CDMA) data access if you do this. Carriers are restricting LTE access to postpay only and CDMA iPhones don't do data on unofficial carriers without paying $$$$ to do so.

      Regional carriers might be a good way to go if you're wanting an iPhone (if you have one nearby that offers it).
    1. buttamix's Avatar
      buttamix - 2012-05-18, 08:37 PM
      In general they are trying to get rid of unlimited data. There is no way around that
    1. sziklassy's Avatar
      sziklassy - 2012-05-18, 10:08 PM
      I am sure they plan on phasing the unlimited plan out completely. For those who do not upgrade, they will likely be allowed to keep unlimited until their contract has expired. Once that time has come I am betting unlimited will no longer be an option even if they plan to buy their handsets outright indefinitely.
    1. Sage I's Avatar
      Sage I - 2012-05-18, 10:18 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by fatalcrixer View Post
      I will be one of those paying full price for a phone
      Prolly gon do da same... I think it's worth it to hold on to our unlimited data as long as we can... Eventually it will be against the "law" for any carrier to offer unlimited data... We gonna be paying crazy prices for our data usage at home and out and about... Everything Changes... But it seems that the rich are gonna get richer yet again... Bastards...
    1. docmagoo2's Avatar
      docmagoo2 - 2012-05-18, 11:57 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by Sage I View Post
      Prolly gon do da same... I think it's worth it to hold on to our unlimited data as long as we can... Eventually it will be against the "law" for any carrier to offer unlimited data... We gonna be paying crazy prices for our data usage at home and out and about... Everything Changes... But it seems that the rich are gonna get richer yet again... Bastards...
      Why would it be against the "law"? And surely as smart phones become more advanced data should become cheaper rather than the SP removing unlimited plans. I have unlimited (fair use) on O2 uk which I note they're not offering anymore. I also buy my phones Straight out as with a subsidised iPhone you're ripped off should you care to calculate the £ over 24 Months
    1. iBwizzle's Avatar
      iBwizzle - 2012-05-19, 12:59 AM
      If you have unlimited LTE I don't see a problem... Stop being cheap and buy the phone at retail price! Smartphones aren't a necessity.
    1. bigliquid530's Avatar
      bigliquid530 - 2012-05-19, 02:14 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by iBwizzle View Post
      If you have unlimited LTE I don't see a problem... Stop being cheap and buy the phone at retail price! Smartphones aren't a necessity.
      I'd have to disagree to me my smartphone is a necessity
    1. NSXrebel's Avatar
      NSXrebel - 2012-05-19, 05:43 AM
      Quote Originally Posted by bigliquid530 View Post
      I'd have to disagree to me my smartphone is a necessity
      Guess the whole idea of subsidies flies over your head.
    1. Roadw3's Avatar
      Roadw3 - 2012-05-19, 08:26 AM
      Have no doubt AT&T will move to this policy, if it has the slightest chance of making money it is a done deal. They can bring back unlimited just charge like 400 a month for it.
    1. Sage I's Avatar
      Sage I - 2012-05-19, 12:30 PM
      Quote Originally Posted by docmagoo2 View Post
      Why would it be against the "law"
      The crazy surge in data usage that goes on with every new Data consuming device might overload the existing infrastructure ... And the powers that be will be pass regulations concerning caps on data transmission from cellular providers... Maybe it wont be against the law on the books... But for the corporate cellular cats it will be against the "law " in their minds... They are gonna milk us on the data charges and we will all pay it like we pay 10-12 dollars for cigs and 5 bucks for a gallon of gas... I would rather have unlimited data on 3G than pay hella money to be on 4G when it's available here...
    1. petrusk's Avatar
      petrusk - 2012-05-19, 03:27 PM
      Wow bastards.. It maybe time to retire my unlimited plan once the new phoney comes out :0
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