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Verizon’s New Tiered Data Plans Get Fully Detailed

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It’s taken a couple of days but all of the pieces are in place for Verizon’s new tiered data plans and we wanted to run down all of the intel that’s been gathered in one, quick and painless post. Before we get into it though, there is something that you should know. None of this has been confirmed yet. Verizon has yet to make anything regarding this official other than to say that changes will be coming in July.

What that means is that things you see here are subject to change before July 7th, the date that looks like it will be the day that unlimited data on Verizon dies for those signing up for new contracts. So keep that in mind.

Verizon Tiered Data Plans

Verizon Data Plans

Nothing has changed since the new data plans first leaked out. The chart you see above comes courtesy of Android Central and its an official Verizon training document that makes everything extremely clear. Here are the tiers that we have coming our way in July:

  • 2GB for $30
  • 5GB for $50
  • 10GB for $80

For every additional GB that you go over, you’ll be charged $10. As we learned before, these plans apply to both 3G and 4G devices. So if you own a Droid Charge and your friend has a Droid X2 and you guys both have a 2GB data plan, you’ll be paying the same amount.

Verizon Tiered Data Plans with Mobile Hotspot

Verizon Mobile Hotspot

Again, as we’ve known, tiered data plans will cost extra when paired with mobile hotspot. For $20 per month, you get an additional 2GB of data each month. So if you want to tether, it’s going to cost you.

The Juicy Stuff

Customer Impact

Now, this is probably the stuff that you wanted to see get confirmed. For now, tiered data is not going to apply to current customers signing new contracts or upgrading:

  • Existing customers can keep their current pricing when renewing and upgrading
  • New lines require new pricing
  • Data packages/plans cannot be back data prior to 7/7/11, except for the $50 and $80 Mobile Broadband plans (which are in place today)

So what this means is that if you have a $29.99 unlimited plan right now, you can keep it after July 7th rolls around. You will also be able to keep it if you upgrade, although, it’s unclear if there is a price jump. It’s also unknown how long this policy will last for. If you join Verizon between now and the 7th, the unlimited plan is available to you.

If you are thinking about adding a line, once July 7th comes, Verizon will not grant you the $29.99 unlimited option.

Verizon Indirect Dealer Memo

In case any of that has gone over your head, here is a complete summary of everything:

As of this morning we have been given the green light to start training on the data changes Verizon Wireless is making effective 7/7/11.

$29.99 unlimited data will be discontinued effective 7/7/11

EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That have our $29.99 unlimited data plan WILL BE GRANDFATHERED IN, they will keep their unlimited plan after 7/7/11

EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That current have the unlimited data WILL BE ABLE TO UPGRADE AND KEEP the unlimited data feature (No known end date on this as of this moment)

EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That add lines post 7/7/2011, will NOT be able to choose the $29.99 unlimited data feature

NEW CUSTOMERS- Any customer that sets up service from now, until 7/7/2011 WILL BE ON, AND WILL BE GRANDFATHERED into our $29.99 unlimited data package

NEW CUSTOMERS- Any new customer that set up service AFTER 7/7/2011, WILL NOT be able to choose the $29.99 unlimited plan

BUSINESS DISCOUNTS- Currently our business discounts apply to the $29.99 data plan on the primary line only. Most discounts are 20% despite whatever monthly access discount they have

BUSINESS DISCOUNTS- After 7/7/2011 data discounts will only apply to the $50 and higher data packages on the primary line.

Discount break down ex. of customers with a 20% feature discount on their primary line. ($50-20%=$40/month for 5GB and includes the business e-mail feature)

— ($20/GB vs. $40/GB+ Business e-mail )

New data pricing for smart phones is as follows:

$30 for 2GB with $10/GB overage

$50 for 5GB (this also includes business e-mail at no additional charge) with $10/GB overage

$80 for 10GB (this also includes business e-mail at no additional charge) with $10/GB overage

So all changes effective July 7th, 2011.

Existing customer KEEP their $29.99 unlimited data plan

If an existing customer upgrades from a feature phone to a smart phone after 7/7/11, they will NOT be able to add on the unlimited data package. They must choose from the new data plans.

Anyone who sets up new service with unlimited data, upgrades from a feature phone to a smart phone with unlimited data, or customer currently on the $29.99 before July, 7, 2011 will be grandfathered in.

These changes also apply to employee plans as well (personal accounts w/work discounts applied)

SO, This is a huge time for us to set our customers up with the right package for them! We only have 14 DAYS remaining for unlimited data, and until the new data pricing takes effect. (14 days to setup new customers w/unlimited data, and customers upgrading from a feature phone to a smart phone)

PLEASE, PLEASE make sure we take advantage of this heads up and get our heavy data users set up on these unlimited plans before they change.

Please call, text or e-mail me any questions or concerns you might have.

Hopefully that makes it a little more bearable for those of you who have been confused about what’s going on (I’ve received a ton of emails). I also want to tell you guys to be careful. It’s a Verizon reps job to upsell you so please be careful those of you who are going to be signing new contracts after the 7th rolls around.

Make sure you look at your previous billing statements to see how much data you chew up. You’d be surprised how little some of the numbers might be. I use my phone a lot and I have a hard time even getting to 1GB in a month.

39 Comments

39 Comments

  1. Josh J

    06/23/2011 at 12:52 am

    verizon may have some problems if they charge extra for tethering on a fixed data amount. unethical behavior deserves a smack down.
    does anyone know if i will be able to add tethering to the older data plan or would i be forced to a tiered plan?
    this info does not mention tethering with older plan, just that you cannot add old plan to new costomer or line.

    • Adam Mills

      06/23/2011 at 1:39 am

      I don’t think Verizon will force you into a tiered plan just to get tethering. That would be insane. It’s just going to be extra on top of your old plan.

      • Jim in SF

        06/25/2011 at 1:33 am

        I believe that’s *exactly* what they’re doing.

        • Logic

          06/27/2011 at 3:11 am

          actually I believe if you have looked at current pricing the tethering is the exact same price for $20 2GB.

          So you arent forced to tiered for tethering. It has always been there.
           

  2. scott braunworth

    06/23/2011 at 1:47 am

    Im on unlimited so its good to hear ill be able to keep it when I upgrade.  But yea Check your data usage. I had no clue how much I use a month until this data change came about. I just checked my account, and  Ive averaged only just over 200 MB a month, so im not even coming close to a GB. But im also usually connected to WiFi wherever I am 

    • Andrea Elaine Labanon

      07/23/2011 at 5:46 pm

      sad to say that i upgraded my phone this week from the Samsung Rouge to the Droid 3, mentioning that I want to keep my current unlimited data plan & they automatically switched it to the LAME $30 option. I’ve been waiting for the switch back and hounding them as well. be aware they are just trying to screw you, the unlimited obviously allows you to connect with the peace of mind that you won’t end up with a $500 bill at the end of the month

      needless to say i am not happy with the service i received while upgrade, verizon needs to get it together.

      • Andrea Elaine Labanon

        10/09/2011 at 4:00 pm

        it took them about two billing periods to correct my data plan, it’s back to unlimited

  3. Mitchell Gray

    06/23/2011 at 3:24 am

    These companies are going to have to figure out a way to boost their bandwidth capabilities. People are going to get tired of these limited plans. I for one am sick of pay for minutes. Why? Why can’t we just have unlimited everything? Remember way back in the day (the early ’90’s) ISP’s charged people by the minute? That didn’t last long because people wanted to use the internet more and more. They had to upgrade their hardware to handle the traffic. Cell phone companies are going to have to get use to the idea that they are now ISP’s and their customers don’t want limited plans. They don’t want to pay by the minute. We want unlimited everything and they are going to have to figure out a way to do that.

    • Cinnabun187

      07/05/2011 at 3:47 pm

      You have unlimited everything Boost, Virgin, Metro cellular services. LOL

      • Pbirgtrack17

        07/06/2011 at 8:35 pm

        Yeah except all those prepaid companies don’t get roaming agreements and coverage area is limited to whatever the parent company can cover. Plus when 4G becomes a reality everywhere soon, you won’t get that on prepaid either

  4. Chris12052 Cs

    06/23/2011 at 3:49 pm

    You can bet your ass if my current plan doesn’t grandfather in this new one i’ll no longer be a Verizon customer the internet and tethering g is the only reason I even have a smart phone I could survive with boost mobile or a straight talk phone ………..VERIZON YOUR MAKING A BIG MISTAKE

  5. Noway

    06/24/2011 at 2:37 am

    I will be lookig into Boost or Straight talk as well.  Screw VZ before they screw me. 

  6. Beasthunt

    06/24/2011 at 12:20 pm

    Absurd. Whelp verizon priced me out of hoping onto the LTE train. Tethering is the only reason to have such technology, IMHO. Thank you big red, you just saved me money!!! I’m dumping AT&T and getting straight talk myself. Been thinking about it for about a month.

    In 1 post I’ve counted 4 people who will not pay these prices. Good, goooood!

  7. Beasthunt

    06/24/2011 at 12:22 pm

    Ok, 4 people was an over estimation ;)

  8. Gilrez

    06/24/2011 at 1:37 pm

    WHAT IS GOING ON VERIZON NOT MAKING ENOUGH MONEY? You want to charge more for less data! I hate the idea that I’m not going to get unlimited, because you know sooner or later they are going to charge you! You can say “well I don’t use that much data now”. But remember with 4g speeds using a lot more data they will. For me with Verizon it’s always been a Love & Hate relationship. I love their service and network, but I absolutely hate their prices! Hopefully beening grandfathered in to unlimited data won’t change in the future!

    • Gilrez

      06/24/2011 at 1:52 pm

      And I also forgot About their phones I love their phones! they have the best phones compared to any other carrier in today’s market. With that said I’m still getting the Droid Bionic when it comes out, but this is still abuse to us verizon customers!

    • Mario

      07/05/2011 at 4:01 pm

      Faster internet speeds doesn’t mean more data. 10 mbs whither you can download it in 10 seconds or 20 seconds it’s still only 10woman mbs downloaded. Also if you do upgrade to new I can see more data usage in the first couple months of ownership due to getting a feel for your new device and then slowly decrease back to data usage you’ve been averaging before

      • JoVersify

        08/07/2011 at 10:44 pm

        And how is that fair to a user getting a new phone, and then getting slapped with overage charges within the first month because they are just “checking out the new features”?

        And you’re right… faster speeds don’t necessarily mean more data, except when you factor in streaming data.  The quality of streaming data means a HUGE jump in usage. You can expect users to take advantage of the new high-res streaming video on 4G (I know I will), which jumps from a mere 46 MB/hr (for lo-res) to…. yes, 356 MB/hr (for high-res).

        If you stream video on a new 4G phone for an hour a day, there isn’t a data package offered (except unlimited) where you won’t have severe (and I mean SEVERE) overage charges on.  You wanna catch up on TV shows on hulu?  Stream from Netflix?  Watch a football game? Forget it. Not happening, and I for one don’t understand how Verizon can purposely overlook this GLARING flaw in their new tiered data plans. 1 hour per day = about 11GB/month for streaming video ALONE. 

        And everyone says… oh, I only use about 1GB per month if that.  Well you know what, me too… but with 4G and a new phone, I’ll be able to do all kinds of things I couldn’t do on my existing 3G older phone, and based on availability, my usage patterns WILL inevitably change.

  9. Lilbogie03

    06/27/2011 at 7:24 pm

    Run down and get the unlimited plan while you still can!! :(

  10. Eagyone

    06/28/2011 at 4:33 am

    Can you say t mobile. I have three lines with Verizon and have been waiting for the bionic release. Just purchased a charge for my wife and have a x myself. My bill is already over $200 a month. Let me do some math 200-60+80+80+80=500. Yea that’s not going to happen. Will be returning the charge tomorrow and the other two are on mtm. See ya Verizon nice knowing you four the past 12 years.

  11. Eagyone

    06/28/2011 at 4:33 am

    Can you say t mobile. I have three lines with Verizon and have been waiting for the bionic release. Just purchased a charge for my wife and have a x myself. My bill is already over $200 a month. Let me do some math 200-60+80+80+80=500. Yea that’s not going to happen. Will be returning the charge tomorrow and the other two are on mtm. See ya Verizon nice knowing you four the past 12 years.

    • Mario

      07/05/2011 at 4:19 pm

      Sprint would be your best bet. Don’t forget AT&T bought out T Mobile. AT&T started tiered data plans last year. I bet you $100 that once AT&T and T Mobile get joined at the hip T Mobile unlimited data plan will cease to exist for new customers as well. 10 gig data plan for 3 lines each sounds to be too much for you. (in spite the fact I don’t know you) At the end of your billing cycle take a look at you data usages. AT&T came up with a chart for every one owns an IPhone average between 800mbs to just little over 1gig per month.

    • Pburgtrack17

      07/06/2011 at 8:41 pm

      You know mobile is gong to be part of AT&T in about a year right? And not a good coverage area

  12. Evan

    07/04/2011 at 9:45 pm

    Screw that! Verizon has been wobbly at best with me and their service for the past several years. I don’t trust for a SECOND that they won’t do everything in their power to get us out of unlimited plans and into paying MORE for LESS. I’m sorry, but no.

  13. A.G.

    07/05/2011 at 9:40 pm

    It is really a matter of supply and demand. Everyone is using their cell phones for internet driving up demand. Which means cell phone companies can increase the cost of 3g and 4g service. I hate to say this but in order to bring better more consumer friendly plans back, start using wifi again and stop using 3g or 4g. Of course this might be close to impossible for some businesses.

    Oh well at least they are grandfathering in old plan users for the moment anyways, but if 3g and 4g usage continues this will probably fall by the wayside as well.

  14. Chad

    07/05/2011 at 11:43 pm

    so glad i took my upgrade in may, got tthe droid pro w/unlimited. i use internet radio at work to the tune of 6gb for june

  15. Riverabe4candles

    07/06/2011 at 12:36 am

    When will be see the Bionic
     

    • Pmsprunger

      07/06/2011 at 2:01 am

      Not til august. No bionic release in july, contrary to popular rumor. You will know a couple weeks ahead of time before the bionic comes out. It takes 2 weeks to get all the employees trained prior to the release. Once training starts it will be published everywhere.

  16. Apostle321

    07/06/2011 at 2:16 am

    NEW CUSTOMERS- Any new customer that set up service AFTER 7/7/2011, WILL NOT be able to choose the $29.99 unlimited plan

    So if i get a phone on July 7th I’m basically hosed into the tiered plans correct?  Or am I reading the above statement correctly that after 7/7/2011 is close of business 7/7/2011 or the begnning of business on 7/7/2011?

  17. Davidstipek

    07/06/2011 at 6:16 pm

    Hmmm maybe this is why you are seeing less and phones with WIFI.  I have a Dopod 818 Pro,  why do I need 3g 4g??? I have internet, bluetooth, infared, can use upto 4gb Memory Card. Then I can just switch cards (alot cheaper then a new phone) used standard Battery for 3 years (1200 MAh, then switched for  2300+MAh) Only issue I ever had with this phone was when listening to music… Battery never lasted from Seattle to Bangkok, had to switch.  Now it will.  Then seems everyone forgot Software for it…. What a pity!  Could have saved some big Bucks for some families! 

  18. Rocky La Barbera

    07/07/2011 at 1:02 am

    Good thing I signed up for 2 years of unlimited usage just a month ago.  Anyway, I know what company I WON’T be resigning with in 2013 if they don’t offer unlimited data again.  I won’t do it, just on principal alone.

  19. Faulklouis

    07/07/2011 at 2:09 pm

    Whats the purpose of this other then increase revenue for varizon and screw the people?! I think this is insane. It’s bad enough that were getting “bent over” and screwed dry (no lube) with the minutes and txt msg. Cricket offers unlimited data txt and talk for 1 low monthly payment, while Verizon continues to find new ways to up the monthly bill, as if we ( the working class) can really afford a 200$ bill with everything else we have to take care of. But we keep buying into! They wanted to know why I waited so long to get my upgrade, because I was thinking about getting a cricket, and if in the next 2 years they have the data plan set up like this I will be going to cricket. The truth is these people pull in so much money that they could afford to give every unlimited all this mess and still rake in tones of money but as long as we keep buying the fine new ways to make us spend more money. It’s sad really how gullible we are; how easy it is to manipulate us and we just go along with it instead of fighting back…… It saddens me…. Like sheep to the slaughter!

  20. Epic win

    07/07/2011 at 2:40 pm

    I say we as a whole change r carrier to 1 of these companys that offer unlimited everything and help them out in the market so they can develop better services. Then we can get all we want at a much better price. Verizon will have to change if they start to loose all there junkies. It will force them to bring a better supply. That’s the only real answer to what varizon is doing. It’s the same with this country, the big wigs tell us “jump” we say “how high”…. the only way to get what u want is to manipulate these manufactures.

  21. Bishopsvt

    08/04/2011 at 2:14 pm

    I dont see alot of people running out to get new contracts with verizon. Everyone I know is going to sprints unlimited everything. I have an old media phone with unlimited data for 15 a month. Berivon will not honor this rate for an upgrade to a smart phone and stated I had to go to the tierd program. So I have to pay twice as much to get alot less in return. ByeBye verizon HELLO Sprint.

  22. R Missel

    08/17/2011 at 6:05 pm

    In advance of this shakeup, I added the $29.99 unlimited data package to my basic phone plan. I’m planning to get a smartphone when my plan renews at the end of August. However, when another friend tried to do this as an existing customer, she was told tough shit and forced into the tiered plan. Has anyone else heard of this?

  23. Iluvelvisforever

    08/24/2011 at 11:20 pm

    I don’t like this, and am really confused. Verizon reps. Have lied to me, and I have been with them many years. Ee

  24. anb2011chs

    11/03/2011 at 12:53 pm

    Seriously? They changed it because 90 PERCENT of people that have verizon use less than 2GB of data. Also, they don’t require any “obnoxious fee” if you go over. The smartest thing to do is get 2GB, then if you go over, you pay 10 per extra GB. Not bad. So quit complaining. It’s not that bad. It’s not like they’re charging you a fee for going over your data plan. Honestly, are you willing to pay 80 if you use 3GB, and only HAVE to pay 40? Keep thinking about this before you bash it, and end up paying 80 dollars a month at some other company. (For those who actually do use > 10GB, you should invest in a WIFI plan at your house) 

    • Wendy

      06/13/2012 at 5:56 pm

      All I have to say is Straight talk.$45 a month unlimited everything.

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