Basking Ridge, N.J. – Verizon Wireless has expanded the
number of 3G multimedia phones requiring a minimum monthly data plan to all eight
of its current models, up from two.
The eight phones, none of which is a smartphone, require a
minimum $9.99 monthly plan for 25 megabytes. Previously, multimedia phone users
could select the $9.99/month plan or a 75-megabyte $19.99 /month plan as
options, or they could pay for data without a data plan at a rate of $1.99 per
megabyte. With the changes, Verizon has eliminated the $19.99/month option.
In Verizon’s estimation, “The new plans match the usage of
today’s customers,” a spokesperson told TWICE. Most multimedia phone users had
a data plan anyway, and the requirement will help subscribers “understand what
to expect” from their monthly bills, she said. “Those purchasing the multimedia
phones use more data and want the convenience of a plan — no surprises — and
the comfort of using your phone for an optimum experience.”
The minimum $9.99 data requirement was introduced first last
year with the LG enV Touch and the Samsung Rogue. When newly activated, the
following phones will also come under the requirement: LG Chocolate Touch, LG
enV3, LG VX8360, Motorola Entice W766, Nokia 7705 Twist and Samsung Alias 2. Verizon
expects to launch more 3G Multimedia phones in 2010.
A mandatory $29.99/month unlimited-data plan remains
unchanged for consumer users of 3G smartphones based on the Android, Windows
Mobile, and BlackBerry operating systems. Consumers using Web-enabled feature
phones can continue to pay $1.99 per megabyte or opt for either the $9.99/month
plan or the $29.99/month unlimited plan. The data plans deliver access to
Mobile E-mail, games and the Internet.
In another pricing announcement, Verizon on Jan. 18 will
drop the price of unlimited voice plans to $69.99 a month from $99.99.
Unlimited voice/messaging plans were cut to $89.99/month, including unlimited text,
picture and video messages to anyone in the country for $89.99 monthly
access.
The carrier also reduced the price of unlimited Nationwide
Family SharePlans.
