Verizon: We Have Top-Tier Data Pools, Too
Verizon Wireless offers five additional shared data pools not openly offered on the website.
Earlier this week, AT&T announced that it will launch its own shared data plans on August 23. Unlike Verizon, the company listed two plans offering more than 10 GB of data: 15 GB @ $160 + $30 for each smartphone, and 20 GB @ $200 + $30 for each smartphone. Verizon currently lists six Share Everything plans spanning 1 GB to 10 GB only.
"Need more than 10 GB of data? Add 2 GB for $10/month by logging in to My Verizon," the website reads.
Brenda Raney, a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless, recently told Computerworld that the Big Red has actually offered five additional tiers since June, only they're mainly acquired through customer service via phone, or at Verizon's brick-and-mortar storefronts. The company doesn't list these tiers online because "the majority of customers use under 2 GB a month."
These hidden tiers are actually based on the 2 GB for $10 disclaimer: 12 GB for $110 a month, 14 GB for $120 a month, 16 GB for $130 a month, 18 GB for $140 a month and 20 GB for $150 a month. Verizon's Unlimited Talk & Text with 10 GB of shared data has a base price of $100 before adding phones.
Based on those numbers, Verizon's 20 GB monthly plan is $50 less than what AT&T plans to offer for its 20 GB tier later this month. However Verizon customers wanting a subscription to one of the higher tiers will need to make an arrangement with customer service to make the allotment -- whether it's just 2 GB or the full 10 GB -- as part of a monthly plan.
Unlike AT&T, Verizon doesn't offer discounts on smartphone fees in the higher tiers: it's a standard $40 for smartphones, $30 for basic phones, $20 for USB modems and $10 for tablets across the board. On AT&T's plans, smartphone fees range for $45 to $30 each -- basic phones are a flat $30, USB modems are $20 and tablets are $10. Does it make a difference? Let's compare:
Verizon Wireless
10 GB of data ($100) + 2 Smartphones ($80) + 1 Tablet ($10) = $190 before taxes and surcharges
AT&T
10 GB of data ($120) + 2 Smartphones ($60) + 1 Tablet ($10) = $190 before taxes and surcharges.
Here's where the price difference rears its head:
Verizon Wireless
20 GB of data ($150) + 2 Smartphones ($80) + 1 Tablet ($10) = $240 before taxes and surcharges
AT&T
20 GB of data ($200) + 2 Smartphones ($60) + 1 Tablet ($10) = $270 before taxes and surcharges.
So why would anyone need this much data? As Verizon points out, users generally consume only around 2 GB per month. However downloading a full-length HD movie eats up more than 3 GB of data on a single device. Now tack on four additional devices downloading the same movie, and you have 15 GB already used up.
Of course, that's why we love Wi-Fi so much.
Unless you need better coverage than what Virgin offers. If your in a major city that offers 4G LTE and don't travel much or don't have a car breakdown in a less than populated place......
I am sure that will go the way of the Dodo eventually.
Why is data getting even more expensive!
If you have 5 phones paying for 4GB of data each, that's $200 for total of 20GB. However, under the share for 20GB, you pay $200 for the data PLUS $x for each phone. Who would sign up for such a deal???
I hear ya though I do know someone who manage to upgrade their phone and have the grandfather in unlimited data transfer over to the 4g. It's freaking insane to pay the prices they want for data. I'd rather spend the money for data on overpriced coffee at starbucks and leech off their wifi when I need it on the go, I imagine I still come out ahead despite a coffee being around $5 a drink.
the phone companies know exactly what will happen: customers will flock to the best deal once contracts are up. charging these rates is like a get rich quick scheme. you can make quite a bit of money but your long term success doesnt look so bright.
i agree with the above poster, once they kick 3g data and my unlimited plan i hold no favor for verizon. i pay enough per month for a cell phone, paying more is just rediculous.
hey im in the same position as you but ill probably end up just buying a 4g phone for full retail price so I can get 4g unlimited data too. i use 20 GB per month on my phone because my home internet is their mobile broadband which I pay $90 a month for 10 GB! its all I get can in my area lmao
In NY, if your employer is under the NYS Contracting or you know someone that is; BUY your phone through them. Granted this will not work for everyone.....current prices under NYS Contract pricing:
4G Smartphone Devices:
$0 4G Pantech Breakout
$0 4G Samsung Stratosphere
$29.99 4G LG Lucid
$49.99 4G LG Spectrum
$49.99 4G Droid 4
$49.99 4G Droid Charge
$99.99 4G Droid RAZR 16GB
$149.99 4G Droid RZAR Maxx
With NYS Contract pricing you can cancel the line without getting dinged; you pick your phone above, and then cancel once you get the phone. Then move your current unlimited plan to this device, boom still unlimited.
I just did this. Yes your limited to the above devices but who cares, my Droid 2 just became a Droid 4 and my plan and cost didn’t change ($30/month unlimited data and then whatever voice you had, my phone bill every month is $80, and that of course is with the 19% corporate discount that all of you can get through your employer or a family/friends employer)……all I had to do was pay $50, not the $650 or whatever ridiculous fee they want and keep the unlimited plan.
Screw Verizon, the day they force me to pay over $80 for what I have now Im out.
I dont mind paying a fair price for a device to keep it this way, but that fair price is where Verizon really trys to F us
If you are with Verizon, then you will soon lose it, even if grandfathered in.
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/story/2012-05-16/verizon-wireless-unlimited-data/55028254/1