Verizon Wireless may force 3G data plans

Verizon Wireless is reportedly planning some changes to its non-smartphone pricing plans, including a required $10 per month data plan for all 3G phones.

According to DSL Reports and Boy Genius Report, Verizon will divide its service plans into three categories: "Simple Feature" phones, which are text and voice-centric and have 1x data speeds These will be able to pay for data by the byte. "3G Multimedia" phones will require $10 per month for 25 MB of data, plus 20 cents for each additional MB. "3G Smartphones" will still require a $30 per month unlimited data plan, and users in the lower tiers can pay for pricier data plans if they wish.

ADVERTISEMENT

LG-VX8360

Phones that will reportedly require a 3G Multimedia plan include LG's Chocolate Touch, enV3, enV3 Touch and VX8360 (pictured); Motorola's Entice and Rival; Samsung's Rogue and Alias and Nokia's Twist. Verizon Wireless has not confirmed the reports, which say the change will take effect on January 18. Existing subscribers won't have to upgrade unless they make "certain account changes."

Verizon is also nixing a $20 per month, 75 MB plan it had offered to feature phone users, but this is for the best, as a reduction in overage charges on the 25 MB plan mean it'll still cost users $20 to use 75 MB.

ADVERTISEMENT

The changes will make it difficult for users to find a feature phone that doesn't require a data plan. The last time I visited a Verizon store, in November, there was just one small rack in the store with phones that allow per-byte payment for data. That section will be squeezed even tighter now, containing only the simplest flip phones.

It seems like Verizon is trying to push its customers toward pricier data plans, which is ultimately where consumers are headed anyway. But in the short term, these changes could scare people away.

No posts to display