Verizon unveils low-cost unlimited data plan
Verizon trotted out a low-cost all-you-can-eat data plan for its subcribers Monday, although it's only available on a few phones.
The Motorola Q9m is one of the three phones eligible for a new Verizon data plan.
(Credit: CNET Networks)If you've got a Motorola Q9m, a Verizon Wireless SMT5800 (HTC) or a Verizon Wireless XV6800 (UTStarcom), you can now add a $29.99-a-month e-mail and Web browsing plan to your "qualifying" voice plan. Exactly what the qualifications are was left unsaid in Verizon's press release.
Unlimited plans have been all the rage among the carriers lately, as they try and one-up each other with new pricing. With the growing popularity of smartphones, it also makes sense that pricing competition would start to become more common among the data services as well.
Verizon said it would include more phones in the new plan over the next few months. There's already such a plan in place for BlackBerry users.
Tom Krazit writes about the ever-expanding world of Internet search, including Google, Yahoo, online advertising, and portals, as well as the evolution of mobile computing. He has written about traditional PC companies, chip manufacturers, and mobile computers, spending the last three years covering Apple. E-mail Tom. 
After spending 40 minutes on the phone with your customer support, I am still absolutely astounded that your company has decided to force everyone who decides on purchasing a smartphone to also purchase a data plan. In the case of the WiFi enabled Samsung Omnia, you would be charging me 720$ over 2 years simply to receive updates. Everything the data package allows except updates can be accomplished over WiFi and through basic functionalities. Moreover it is completely plausible to receive updates over WiFi if Verizon were to create a very simple manual update program. Basically Verizon has decided to charge all of its WiFi smartphone customers $720 for updating a phone. The price however is not the issue here, the issue is the fact that we have no options. I have no use for 3g as I am surrounded by WiFi. All I want is WiFi and the capabilities a basic phone can handle (the ability to send pictures, texts and calls). This is not asking much. This policy will not be tolerated for very long as not many people can afford to triple their phone spending for an unnecessary browsing and update option. I can only hope that Verizon is the first to realize that this is blatant robbery. After being a Verizon costumer for 7 years and to now be slapped in the face with this ridiculous policy I will likely never return to Verizon as a provider purely on principle.
thx again verizon for screwing me over >=(
Some people and Verizon rep, said its good to have data plan regardless because of map and stuff. When buying smart phone people can put there own map software that is free. I am buying a Smart phone because i can put my software that have up to date maps. I just load them on micro SD.
I am going to go with ATT since they dont shove data plan on customer with there good phones. Getting HTC fuze. ATT will just block me form there data service. I can use Wi-fi with no prob. I hope Verizon realize that we, the customer will not tolerate there force full behavior.
My story is like the above posts with a twist.
I was Airtouch 1997 - 2000 and then Verizon 2000 - present. This was my loyalty. Where's theirs?
I ordered the Omnia a few days back from a very nice sales rep. I was attempting a new every two. I asked if I could keep my data block. She said let me check, fumbled around on some screens.... "it's not letting me" and some "let me try something else" and then she said, "no problem". I mentioned that the web interface wouldn't allow me to purchase without the data plan and how I thought that was odd.
I went to activate it and I was asked which data plan was I going with. I mentioned that it was supposed to be blocked. I was then told about the Nov 14th new smartphone "make your customers unhappy plan. BTW, this is a brilliant thing to do during a recession because everybody want's to waste $30/month.
Apart from spending 3 hours getting my active sync going and importing contacts and adding games and general familiarization of the new interface, I also had ordered accessories for this phone. I'm probably going to eat that because time and shipping will make it not worth it.
I would love to have Verizon apologize for the sales rep lying to me about the data block for my new smartphone. I would love to return this phone and get a adjustment on my bill because they cost me time and money because that sales rep. But there's no option for me on verizon.... I want to simply sync my calendar so I don't miss meetings and play an occassional game on my smartphone.
Geez...
Those of us that DO want a reasonable cost (hopefully) unlimited data plan are thrilled to hear that V&V (that's Verizon slash Vodafone for those of you that are behind on yesterday's news) is at least listening to the consumers and attempting to give us something that will make us happy.
If you idiots had any sense as to what you should gripe about it would be to gripe about having to pay for a voice plane just to get a a data plan. Because smart folks find ways to dodge voice calling features by making use of voip phone software that you can use on your mobile phone or mobile computing device (available if you know where to find it).
But most of you don't really care what you gripe about, just so long as you have something, anything to gripe about.
You said it yourself "Obviously not everyone never travels outside an 8 block radius". And the fact is that you must understand that the opposite is true then. You go on to infer that everyone should eat some of the costs so that these plans can be unlimited for those who want them. You finish calling everyone idiots for not wanting this FEATURE added to their plans by saying that they should let you remove the PLAN because you can get around making voice calls.
The point is that people want a choice for a feature, that's it.
As far as me personally I carry a phone on the lowest plan with text/pix and have an aircard. Personally I would like the Ozone without the data package, because I do find that "most" areas do have WiFI and I almost always have my netbook with me for where there isn't. Personally I have been planning on getting Verizon's MIFi rev a router. I personally think that is small enough that anytime I want to connect using any of my wifi electronics (Still considering Ozone, Netbook, Laptop, Archos, dvr, etc) I can just turn it on and go with everything, without spending $6 on a coffee.
That's my personal opinion on the subject of not being given a choice. I will personally have a rav a router from them to use with it. Ok I think I have made my point about my opinion and you should be permitted to have yours.
I will tell you that As you stated there is always something to gripe about and although this REALLY bugs me I think as a company Verizon has been great, I can't beet the coverage almost anywhere I go and they do have a rapid expansion. Most people who leave because of something like this end up back, as someone said they had, because by the time the get set up with the new provider things like this get taken care of and it comes back to "My phone worked here before" type comments.
Please consider what you are posting before you call everyone idiots in the future.
Go cash your verizon check and throw your money away. I have software for work that I sync with my data base. I have no desire to pay another $360/year for having a phone that works with my work software.
this is bull. I have no desire to piggyback other users but do I need an internet for my computer, my laptop and my phone? This is just Verizons way of saying I haven't been getting my share of your money. Good point about the data/voice plan but you are still wrong.
And my reply to their reply. No reply yet to my reply. Did yall get all that Ha Ha.
This is not as much a question as a it is a grievance. And it actually falls under Phones and Accessories as well as Plans. I have been waiting patiently for upgrade eligibility as well as for Verizon to come up with a phone w/ at least a 5 MP camera phone. Low and behold the Samsung Omnia has arrived. And for only $99 online w/ my annual upgrade price. Now I am being told that I can't purchase this phone unless I upgrade to a PDA plan for $30 more per month. What a rip off. I don't want web and email just a good camera phone. I have deactivated service with Verizon twice for similar reasons and only came back this time due to the number of people I know who are using Verizon. Which is getting less by the way.
I have checked with ATT, T-Mobile, and Sprint and none of them are requiring me to purchase more expensive plans to get the equipment I want except for ATT with the IPHONE. But that another story in itself. So now I must choose to either stay with Verizon for another two years and be stuck with a subpar 3.2 MP camera and hope that you eventually see the light and either drop these control freak policies you have or get a decent camera phone that doesn't require the purchase of PDA or Blackberry plans. Or come December when my contract is up, I gues I'll move on AGAIN to someone who doesn't hamstring me on equipment. The bottom line is I want the OMNIA and I don't want to have to pay $30 more per month to get it probably along with thousands of other possible customers out there. So, please let me know if there is any way to resolve this issue wihtout leaving Verizon.
Many Thanks,
Rob
Updated on Mar 2, 2009
This was the response I received back from verizon and my reply back to them.
Dear Penni Durham:
Good evening Ms. Durham. Please accept my apologies for our delay in responding to you. My name is Renee, and it would be my pleasure to assist you with your grievance against our policy for Smartphones and PDA devices.
Ms. Durham, when we put policies in place, such as a data plan for these kind of devices, it is to prevent your bill from skyrocketing, when performing data related functions.
However, if you wish, you may purchase the Samsung Omnia, and block National Access. This will prevent the data charges from accruing. However, please be aware that if you add this feature, you will be unable to send and receive picture messages.
Thank you for allowing me to serve you this evening.
Sincerely,
Renee
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service
Thank you for submitting your feedback!
Renee,
Thank you for your response. However, it still does not address the
issue. The problem is that if I try and order this phone Online to get
the annual discount, I am required to add either the $30 or $40 data
access to my monthly voice plan in order to do so. There is no option to
purchase this phone without comitting to one of the PDA plans. I went to
the verizon store and was told by the salesperson that there was no way I
could purchase this phone without adding the one of the PDA plans even if
I paid full price for the phone. I have also been told by someone who
bought their phone from another individual and the tried to activate it
with a voice plan only that Verizon would not allow them to get service
for the phone unless he also purchased a PDA plan along with the Voice
plan. So, are you saying that I can purchase the Omnia and activate it on
my current voice plan for voice use only as long as I block Nationwide
Data Access? If so, that is fine with me, as I don't do text or picture
messages. But, how do I accomplish this if the website does not give me
the option and the salespeople don't seem to know about this.
Thanks,
Penni
Good morning, thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless and being patient while waiting on a response to your e-mail. Verizon Wireless appreciates all your questions and concerns. My name is Monica, and I am happy to assist you with answering your question regarding upgrading your handset to a Samsung Omnia.
I attempted to call you today to resolve your account concerns, but I was unable to reach you. I apologize for the mis-communication, but you would not be able to get the Samsung Omnia without the data package. We offer some similar type handsets that you may purchase and we can add the National Access Block and you would not have to worry about data charges. This would be our LG Voyager or our LG Dare.
We do offer some data handsets that you may purchase and are not required to add the data feature.
Activations and upgrades to our existing PDAs will not require a data plan/feature of $29.99 or higher. The following devices (launched before 11/14/2008) are not subject to this policy and do not require an unlimited data feature:
Palm Centro
Motorola Q/Q9m/Q9c
Palm Treo 700w/wx
Samsung SCH i760
Samsung SCH i830
VZW SMT 5800
VZW XV 6800
VZW XV 6900
VZW PN ? 820
Also, the password you provided does not match password we have on file for your billing system account. If you are unsure of the verification information needed, please contact Customer Service at 800-922-0204 or dial *611(send) airtime free from your wireless phone. We will be able to verify secondary information with you to ensure the security of your account.
Again, I apologize for the mis-communication. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you today. We appreciate your business and thank you for using Verizon Wireless. Should you have additional questions or concerns, please reply to this e-mail.
Sincerely,
Monica
Verizon Wireless
Customer Service
Contacting customer service (Dial *611 from your cell phone (800) 922-0204) will at least alert them of the number of people dissatisfied with this new policy, but even the supervisor?s don?t have any power. It is probably best to send an email to their complaint department. The link is under Contact Us -> Send an email
Whether you agree or disagree with the need for a data plan with a pda phone, the removal of choices by any company should always be viewed with concern.
I've also started a "Stop Verizon Wireless' Mandatory Data Plan" petition at PetitionSpot and ThePetitionSite, but really consider that to be a futile gesture.
I think the best thing to do was just to get rid of the pay per kb and it's either all or nothing.
My big issue, is I want the Omnia, but I want to keep my LG Dare. I want to be able to switch back and fourth every few months. The LG Dare is not really a great for for surfing the net.
I wonder how many customer vzw has to lose before the realize this was a bad idea
- by FITFEM4EVR November 20, 2009 1:59 PM PST
- My comments may not be popular or relevant to those who use Blackberry's, etc but to the people of my ilk it may hit home. I checked out the Droids offered by Verizon and decided that I had no need for all of that service. I went back to checking out the regular cell phones online. I compared and whittled it down to the enV Touch. I was informed that I could NOT get my phone of choice unless I added a data package to the purchase of that phone. It is a major rip off for people that have no need for the data package. Sure it is as low a $9.99 but if I dont use it why pay for it? Another side note is that the $9.99 package is for minimum data usuage so eventually you would upgrade to the $30. package. The enV Touch is not a new phone nor is it a pda....I feel it is a major rip off to force it down your throat if you don't need it but want that particular CELL phone. The LG chocolate phone was offered in it's place but that one is only a touch screen with a virtual keyboard. The enV Touch has a keyboard which is more desirable to me. Bottom line as I mentioned it is a MAJOR rip off for the average cell phone user.
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