Verizon testing $15 a month flat-rate EV-DO data service

Even though their coverage is better, you have to admit that Verizon Wireless doesn't exactly have the most consumer-friendly data plans (they have a bunch of plans, none of which are exactly what you'd describe as affordable), but that could be changing. They're currently test-marketing a new wireless data plan called Mobile Media that costs fifteen bucks a month (the same as Sprint PCS Vision) and gives you unlimited data usage and access to their new streaming video service (incidentally, the phone they're testing the service with is LG's EV-DO-compatible VX8000, which is pictured at right). Assuming everything goes as planned, they'll be introducing the new service in January (we're guessing at the big Consumer Electronics Show).

[Kasamaan Drakon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Can you make phone calls too? ;)

[Permanent4 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Is this data plan just for the VX8000, or will it extend to phones like the Treo and the XV6600 PPC phone?

[cerberus @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Permanent4: At the moment, the VX8000 is the only phone from verizon that is compatible with EV-DO. So, no.

[Michael Katz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

look if they make this EV-DO plan for any CDMA technology including the 1xrtt it will prevent me from switching to cingular since VZW still doesnt have a real affordable data plan, and that irks me greatly....though i feel that by making it EV-DO only that is not fair to most users since most phones do not support EV-DO yet.....that and VZW needs more bluetooth phones....if they dont have it...its no use to me

[Michael Katz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

cerberus....actually the xv6600 is an EVDO capable phone from what i know....it might be released at first without the EV-DO enabled but it can have it....so actually it will work with the XV6600 but not the treo

[broman78 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

remember the 4p's of marketing. This service (product) will force people to upgrade their phones to take advantage of the speed increase(postitioning). Majority of the people upgrading will sign a contract extension(promotion+price) to get a discount on the phone thus decreasing churn rate and securing revenue.

[Pip @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

So...with this, why would anyone buy their currently ridiculous data plan prices? This must be for non-business guys only, so they can keep soaking the corporations on unlimited EVDO like they do now.

However, Verizon currently charges only minutes to use 1xRTT when it is from a phone (like you use a data cable), although their salesmen will never tell you that and instead just try to sell you a ripoff data plan. And with unlimited nights and weekends--free connection from 9PM friday to 6am monday!

[pjsnyc @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

"They�re currently test-marketing a new wireless data plan called Mobile Media that costs fifteen bucks a month (the same as Sprint PCS Vision) and gives you unlimited data usage..." actually you can get a pcs vision unlimited data plan without all the bells and whistles for 10 bucks :)

[DeviceDave @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Is there anything posted by Verizon about this bit of test marketing? Anybody I can call there for more info? It seems odd that they would go from their ultra-high pricing to this, which seems pretty reasonable. If it's true, i might well be interested.

[DeviceDave @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Is there anything posted by Verizon about this bit of test marketing? Anybody I can call there for more info? It seems odd that they would go from their ultra-high pricing to this, which seems pretty reasonable. If it's true, i might well be interested.

[Roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

I'm using a vx8000 in the pilot. The "Get it now mobile media" does use EV-DO for streaming video to the phone. The trial agreement does not allow using this $15/mo service for general data access. I have used the phone for 1x data, but have not tinkered with EV-DO data yet... soon. Watching CNN news video on the phone is trick!

www.verisonwireless.com/getitnow/videoclips may have some information. Our contact number during the trial is 888-924-7935

[Roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Sorry, www.verizonwireless.com/getitnow/videoclips

[Tom @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Email response from them today says they're not planning on a $15 package.

===========

Thank you for contacting Verizon Wireless through our website.

We are responding to your e-mail regarding our data packages and are eager to assist you.

We do not currently offer or plan to offer an unlimited data package for $15.00 per month. For your convenience, we have listed our NationalAccess calling plan options below:

============

Then they listed their current offerings.

[Roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Right, it appears that they are going to offer a $15/month "Mobile Media" package with unlimited basic streaming video and web 2.0. The video uses/requires EV-DO, the Web 2.0 appears to 1x. To quote the Verizon *Getting started Guide, Get it Now Mobile Media*: "Your $15 monthly service fee for Get It Now Mobile Media gives you unlimited basic video clips, monthly access to Mobile Web 2.0 and unlimited airtime for Get It Now and Mobile Web 2.0."

Even if Verizon tolerates our covert EV-DO data usage during the trial, doesn't mean they will continue to tolerate it in general release.

[Roger @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Verizon called tonight. They have extra vx8000's to give out in SD. Call 1-888-924-7935 if in SD.

[Shane @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

I am one of the guinea pigs testing the VX-8000 and the mobile web service. I am in it for the free phone (well not free because to keep it I have to stay enrolled three months at 15/month). Hopefully they won't hook me on the mobile media - although I am starting to use it more and more...

As for the phone, it is big, but light, the features are fine and the camera is a 1.3 MP which may be better than average but its not good enough to leave your digital camera at home on a vacation. The display is great which is why they are using it to try out the mobile media. I will probably opt to keep it activated and keep my Samsung A670 as a spare.

[Pavitra @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

Hi. I have a bunch of questions regarding the GetItNow sevices. Can someone help me?

I read on Verizon Wireless FAQs that airtime charges are rounded off to the next dollar. Does this apply to GetItNow too?

How long does it take (approximately) to download a game on GetItNow? (FAQs say 1 minute- I thought the speed was 40-60 kbps for GetItNow service which is only offered on the 1X RTT network- Im confused. The average game file size as I know it is 60 kb.)

Does anybody know if Verizon's Mobile Media service will include game, ringtone and other application downloads?

[Parry Aftab @ Dec 19th 2005 12:07AM]

I just bought the Verizon Treo 600 on the fly, my cell phone was dying and I was getting on a plane. It's the older equipment now, but Verizon won't have the 650 until summer. I use Cingular (now) for my blackberry.

I am thinking about adding data for web browsing and e-mail for the treo, but even though I am a lawyer, I can't figure out the plans. :-(

I will use this for only e-mails when I am not able to access my wi-fi service and will load ringtones, etc. from my laptop if that saves money.

what should we be doing? did I make a mistake? Should I have bought a sprint treo 650? (If they merge, maybe we'll get Verizon quality and Sprint pricing?)

help!
Parry