Rumors on this one have been flying in the VZW world, but now it looks like we've got some confirmation on the matter -- and chances are, some folks won't like it one bit. According to a leaked document from within the company, every new PDA / smartphone launched on or after November 14th will "require a data feature / plan of $29.99 or more." Additionally, Pay As You Go, 1X Block and the 10MB data plan / feature will be unavailable for those very phones on the same day. Ready for more? In 2009 (vague, right?), "select" Mobile Web 2.0 devices will
also require a data feature / plan. We are told that those who have one of these soon-to-vanish plans can keep it so long as they stick with their current phone, but as soon as the upgrade bug bites, be ready to pony up for data, too.
[Via
Boy Genius Report]
posted Nov 3rd 2008 8:21AM
Verizon....Always trying to profit out of the consumers one way or the other.
What, vs. folding as a company because they don't make any money? Don't like it, don't buy a Verizon plan. Easy-Peasy.
Duh. Profit from consumers? How else would they profit?
What kills me is the data rates both Verizon and AT&T charge for standard handset web access. $15 for accessing data from a standard non-pda handset is a joke. How much data can someone seriously download using a standard handset. Only tmobile seems to have a reasonable handset only web access plan..
I refuse to pay more than $6 a month to access the web on a standard phone.
@Dragonkal8000,
Agreed. While the Joker is right about businesses wanting to profit from the consumers, their tactics are borderline fascist. Verizon hates consumer-friendly devices.
Here's what is needed in a consumer-friendly device:
* Bluetooth File Transfer (which includes uploading custom ringtones from PC/Mac to Phone)
* Allowing file transfer through data cable (I used to have this feature, but an update disabled it)
* Having pre-loaded games included (c'mon, even Snake!)
* Using Java, instead of Brew
* Being able to customize themes, instead of being stuck with one
I'm in a caveat between having the best coverage for my area and having restricted phone technology (Verizon), and having poor coverage and less-restricted phone Technology (AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS).
Verizon needs to get on the ball and have a 21st century mindset, but unfortunately too many consumers won't drift away because of my problems with Verizon.
@Dragonkal8000,
Agreed. While the Joker is right about businesses wanting to profit from the consumers, their tactics are borderline fascist. Verizon hates consumer-friendly devices.
Here's what is needed in a consumer-friendly device:
* Bluetooth File Transfer (which includes uploading custom ringtones from PC/Mac to Phone)
* Allowing file transfer through data cable (I used to have this feature, but an update disabled it)
* Having pre-loaded games included (c'mon, even Snake!)
* Using Java, instead of Brew
* Being able to customize themes, instead of being stuck with one
I'm in a caveat between having the best coverage for my area and having restricted phone technology (Verizon), and having poor coverage and less-restricted phone Technology (AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS).
Verizon needs to get on the ball and have a 21st century mindset, but unfortunately too many consumers won't drift away because of my problems with Verizon.
oh and Verizon, $5 for 200 txt messages? $20 for unlimited text?! How much of a burden on your network is txt data? You would think they would be happy people were sending a txt instead of voice.
Ah CDMA, locked down crap... another reason why the iPhone is better.
Actually CDMA signals overall work better than GSM signals (some exceptions of course). EV-DO Rev A will kick the crap out of US 3g GSM.
And while it's not quite as flexible as a SIM card, many carriers make it easy to switch your ESN online, therefore switching phones. I'd still prefer them, but not a big deal. The iPhone is arguably locked down more than any CDMA phone though, hehe.
But it doesn't matter in the long run anyway...most of the world has picked GSM, and all major carriers have announced their intention to switch to GSM for their 4g networks.
Wait, you like the iPhone because it isn't locked down? We are obviously thinking of different iPhones.
EVD0 rev A is so much better than 3G. Well definitely when compared to the 3G service offered by AT&T. Lower lag, faster response time, almost instant session establishment, not as many disconnections, rock solid coverage etc. It is just a shame that the carriers are going to abandon it to go for the VHS equivalent European standard. If LTE is anywhere near as crap as HSDPA, thanks but no thanks.
Compared to a Verizon phone the iPhone is paradise. I can at least put music I already own on it without going through a convoluted process of fighting the EVDO network and tricking my computer into thinking the phone is something different.
...on that bridge to nowhere!!!
I'm pretty sure 3G GSM uses CDMA technology.
@Pauli
Comparing Verizon's 3G service to AT&T's 3G service and then proclaiming that EV-DO itself is superior to HSPA is just stupid. AT&T just has a weak network, not to mention that most UMTS phones right now only support HSDPA and not HSUPA. With support for both, both sides of the communication are fast and low-latency, and the coming upgrade to HSPA+ will be even better. EV-DO won't have a chance.
There is an error in the above report.
The article states: "every new PDA / smartphone purchased on or after November 14th will "require a data feature / plan of $29.99 or more.""
It should actually read: "every new PDA / smartphone LAUNCHED on or after November 14th will "require a data feature / plan of $29.99 or more."
Old PDAs and Smartphones LAUNCHED before November 14 should still be able to use PPU and 10 MB add-ons.
The idea being, if you want to just text, you can still chose from the Q9c, Q9m, XV6600, XV6700, XV6800, Pearl, Curve, i730, i760, yadda, yadda.
- Christopher Price, PhoneNews.com
So, I can keep my data block on my xv6800 - regardless of what changes? But if I upgrade to a storm, I'll be forced to pay..... [I FREAKING HATE YOU VERIZON!!!!!!!!!] Looks like I won't be getting a storm. I don't need data for $30 a month - not even really $20 a month. Sure, MMS and browsing the web whenever I please would be nice, but it's not necessary for a student right now - I mean my parents haven't gotten smartphones for their work yet.
not true...
"The idea being, if you want to just text, you can still chose from the Q9c, Q9m, XV6600, XV6700, XV6800, Pearl, Curve, i730, i760, yadda, yadda."
any blackberry of verizon REQUIRES a data plan ALREADY -- and also while some of you may say if you don't like verizon's policies, don't get them, there are many areas where that is the only provider with even remotely reliable service --> too bad they have perverted the intent of ESN/MEID cloning laws to lockdown handsets further making even more money
Same thing as AT&T, eliminating unlimited data plans for Go Phone users.
Most these wireless companies are getting out of hand, eliminating every feature and plan that gives the consumer a good deal and instead screwing them over. Pay more, get less.
A perfect example is the iPhone, while the plan isn't unusually high in cost, I think it should be $10 cheaper, or at least include unlimited text messaging, come on AT&T. Sell a phone where texting is probably #1 and don't include any texting in the plan, instead add $5 for a measly 200 txt's.
Something needs to be done.
I have a Q9m without data. I guess I'm stuck with this phone forever cuz I want QWERTY and WinMo but I don't need no stinkin' data plan.
Thanks Verizon. Great network; Crap phones and policies.
Can your Q9m do VCast Song ID? I was always interested in that smartphone because I thought maybe, just maybe it could do that VCast Song ID feature, ..
but maybe it can't (just like every other vzw smartphone), lemme know
That's crap. Some are happy with just a PDA and a vanilla cell phone, and it's only logical to have them in a single device. They say this as if smart phones are trash without a data plan. And one should also take into account people like college students who have all the wifi they could want and would probably only get use out of a data plan for push email (since wifi is too power-hungry for push email I would think).
EXACTLY!!!! I'm a high school student and have used my WinMo phone (as much as I hate it sometimes) to get many things done. It keeps my clubs and leadership and most of my life organized. My xv6800 has a good keyboard with a key layout I like and I've got WiFi at home and for a few places at school. I can fix word docs and excel spreadsheets and sync with my mac. I've even used a program called Navizon to map WiFi access points and cell towers and I've made $60! (Sure I flashed my phone!) But I've all done it without a data plan!. I'd love the storm too, but don't know if I could live w/o WiFi and now this? Nope can't do it. A data block was the one condition I agreed to get my phone over a voyager and I gladly took it. Even at $30 vs $45 (at christmas when I got my phone) it's still not worth it. Who knows, I'd probably just browse Engadget more.
Also, anyone who goes to Starbucks more than once a month should register a card with them an sign up for free wifi. It's supposed to be restricted to Starbucks only for 2 hours a day and one login, but I've found it to work at Barns and Nobles and that I can log in many times - stupid WinMo logs me out.
All I want is a phone that makes calls. Where I live, that seems to be a problem for the cell companies.
Now does this mean they will be launching the Touch Pro soon? Pretty please :-)
Such a shame really, just leeching profits from the consumer.
More & more companys are lowering there Pay&Go support now while trying to make ppl get contracts insted of pay&go.
Shame really because pay&go is what made the mobile phone what it is (atleast in the UK, dont know about the US etc). it made affordable for EVERYONE to have a mobile phone, and everyone got a mobile phone... now there slowly taking it away from us & replacing it with sour milk[contract])
I have Verizon, and generally like their service and customer service, but this is so not cool. I hope they realize that they will just keep consumers away from smartphones and pda-phones with these types of plans.
I certainly hope they start selling these phones for no more than $100 with 2 year contract if they are going to charge these kinds of recurring fees.
So the Storm is launching on November 15th?
I am currently using Alltel, which as you may know, is being purchased by Verizon. Alltel's data plan is $19.99/month for unlimited data and unlimited texting. I am wondering if Verizon will have to keep me at the $19.99/month plan? I guess if I go with the Storm they will be able to jack my price.
Wow, I really hope you can keep that plan. That's a nice deal and a pretty fair price when you think of the necessities of mobile internet (it varies by person, but for non-business use...)
Actually, I'd probably have that plan right now if Vzw offered it. $45 in december was much to expensive and $30 is still costly to my parents when I'm in high school, but $20 for data + the texts (I've got 100 right now, but that's ok......) might be cheap enough to be really useful (or a waste of time :))
Fight to keep the plan, and if not jump ship if it's possible.
Alltel already sent us a letter saying when our current contract runs out, we have to get a Verizon plan. RIP myCircle :(
Time to renew my contract.
I guess I'll be keeping to my ToS-breaking tethering ways with my Chocolate then. :)
Its mainly cause as a Verizon employee we are tired of idiots with $1200 bills because they "sat on their phone" and oh, hit the internet button and spent 2 hours online.
"I NEVER HIT THE BUTTON" blah blah blah, "now IM NOT PAYING"
"Sir I told you last week when you bought the phone that you cant go on the internet or youd have a large bill"
"Oh but that is dumb cause I never used it, I must have dropped it and it went on youtube by itself..."
I hear it each and every day, so do ATT TMobile and Sprint employees, don't worry all the networks will be doing this. People should be responsible, if you use the damn service then have some personal accountability and own up to your using it. Im sorry if I leave all my lights on in the house I PAY MY electric bill. If I take a Sunday drive out into the wilderness, I PAY FOR more gas. Data on these things use 100x more bandwidth than any call. I'm sorry if you don't see it costing the company resources, then go to sprint, they'd love to have you.
dude -- you can't honestly say that a $1200 bill is reasonable when verizon/sprint/etc. charges $50-60 for unlimited use and still makes a handsome profit
Because that's a good excuse for removing the ability to put a data block on these phones.
Defending Verizon on this one is a waste of time.
You are a Verizon employee and you are talking to existing and potential customers like that? I know why you aren't in sales and if you were you would starve to death with an attitude like that. It just sounds a bit arrogant to basically tell people "if you don't it, like go somewhere". I work for at&t and would never do that.
Hmm, I want to buy an At&t phone from Anthony.
The release date is the 9th for you know what. Some stores are opening early that day for some reason, I heard that it might because of "it".
Assuming that the "it" you're referring to is the Storm, it wouldn't make sense for this to have anything to do with it. All BlackBerry devices already require data plans.
The issue with offering PDA phones on pay-as-you-go is people do pay-as-they-go and then say they didn't use it and request credits. There has been a huge issue lately with useless credit being issued because customers use there phones and expect not to have to pay for it. I had a lady that used $4,000 of usage on her PDA and thought we were going to credit her. She thought that the $29.99 was too expensive but wanted to keep using the phone for the internet. It is customers like this that are causing these new rules. It is costing way too much for these people to use these features then call in and say they didn't and request a credit. Now, I know the argument will be that not everyone with pay-as-you-go have these issues, but enough do. How come no one complains about the iPhone REQUIRING a data plan? How come no one is praising Verizon for dropping the cost to $29.99. They could have very easily put this policy in effect and reverted back to PDA plans at only $44.99. I have been a loyal Verizon customer for many years now and have lived in areas where Verizon has 3g coverage and AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile don't have ANY COVERAGE AT ALL!!!! I will stay a customer of theirs for a long time and am finally glad they are coming out with some nice PDA phones. Storm anyone????
I agree with you. iphone data plan is necessary because its a internet phone but when PDA's are required to have mendatory data plans its just not "kool"...(sheer sarcasm).....its like anybody but who has iphone is the bad guy. ATT is ok to charge $30 bucks and not unlocking the iphone but if verizon does it for storm they are just trying to get money out of customers.....
bunch of hypocrites..... jumping on the iphone band wagon....not doubt a great revolution for mobile phones but just don't down play others for doing something similar....and at least your storm wont freeze because of Verizon 3G network will not be able to handle to traffic like ATT's network.
Sure drop the Pay as you go (at $15.36 a MB that's ridiculous!) and drop the 10MB plan. But I like the data block on my phone. In many ways I stay productive w/o internet and yet I have WiFi most of the places I need internet. $30 a MONTH is still too expensive, but my xv6800 w/o a connection has been incredibly useful.
Yes but they should only BILL up to the monthly plan. That way you can SAVE money when you don't use it. Never understood this kind of billing anyway....
I would say this is a pretty good sign for 2 things:
1) The storm is launching somewhere around those dates..probably within a couple of weeks if not on the 14th/15th exactly (it does say on or after the 14th)
2) They will make the price $200 or less. If they are forcing data plans on the phone they are most likely doing it so they can make the price of the device lower. Same idea as the iphone, really.
cant you just get the data plan and then cancel it and only have your phone plan? they cannot make you keep the data plan can they? these are separate right?
if not, i will go in and tell them the only way i buy a phone is with no data plan, thats why i want the wifi touch pro...
this wouldnt be so bad if their data plans went down in price along with the requirement. but asking people to pay an additional 30 bucks when they might not've had any data at all is quite a lot, and most people wont want the hassle of switching carriers.
i used my xv6700 for 2y without a data plan. why? because I was at college, surrounded by wi-fi. why the hell would anyone need a data plan?
and now of course i have one, and get ripped off with the $45/month charges. hooray verizon.
The message to you is clear.
"We have the best network so pay up"
They already charge more than any other carrier for their phones.
Does that mean the Storm is coming out November 14th?
Being a Blackberry, the Storm would have required a $30/month data plan anyways. So no, it probably has nothing to do with it.
I don't understand why people freak out about $30 a month for mobile data. That seems like a pretty solid bargain to me. I pay $35 a month for unlimited data and messaging on T-Mobile and I think they're practically giving it away at that price. Some people are just cheap.