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Verizon to Drop Unlimited iPhone Data Plans as Soon as This Summer [rumor]

Bloomberg briefly reports on comments from Verizon Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo revealing that the carrier is planning to discontinue its unlimited data plan for the iPhone as soon as this summer.

The carrier, which began selling the iPhone last month, now offers a $30 unlimited data plan on the device. Such plans on the handset are "not a long-term solution," Shammo said on a conference call at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media and Telecom Conference today. <snip>

Details:

http://www.macrumors.com/2011/03/01/verizon-to-drop-unlimited-iphone-data-plans-as-soon-as-this-summer/

Comments

kaebfly

Not really a surprise since the site already says that the unlimited plan is for a limited time. I would have expected it to end well before summer.

OSUguy81

I'm happy enough they're keeping them past next week, since I get to upgrade as of Monday.

nanna24

There are a lot of rumors on the internet, especially when it comes to data plans. Only Verizon knows what they are going to do and if they haven't announced anything then I'm not going to be bothered by what I read. I'm content to know I have a $30 plan for at least two more years. If anything, I expect a tiered data plan when they roll out the LTE phones.

BurtReynolds

If they pull some scam where they get rid of it right before the iPhone 5 launches, I'll just take my business to Sprint. I live 20 minutes from Sprint HQ, coverage here is fine. Heck, T-Mobile has good HSPA+ coverage here too. I refuse to deal with a meter. What is the point of a phone on a good network that can stream music and video if you can't even enjoy it without worrying about your cap and the ridiculous overage charges Verizon already has? No thanks. Heck, I would pay more to a competitor to avoid it.

Tidbits

iphone 5 isn't coming to Verizon this year... I am willing to put money on it. Might as well switch to Sprint now, and I hope you read their ToS/TaC carefully. Sure they say they don't have a data cap, but I have PERSONALLY had my contract canceled for using "Too much" data in the middle of my cycle.

dirkbonn

You don't think that all the carriers will follow suit and have their own "tiered" data plans? Usually whatever one does, they eventually all follow.

I remember back when auto warranties were 12 months/ 12,000 miles whichever came first. Chrysler came out with the 5year/50,000 mile power train warranty. Within a year and a half Ford and GM had it too.

xlost6

I was kinda **bleep** when I heard about this. Just for the simple fact I would love to have unlimited data. But when I thought about it. I have a blackberry storm2 that I rarely use for data. As a matter of fact I even cut my data down to 150MB for $10. Because I used more WiFi than I did 3G.

So in a sense I could care less about if they cap or go to tiered plans. It will help people finacially in a long run and would help smooth 3G coverage to everyone and would force people to take advantage of the free WiFi spots that's provided.

medic2joey

Not sure why Verizon has to be like ATT and follow suit. I got the Iphone 4 to keep the unlimited data but in 2 years if its tierd i may just be moving on. Whats point of having a smart phone with limits.

xlost6

And to add I use my 3rd gen iTouch for my data anyway. So that's where my WiFi usage is coming from. I rarely use data on my Storm2. That's why I would like to upgrade soon to the iPhone 4. Because it's everything o always wanted since 2007.

lou61166

i read on PC World, Verizon is doing this in anticipation of iphone 5.

Tidbits

I'd still get one. Right now wouldn't matter between AT&T or Verizon. We don't use our phones as a main source of entertainment. My wife and I have a combined usage of under 1.5GB a month. Different people difference strokes. Most smart users fall into my category.

Spottysmom

I was contemplating getting an iphone 4 now or waiting to see if they come out with an iphone 5 for VZ. But now after hearing this I'm afraid the gamble won't go in my favor. If I go with an iphone now I can re-up my unlimited data for another 2 yrs. as I'm sure they'll only charge the new tiered plan to new contracts, as AT&T did when they changed theirs. My son got his iphone with AT&T just before they changed their plans - he has unlimited data for $30 & a $175 ETF. He wants to come back to VZ & is gonna do it now instead of waiting. Who knows what they'll have up their sleeve in 2 yrs. but if I don't like it I'll leave.

medic2joey

Also considering the "Iphone 5" has the rumor of being a Iphone 4 mini version, with small camera, processor and ram power along with storage size. Apple says they want to target the cheaper market to make a more affordable Iphone. So who knows what to expect, one thing i can almost promise is that it wont be 4G. Apple always waits like they did with 3G.

MKF

Evenutally all carriers will go to this it mayt take years but soon. Well know it and have used the dark side to have forseen it.

Permit

On my Droid X I have the unlimited data plan for $30.00 it's not for a limited time. The pricing wasn't a "hook" so I'm confused about the unlimited data plan on the iPhone and the Droid X (for example) both are running on the same 3G network, why would you think one would be tiered and the other not? Now if you are talking about unlimited data plans on the 4G network that's a different story which the iPhone 4 doesn't fit in since it's not 4G.

PJNC284

It was a "hook" in that they said they would only be offering unlimited data plans for a limited time to draw in more smartphone users. Existing customers will be fine in their current contract but when they go to upgrade that's where the issue may arise depending on how Verizon grandfathers existing unlimited data users.

havoczero522

Good call on how the iPhone 5 would be :smileyhappy: you must have been a psychic???

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