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Verizon iPhone Will Have Unlimited Data -- For Now
'I'm Not Going To Shoot Myself In The Foot,' Insists COO

Given AT&T's network struggles, and the decision to ditch unlimited data and instead give customers the "choice" of a 200 MB or 2 GB cap, there was plenty of speculation over whether Verizon would retain an unlimited data offer when they launch the iPhone next month. New leaked data on Verizon 3G smartphone pricing changes (which include the elimination of the $15, 150 MB plan) seemed to suggest the answer was yes -- but now it's official. Verizon Wireless COO Lowell McAdam tells the Wall Street Journal that unlimited data absolutely will be available for the Verizon iPhone. "I’m not going to shoot myself in the foot," says McAdam, who adds that not offering an unlimited plan would put up a barrier for customers who might otherwise switch from AT&T, he said. Again, whether Verizon will retain an unlimited data option for LTE smartphones or an LTE iPhone is a different question entirely.

Update: In an interesting bit of back pedaling, Verizon is now saying that unlimited data for iPhone will only be available for a limited time:
quote:
...by Tuesday afternoon, the company updated its announcement and backpedaled, saying it would only offer the unlimited iPhone data plan "for a limited time." Those who get in during the window will have unlimited data on their iPhones throughout the life of their Verizon contract. The company declined to comment on how long the temporary unlimited offer would last. But it said that after the initial period, it will move to a metered system similar to the one used by AT&T
In other words, Verizon will use unlimited data as a lure to pull people from AT&T initially, then once they're on board they'll be shoveled onto a low cap/ high overage model just like AT&T once they have to renew their contract. We'd imagine that if unlimited is to disappear for good on Verizon, they'll take the introduction of new LTE smartphones to make the pricing change.
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Lotheron
join:2009-04-03
Wesley Chapel, FL

1 edit

Lotheron

Member

Perhaps there really is some competition?

One can only hope.. smart decision though. I hope AT&T realizes they made a blunder once all those people that would rather not worry about overages head to VZW.
EDIT * This was before the update was posted. It turns out that both ATT and VZW are going to continue scratching each other's backs. Business as usual.

Radio Active
My pappy's a pistol
Premium Member
join:2003-01-31
Fullerton, CA

Radio Active

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

said by Lotheron:

One can only hope.. smart decision though. I hope AT&T realizes they made a blunder once all those people that would rather not worry about overages head to VZW.

Yeah. AT&T is going to have to step up, or they'll have an exodus to deal with.

AT&T execs are probably soiling their knickers right about now.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

1 recommendation

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

I doubt it. Everyone, Karl included, seems to be ignoring McAdam's updated statement that this unlimited plan is an intro offer and that VZW will follow AT&T's lead shortly.
chgo_man99
join:2010-01-01
Sunnyvale, CA

chgo_man99

Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

said by openbox9:

I doubt it. Everyone, Karl included, seems to be ignoring McAdam's updated statement that this unlimited plan is an intro offer and that VZW will follow AT&T's lead shortly.

I agree. Just like att had intro unlimited for ipad.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

Unlimited data for the iPad lasted about 40 days... Before AT&T pulled the rug out from people, who in some cases hadn't even received their iPad 3G's yet. There is a class action lawsuit about this:
»www.lieffcabraser.com/ca ··· seID=316

Some breakthrough deal with AT&T Steve....
etaadmin
join:2002-01-17
united state

etaadmin to openbox9

Member

to openbox9
Most likely Verizon iPhone subs will be grand-fathered into the unlimited plan making the switch to Verizon much more attractive.

This is Verizon's version of AT&T's 'sticky' customers, unwilling to switch in fear of loosing their 'unlimited' status.

As the LTE version of the iPhone comes out next year they will be able to upgrade without loosing their 'unlimited' plan.

... it's going to be a bloodbath for AT&T.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

said by etaadmin:

As the LTE version of the iPhone comes out next year they will be able to upgrade without loosing their 'unlimited' plan.

I definitely wouldn't bet on that.
etaadmin
join:2002-01-17
united state

1 edit

etaadmin

Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

said by openbox9:

said by etaadmin:

As the LTE version of the iPhone comes out next year they will be able to upgrade without loosing their 'unlimited' plan.

I definitely wouldn't bet on that.

I would... and I'm ready to buy the Verizon iPhone as soon as it becomes available.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

Considering you won't see an LTE capable iPhone until summer 2012 at the earliest, you'll be waiting a while. Mark this post and I'll see you back here in another year or two
etaadmin
join:2002-01-17
united state

etaadmin

Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

said by openbox9:

Considering you won't see an LTE capable iPhone until summer 2012 at the earliest, you'll be waiting a while. Mark this post and I'll see you back here in another year or two

Well in another year or two I'll upgrade to the LTE version in the mean time I'll have what I always wanted ... a Verizon iPhone. No problem here.

We consumers is what drives the US economy.

N3OGH
Yo Soy Col. "Bat" Guano
Premium Member
join:2003-11-11
Philly burbs

N3OGH to etaadmin

Premium Member

to etaadmin
I would probably be saying the same thing had I not thrown down on a Droid Incredible last April. Now I'm locked in until December.

Come my upgrade time I will re evaluate. By then, Verizon should have several LTE phones and hopefully an LTE capable iPhone 5.

But, I'm pretty happy with my HTC phone. The battery life sucks a bag of Richards, but otherwise, it's light years from my previous handset (the dreaded Blackberry Storm).

It really is amazing to see how the technology has progressed across the past 3 years. There are so many capable handsets on so many carriers, the consumer is the winner in the end with all the choices they have.
Expand your moderator at work
Big Dawg 23
join:2002-03-27
Northfield, MN

Big Dawg 23 to openbox9

Member

to openbox9
I am with Openbox9. There will be no LTE Unlimited Plan. I can see VZW even doing the old "You want the iPhone 5 well your Data Plan and Minute Plan do not Qualify".

My belief is VZW wants the immediate push for iPhone's so they went unlimited. That will go away with LTE if that is on iPhone 5(As Rumored) come June(If VZW gets it like AT&T does Annually).

This will get many unhappy AT&T subscribers to Jump now because they have an Unlimited Option. It will also get People who wanted Unlimited when they option went away.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

LTE iPhone won't arrive until summer 2012 at the earliest, but otherwise I agree.

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium Member
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
Netgear WNDR3700v2
Zoom 5341J

KrK to openbox9

Premium Member

to openbox9
said by openbox9:

I definitely wouldn't bet on that.

I'm with you. ANY change at all, and that deal will be history, never to repeat.

Linkedit5
join:2004-10-10
Brooklyn, NY

Linkedit5 to etaadmin

Member

to etaadmin
said by etaadmin:

... it's going to be a bloodbath for AT&T.

not unless vzw can somehow magically find a way to allow data and voice on a call at the same time.

i work with about 10 people that have iphones and even though they admit that att's voice service is crap that are not willing to give up using data and voice at the same time.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5 to openbox9

Premium Member

to openbox9
said by openbox9:

I doubt it. Everyone, Karl included, seems to be ignoring McAdam's updated statement that this unlimited plan is an intro offer and that VZW will follow AT&T's lead shortly.

The unlimited deal was probably part of the deal Verizon cut with Apple to get the iPhone. Get the fish good and hooked and then reel them in later after they are locked in to the Apple iPhone universe.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

Yep, likely not much different than AT&T's iPad deal that IPPlanMan See Profile is complaining about.

Radio Active
My pappy's a pistol
Premium Member
join:2003-01-31
Fullerton, CA

Radio Active to FFH5

Premium Member

to FFH5
said by FFH5:

Get the fish good and hooked and then reel them in later after they are locked in to the Apple iPhone universe.

Kinda like Big Tobacco.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan to Lotheron

Member

to Lotheron
Why the backpedaling by Verizon mere hours later on unlimited data?

This is incompetence. In some ways worse than what AT&T did with the iPad data plans...

Less than a day for them to pull the limited time only crap...

Who's in charge over there?
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

It was the same guy within hours. My guess is that Cheng didn't push hard enough before the investor meeting and McAdam was able to squash the viral misinformation after the meeting concluded.
DilbertE
join:2009-12-15
Antigo, WI

DilbertE to Lotheron

Member

to Lotheron
This is Verizon's bait and switch gimmic. Once on board they evenually will have the same caps AT&T has. Nothing is forever.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

Except that now you know the caps are coming before you buy the iPhone. Kind of hard to bait and switch if the bait is known and the switch is imminent
lefty1
join:2002-10-25
Clay, NY

lefty1 to Lotheron

Member

to Lotheron
said by Lotheron:

I hope AT&T realizes they made a blunder once all those people that would rather not worry about overages head to VZW.

There isn't anyone at AT&T smart enough to realize anything meaningful.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Perhaps there really is some competition?

And it's not a blunder if VZW follows T's lead.

appler
@sbcglobal.net

appler

Anon

fine print

fine print
speed slowed to dial up speeds after 5gb
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

1 recommendation

openbox9

Premium Member

And the update....

said by WSJ :

Update: But you’d better act fast. Speaking later Tuesday morning, Mr. McAdam said the iPhone unlimited plan will be a temporary offer and that the carrier will follow AT&T’s move to tiered pricing in the not too distant future.


FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: And the update....

said by openbox9:

said by WSJ :

Update: But you’d better act fast. Speaking later Tuesday morning, Mr. McAdam said the iPhone unlimited plan will be a temporary offer and that the carrier will follow AT&T’s move to tiered pricing in the not too distant future.

Yes, many have not seen the update. If you are getting a Verizon iPhone, I'd act quick if you want that unlimited plan.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: And the update....

How can they not? It was there before Karl linked to it and posted this story. I guess we see how many people base their opinions on Karl's words instead of reading the articles that he links to.

FFH5
Premium Member
join:2002-03-03
Tavistock NJ

FFH5

Premium Member

Re: And the update....

said by openbox9:

How can they not? It was there before Karl linked to it and posted this story. I guess we see how many people base their opinions on Karl's words instead of reading the articles that he links to.

It has been my experience here that very few actually bother to read the source links.

Bill Neilson
Premium Member
join:2009-07-08
Alexandria, VA

Bill Neilson

Premium Member

Great job by Verizon...now I am interested

to see what they do for future iPad's
MichaelPea
join:2007-02-08
Irwin, PA

MichaelPea

Member

Foot shooting

As often as Verizon shoots themselves in their feet, I would think that by now, their feet should look like bleeding swiss cheese.

fatmanskinny
Premium Member
join:2004-01-04
Wandering
·AT&T FTTP

fatmanskinny

Premium Member

Re: Foot shooting

said by MichaelPea:

As often as Verizon shoots themselves in their feet, I would think that by now, their feet should look like bleeding swiss cheese.

Nah, Verizon's feet does not look like bleeding swiss cheese. It is the consumers' pockets that do.

PGHammer
join:2003-06-09
Accokeek, MD

PGHammer to MichaelPea

Member

to MichaelPea
Haven't any of you realized who the big investors (in both companies) are?

The biggest owners of VZ/T debt (therefore, the ones that REALLY call the shots) are *institutional investors* (by and large, union and other pension plans, such as CalPERS). Those same pension plans need higher rates of return (due to increasing numbers of retirees) and they need them yesterday. It is precisely this sort of investor that is coining terms like *jobless recovery* and *squeezing blood from a stone*. Chances of anything realistically being done about it - none.

andyross
MVM
join:2003-05-04
Aurora, IL

andyross

MVM

Will it be Limited Unlimited

But, any information on whether it will be the typical 'slow down to dial-up speeds beyond 5G' type Unlimited?
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: Will it be Limited Unlimited

VZW doesn't do that now, so I don't imagine you have much to worry about.

IPPlanMan
Holy Cable Modem Batman
join:2000-09-20
Washington, DC

IPPlanMan

Member

And if you call right now!

An unlimited plan for a limited time only... Wow...

MalibuMaxx
Premium Member
join:2007-02-06
Chesterton, IN

MalibuMaxx

Premium Member

years and yrs

how about a little love for current customers locked into a contract... mmm no verizon don't care about current customers... as does the rest of the wireless providers...

wizkid6
join:2002-03-31
Opelika, AL

wizkid6

Member

Re: years and yrs

said by MalibuMaxx:

how about a little love for current customers locked into a contract... mmm no verizon don't care about current customers... as does the rest of the wireless providers...

I just talked to Verizon Wireless customer service, and they told me that next year when they get rid of unlimited data, people on unlimited should be grandfathered in, and when you renew (aka upgrade to a new phone) you should retain the unlimited data.

That basically means we're stuck with Verizon for the rest of our eternal lives because every other carrier will likely follow in their footsteps.

KrK
Heavy Artillery For The Little Guy
Premium Member
join:2000-01-17
Tulsa, OK
Netgear WNDR3700v2
Zoom 5341J

KrK

Premium Member

Re: years and yrs

said by wizkid6:

I just talked to Verizon Wireless customer service, and they told me that next year when they get rid of unlimited data, people on unlimited should be grandfathered in, and when you renew (aka upgrade to a new phone) you should retain the unlimited data.

Key word there is "should." I'd get that in writing, or you can forget about it.
elray
join:2000-12-16
Santa Monica, CA

elray

Member

Good Luck With That!

Verizon's 3G footprint is already fairly taxed - EVDO data rates here are typically 200kbps. Add several million video-streaming iFlock narcissists, and it will be a real turd.

Verizon will find itself having to rescind the plan quickly.
Apparently they didn't study their main rival, or learn anything from Virgin, TMO, and Sprint.

So if you really think you want to commit to $2K-3K to switch for 24 months, do it now! Your "unlimited" phone will not break any speed records, but at least you'll be able to boast on DSLR that you're immune from overage charges.
Crookshanks
join:2008-02-04
Binghamton, NY

Crookshanks

Member

Re: Good Luck With That!

said by elray:

Verizon's 3G footprint is already fairly taxed - EVDO data rates here are typically 200kbps.

Where is "around here"? I've been all over Verizon's footprint and I've NEVER seen performance that lousy except in fringe signal areas. In areas with good signal I've seen data rates that range from 800kbit/s to 2,500kbit/s.

I spent this last weekend in Manhattan where everybody claims that the network is overloaded and never saw my speed dip below 1,200kbit/s. When I was up late at night I was getting closer to 2,000kbit/s.

maartena
Elmo
Premium Member
join:2002-05-10
Orange, CA

maartena

Premium Member

Good!

My wife is currently still on the Unlimited Data plan from AT&T, as she got hers in April 2010 before the new data plans went into effect, so it will last till her contract ends in 2012.

If AT&T hasn't gone back to offering an unlimited plan, guess where we will be going to upgrade her 3GS to a 4?

(That is, if they still offer the unlimited in 2012 of course).
shoan
join:2006-02-27
Benton, AR

shoan

Member

Re: Good!

You get to keep that plan I had an iphone 3G and just upgraded to an iPhone 4 and i got to keep my unlimited. It's a case of if you change away from that plan you lose it and cant get it back but if you stay with it you get to keep it.
jims2321
join:2000-04-05
Suwanee, GA
·Charter

jims2321 to maartena

Member

to maartena
said by maartena:

My wife is currently still on the Unlimited Data plan from AT&T, as she got hers in April 2010 before the new data plans went into effect, so it will last till her contract ends in 2012.

If you are on unlimited now, you can upgrade to iphone 4 and retain the unlimited plan. I did this for my wife on her 3G to 4G phone back in August.

trebzon
join:2001-09-03
Grandville, MI

trebzon

Member

Not all that it seems

You left out the part were the COO said this is a temporary offer to lure new customers. Don't get excited. Verizon is just as easy to bugger there customers as AT&T. They just want to get us all in a neat line first.

»www.foxbusiness.com/pers ··· verizon-

MIABye
Premium Member
join:2001-10-28
united state

MIABye

Premium Member

No Thanks

After examining Verizons plans, I realized they don't have 2 things that ATT offers. The option to have evening minutes start at 7 and roll over minutes.
apollo80
join:2002-01-31
Richmond, VA

apollo80

Member

Re: No Thanks

said by MIABye:

After examining Verizons plans, I realized they don't have 2 things that ATT offers. The option to have evening minutes start at 7 and roll over minutes.

None of that matters when you can't use your phone because you don't have RECEPTION. I live up the road from an ATT tower, and when I had one of their phones, I couldn't get reception IN MY OWN HOME. I was going to cancel, but I was begged by the store clerk to give it another chance after he upgraded me to their top of the line phone for free. I got ONE BAR, but yes, it did work. Other areas, I couldn't use the phone.

That's why I never went back to ATT.

JohnInSJ
Premium Member
join:2003-09-22
Aptos, CA

JohnInSJ to MIABye

Premium Member

to MIABye
said by MIABye:

After examining Verizons plans, I realized they don't have 2 things that ATT offers. The option to have evening minutes start at 7 and roll over minutes.

Minutes? you mean for like talking? Weird
I am going to make a bold prediction. Some percentage of VZ iPhone users will be unhappy with something...

pnh102
Reptiles Are Cuddly And Pretty
Premium Member
join:2002-05-02
Mount Airy, MD

1 recommendation

pnh102

Premium Member

Stupid iPhone Users

The only reason carriers can get away with limited data offerings is because stupid iPhone users will buy any polished turd that Lord Steve tells them to buy, no matter how crippled it is.

Had people stopped buying the iPhone once AT&T capped the data plans, then there would be no incentive for Verizon to consider capped plans which involve the iPhone.

Too bad the rest of us are going to be dragged down into capped data plan hell with them.

•••

INsano
@spcsdns.net

INsano

Anon

Why renew?

I know it's anathema to gadget lovers, but why renew down the road if it means you have to take a new, bucketed contract? Once your contract "ends" it doesn't mean the service stops, it just means you go month-to-month. If you still like your "magical" device, you can keep liking it, and its unlimited minutes, assuming they don't issue a press release that they're going to force such people into signing a new contract.
I really feel sorry for bucketed smartphone users. (3 Sprint for now)

TwighlightLA
Premium Member
join:2010-07-03

1 edit

TwighlightLA

Premium Member

iPhone and provider Competition

I'm not disagreeing with anyone, just asking a question. Since Verizon has had for some time an unlimited data package for its Smart Phones like the Android X and for its feature phones too why should they charge more or change the terms for the iPhone. What they are proposing for the iPhone is what they all ready have for their other smart and feature phones.

Frankly with the development of more and more Android and other smart phones I don't see Apple being as big a player one year from now at least in terms of percentage of phones sold and used. They will still be very popular but the level of it will wane with more and better choices within the competition.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9

Premium Member

Re: iPhone and provider Competition

said by TwighlightLA:

why should they charge more or change the terms for the iPhone.

It's an opportune time for VZW to dump the unlimited data tier. I'd imagine the change won't just be for the iPhone but other devices as well. VZW needs to be able to entice capped 3G users to go for larger capped 4G tiers...for a slight premium of course. There's minimal motivation for 3G users with an unlimited tier to pay more for a capped 4G tier otherwise.
said by TwighlightLA:

I don't see Apple being as big a player one year from now at least in terms of percentage of phones sold and used.

iPhone interest was already waning, hence the need to open of the aperture from just AT&T to include VZW.

jgkolt
Premium Member
join:2004-02-21
Avon, OH

jgkolt

Premium Member

4g

Do we know what the 4g lte smartphone plans will be capped and priced at?

DigtlDisastr
@216.161.255.x

DigtlDisastr

Anon

Re: 4g

5gb per month for the low price of your first born. The overage fees will be your left testicle.
openbox9
Premium Member
join:2004-01-26
71144

openbox9 to jgkolt

Premium Member

to jgkolt
My guess for new smartphone tiers:

3G=5 GB/mth @ $30, $10/GB, or another 5 GB for $30
4G=10 GB/mth @$45, $10/GB, or another 10 GB for $45
jfmezei
Premium Member
join:2007-01-03
Pointe-Claire, QC

jfmezei

Premium Member

Don't underestimate AT&T

Verizon should have kept its mouth shut and pretended unlimited would be available. End of story. 6 months later, they announce a free restructure and unlimited is gone. Perhaps the unlimited will be so short lived that lawyers called the Verizon COO and told him to issue a correction ASAP to prevent accusatiosn of false advertising.

However, this is good for Apple because by creating a sense of urgency, people will flock to get their iphone on day 1 because they fear if they arrive a few days later, unlimited will be gone. And long lines of people waiting to get tgheir iphones will be good publicity for Apple.

Hopefully Verizon will be prepared to handle this rush.

Don't understimate AT&T though. They may have sat on their laurels when they had the iphone monopoly, but now that it is gone, don't be surprise if they become competitive all of a sudden.

AT&T could selectively offer unlimited to customers who would otherwise have defected to Verizon.

And AT&T could actively try to send its heaviest users to Verizon. They woudl reduce the load on AT&T's network and cause congestion at Verizon.

A company that *appears* stupid can surprise a lot of people with very smart moves all of a sudden.

•••

antdude
Matrix Ant
Premium Member
join:2001-03-25
US

antdude

Premium Member

Don't trust it!

They probably have a line saying that they change this at any time!

FastiBook
join:2003-01-08
Newtown, PA

FastiBook

Member

I still have unlimited data.....

Under att. I have no reason and no want to switch to the data OR voice nework of vzw.

- A
flyingjoey
join:2005-11-07
Jersey City, NJ

flyingjoey

Member

Re: I still have unlimited data.....

I second that...

Last month I used 20 gig. Now I'm getting my money's worth.

doc69
Premium Member
join:2004-08-01

doc69

Premium Member

Lol..

I hope all isp's & cell meter their data... I already dropped cabel tv, internet. Next will be cell. Wow it will be nice to keep my money & not feed these freaking pigs anymore. Free at last free at last...
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