Verizon's new Share Everything Plans discussion thread

[bug_monster]

I think we're missing the big news here. At the bottom of Verizon's pdf is the new data-only plan. We should be able to use a smartphone as a data-only "tablet", combined with Google Voice and GrooVe IP.

With voice minutes "costing" 1.2MB per minute (when not on Wi-Fi) and free texting via Google Voice, you can have the equivalent of 5 smartphones with 2000 shared minutes, unlimited texts, and 7GB shared data for about $110 per month + tax (5x$10 for devices, $60 for 10GB data). And you can add another 2GB of data for only $10 as needed. Add tablets as needed. No contract. This is where it's at.

[rdekema]

Good God! What kind of drugs are Verizon on!? The only way these plans make sense is for a consumer with a ton of devices which use almost no data. I was planning on sticking with my unlimited individual plan anyway, but even _I_ never suspected the shared plans would be this bad...

[Paradyne]

Why so complicated? Make it pay-as-you go...1GB for $10, every gig after $10.

But for VZW the future is "overages" just like with the banks and their overdraft fees.

[Cares]

Who in their right mnds would think this is a good deal?

[doropallo]

We never went the smartphone route, but I was going to look at it if this shared pricing was appealing. Now if we want a smartphone I think I will shop elsewhere, these prices are ridiculous, 1GB for $50? I realize Wifi is available in a lot of locations, but 1GB doesn't go far. 3 phones, just access is $120, and what a discount on the first $40 and then add $50 for almost nothing is no bargain.

[phlack]

This could also be the beginning of the big carriers shedding some less profitable customers, who will go to other carriers or MVNOs, and keeping the higher quality, higher-paying customers for themselves.

Interesting thought. However, those MVNOs use their own big carrier pipes as well (ie Page Plus uses VZW), so wouldn't they rather keep them to begin with?

-Mike

[JoJoCal19]

On second glance at this, I will end up saving a good bit of money. I think the issue is for people with basic phones mixed with smart phones and high data users. My wife and I use 1GB a month combined, so instead of now paying $89.99 voice, $30 text, $60 for two iPhones = $180 before discounts, We will pay $80 for two iPhones, $60 for 2GB data = $140 before discounts.

[phlack]

I am almost up for an upgrade, so I have to think about this quickly.

I'm on a grandfathered Alltel plan: Two lines, 1000 minutes, 1000 texts/line, and "Unlimited" data/line. Cost is about $150/month including taxesand 18% employer discount. Oh, and 12 My Circle numbers (I like that better than Friends & Family, reminds me of Alltel). Because of those, I never exceed my minutes allotment.

Under the new plan I'd have to pay ~$150 or so, before taxes, and unknown about the employer discount. My son wants an iPhone, so according to the calculator, it would go up to ~$200 for 6GB (pre-tax and pre-discount) to add the third line in. Otherwise I might just tell him to go with an android on T-Mobile for $30/month.

What I don't get is why is a smartphone more expensive monthly than a dumb phone? It doesn't include the data price. Does somehow the voice minutes become "better" on a smartphone?

-Mike

[Cares]

On second glance at this, I will end up saving a good bit of money. I think the issue is for people with basic phones mixed with smart phones and high data users. My wife and I use 1GB a month combined, so instead of now paying $89.99 voice, $30 text, $60 for two iPhones = $180 before discounts, We will pay $80 for two iPhones, $60 for 2GB data = $140 before discounts.

I'm hearing that corporate discounts do not apply.

[dannyboy888]

I think we're missing the big news here. At the bottom of Verizon's pdf is the new data-only plan. We should be able to use a smartphone as a data-only "tablet", combined with Google Voice and GrooVe IP.

Funny that you should mention this. I was just thinking the exact same thing.
Data only plans are actually quite a great deal especially with open access for devices(thank you, Google). No contract and cheap price. I really dont need text messaging and I might need some minutes when I'm not in the office but even at .45cents/minute I'd probably be fine.

I was also thinking about Skype Premium as a possible option with Google Voice. I'm just not sure if the LTE coverage is good enough to make this work. But for this price, I'm willing to find out.

I just wish Google would come out with some type of VoLTE solution so I could just give them a few bucks every month and be done with it.

[fraydog]

I really doubt VZW will activate smartphones on tablet only plans.

[JoJoCal19]

I'm hearing that corporate discounts do not apply.

That would suck. But I'd still end up saving a little bit.

[Mr. Toad]

Under the new plan, will there be a way to add a line for under $30? The reason I ask under the old family plan I used to add a line for another upgrade. Definitely not worth doing for $30.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[Sepurb]

when I was with Verizon I had unlimited data, text, and minutes on an iPhone 4 for about $150 per month.

with these new plans, wouldn't I have saved $50 per month considering the 10gb plan($100) is the closest to unlimited data?

are these prices the same for individual lines also?

[TheHedonist]

I think we're missing the big news here. At the bottom of Verizon's pdf is the new data-only plan. We should be able to use a smartphone as a data-only "tablet", combined with Google Voice and GrooVe IP.

If history is any guide, verizon will not let you call your smartphone a tablet.