[Update] Verizon's New Family Data Plans Begin: It's Called the Share Everything Plan

[dreamjaeil]

For 3g unlimited users

After June 28th, can customers with unlimited 3G data plan still be grandfathered in to 4G if we purchase 4G phone outside of Verizon?

 

[npro1464]

I also don't understand how Verizon counts data. Whenever I put 3G watchdog on my phone, it never agrees with the VZW site. Right now, 3G Watchdog says I used 2.58 GB and the Verizon site says I used 4.593 already! There's no way I can go to capped data. The only thing I could accept is a 5 GB cap on a GSM network that doesn't suck up data.

 

[Colorado]

It seems like a lot of you have a great deal of knowledge so I would like to ask a question. Here is my situation: 2 lines, both smartphones. 1 eligible for an early upgrade the other not until aug 13th. I asked several times if we could upgrade both (dx's) before june 28tth to keep unlimited plan and they said no. So could i upgrade the one now to keep the unlimited for 2 more years. Then aug 13th upgrade the other? I'm guessing no but i would like confirmation.
Side note- I tried calling but they seem to be overwhelmed with a high call volume. Gee i wonder why???
Thanks

 

[kariyatd]

I, like many others, actually like the structure of the new plans, but I completely agree - it's the data prices that are absolutely horrible.

If there was some sort of "loyalty" promotion to get existing data customers to switch over, I'd be perfectly fine with it. Honestly, it doesn't seem like it'd be all that hard to do.

For example, if Verizon were to say, offer unlimited data customers a promo where we could get 4 gigs of data for, say, $30 under the new share everything plans, I'd be completely willing to make the switch immediately, I use anywhere between 1.5 - 3 gigs of data month, so 2Gb is worry-some, and 1 is ridiculous. But if I had one smartphone ($40), one feature phone ($30) and 4Gbs of shared data at $30 a month, I'd be saving money, and not squawking a bit at this new strategy.

The biggest problem is here is how big of a hit unlimited data users are taking. By even having unlimited data, it's a sign that we've been loyal to Verizon. The least they could do is consider rewarding those people.

I personally think we should get one last upgrade. I've always been screwed when it comes to upgrades. New spiffy phones always came out 2-3 months after my upgrade (cause Verizon only gave you so many days to use that upgrade). Now Verizon was gonna make it so when existing users upgraded, they'd have to switch to a data plan that wasn't unlimited. I was annoyed but for the most part ok since I always use over 1 gig but never over 2. But now they're gonna do this so reports are if I choose to upgrade since I can keep my phone/txting plan, I'd be downgraded to 1 gig a month for data, which is b.s.. If they want to downgrade us, fine, but leave it at 2 gigs, which is a pretty standard minimum.

 

[jseah]

Please keep us posted. I've had that promo on two smartphones since it was available in 2010. When I call up to pre-order our two GS3s, I am going to need major confirmation that this discount AND our unlimited will not be falling off. I don't want to go to Sprint, but I will if I have to.

Beka, that promo shouldn't fall off. I have done 7 upgrades since I first got the promo and haven't lost the discount. The strange thing is the promo doesn't show up in MyVerizon anymore if you look to see it on your lines, but don't worry. The important thing is when the bill comes, it does show up on your bill.

 

[B-RAN]

BTW - I don't need a tethering plan for my iPad because Bluetooth PAN works great on Motorola phones and there is nothing Verizon can do to stop it.
It's not a WiFi hot spot.

Yes they can, I have a friend who was doing exactly what you are doing and got a letter in the mail stating that it needs to stop, add the hot spot feature or be prepared to pay for the data used tethering since his account was flagged. What you are doing is illegal I dont care how you make it right in your mind, VZW can and will flag your account. Just an FYI.

 

[TatDroid]

The avg customers use between 3-5 gbs a month on unlimited.

Not sure where you got this? I seem to remember a while back reading a quote from Verizon saying that the majority of their smartphone customers use under 2GB per month. (remember, the members of this forum are NOT representative of the "average" customer)

 

[jseah]

They still don't realize that a good chunk of their users don't use the minutes they have or anywhere near them. Give us the option to have a family plan with minutes limited and shared data. Don't make us pay for what we don't need. And don't overcharge us for what we use the most.

They absolutely do realize that the vast majority of users don't all the minutes they have. That's why they can go ahead and say, "Oh, we'll give you unlimited voice minutes and unlimited text" and have it sound like it's a good thing and that they are being generous, when in fact it will cost them nothing.

 

[neoterixx64]

Biz

Someone said that these plans only affect individual plans not BUSINESS PLANS is this correct? Can anyone verify this?

 

[r314bd]

Yes they can, I have a friend who was doing exactly what you are doing and got a letter in the mail stating that it needs to stop, add the hot spot feature or be prepared to pay for the data used tethering since his account was flagged. What you are doing is illegal I dont care how you make it right in your mind

This is false.

Tethering without a tethering plan is not illegal.

It violates your carrier TOS, but it is not illegal. Strictly speaking, you are using the data you've already paid for. By attempting to charge you twice for data you've already paid to use, the carrier is the scam artist, not the person tethering.

 

[TatDroid]

I will be leaving vzw shortly.

Where are you gonna go for a better deal? I've heard T-Mobile mentioned before. But not according to this article: http://m.yahoo.com/w/legobpengine/n..._host_hdr=news.yahoo.com&.intl=US&.lang=en-US

 

[B-RAN]

This is false.

Tethering without a tethering plan is not illegal.

It violates your carrier TOS, but it is not illegal. Strictly speaking, you are using the data you've already paid for. By attempting to charge you twice for data you've already paid to use, the carrier is the scam artist, not the person tethering.

My bad, TOS are a contract and violating a contract can result in legal action between the two parties. Is that better?
Like I said, you can justify it however you would like for yourself. I'm simply stating that VZW or any carrier can take action if they'd like on anyone who is not paying for a tethering plan and doing it. Have a great day!

 

[androidlearner]

Where are you gonna go for a better deal? I've heard T-Mobile mentioned before. But not according to this article: Sorry, T-Mobile: Your shared data plans are just as lame as Verizon

While most of this is true, I think that if people are going to be capped on 4G (or tmobile equivalent) they would rather have unlimited 3g after that as apposed to being charged for all the data that they go over there cap. That article skips over the fact that you still don't pay for overages on T-Mobile whereas Verizon will squeeze every penny out of you.

 

[TatDroid]

No, you don't "pay" for overages on T-Mobile's "unlimited" data plan. But I love the analogy they use for throttling - it's like giving you an all you can eat buffet, but making you wait an hour each time before you can go back to refill your plate. At what point do you realize "I can't function like this (video buffers endlessly). I'd rather just pay to get my fast data back".

 

[androidlearner]

I don't actually have T-Mobile but can't you pay for more of there "4G" speed? If this is true in the end it's better then Verizon only because you have the option to pay for more but you don't lose access to all of your data regardless of which option you choose to go with.

EDIT: Verizon isn't offering 4G with throttling. They are offering 4G and then charge out the @#$ for anything past your limit.