Verizon Wireless has put out that it will delay changing over from its current unlimited data plan to a new tiered price rate for new users until the summer, which is also when there may be a new iPhone 5 announced.
This is three months later than its previously announced timeframe it made last fall. The next iPhone5 is expected to be out in June or July so new users may be able to get on before the unlimited plans go away.
The expected summer start of the tiered plan is supposedly designed to keep from making barriers to anyone wanting to go to Verizon for service. That appears to have been a good idea, as the current unlimited plan is why has drawn some customers from AT&T to switch to Verizon.
So far, Verizon is happy with its own launch of the iPhone 4, according to Chief Financial Officer Fran Shammo. They sold out of their inventory of presales of the phone in only 17 hours but didn’t have that much regular traffic at brick and mortar stores, even with an unlimited plan. The new tiered plan is supposed to put a stop to people who hoard data and drive up the network costs by overusing the networks. These plans also bring in more profits and help to offset those costs.
In June, AT&T went to a two tiered plan for new users. Most of Verizon’s customers are either using the inexpensive data plan or no plan, according to all reports. Verizon says they believe most of its users will eventually get an iPhone and that these customers will be willing to spent the $30-$50 a month for the new tiered data plans. Now, they pay about $30 for unlimited, but when that goes away this summer, Verizon will have to be sure to make good on its brags that it is a better and faster 4G network and hope that is enough to bring in new customers.
No, data isnt expensive at all. What people have to realize is that to have a powerful and widespread data network (espescially with new 4G LTE) you need plenty of revenue to grow out the network and not be broke like Sprint is who can not afford to build their wiMax out anymore. If you are going to say you are the best network in america, you have to pay for the best network.