Verizon has begun sending out training documents on its new data plans to “indirect retailers” such as Best Buy and so on that answers all of your questions about what will happen to existing customers and just how much new ones will be paying come July 7th. Android Central was able to get their hands on a copy and have shared it with the world. In short, existing customers are safe for now barring a few caveats (adding another line), but anyone signing up from July 7th on is going to feel some pain.
The rumored data packages that were floating around the other day were all true, but luckily so was the one saying that existing customers could keep their unlimited plans even through upgrades and renewals. Here is how the entire pricing chart now works out for data on phones courtesy of Android Central. (click the image for a mondo-sized view if you need it)
If you’ve been pondering switching to Verizon at any point in your life, you may wish to do it before the close of business on July 6th. Anyone who signs up between now and when these plans take effect on July 7th can still sign up for the unlimited data plan. So if you’re waiting for the iPhone 5, you might want to go and get yourself the cheapest phone you can, sign up for the unlimited plan, and then just sit on it for a few months. In the long run you could actually be saving yourself money depending on how much data you would use.
Here is the full email that went out to the indirect resellers answering even more of your questions.
As of this morning we have been given the green light to start training on the data changes Verizon Wireless is making effective 7/7/11.
$29.99 unlimited data will be discontinued effective 7/7/11
EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That have our $29.99 unlimited data plan WILL BE GRANDFATHERED IN, they will keep their unlimited plan after 7/7/11
EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That current have the unlimited data WILL BE ABLE TO UPGRADE AND KEEP the unlimited data feature (No known end date on this as of this moment)
EXISTING CUSTOMERS- That add lines post 7/7/2011, will NOT be able to choose the $29.99 unlimited data feature
NEW CUSTOMERS- Any customer that sets up service from now, until 7/7/2011 WILL BE ON, AND WILL BE GRANDFATHERED into our $29.99 unlimited data package
NEW CUSTOMERS- Any new customer that set up service AFTER 7/7/2011, WILL NOT be able to choose the $29.99 unlimited plan
BUSINESS DISCOUNTS- Currently our business discounts apply to the $29.99 data plan on the primary line only. Most discounts are 20% despite whatever monthly access discount they have
BUSINESS DISCOUNTS- After 7/7/2011 data discounts will only apply to the $50 and higher data packages on the primary line.
Discount break down ex. of customers with a 20% feature discount on their primary line. ($50-20%=$40/month for 5GB and includes the business e-mail feature)
— ($20/GB vs. $40/GB+ Business e-mail )
New data pricing for smart phones is as follows:
$30 for 2GB with $10/GB overage
$50 for 5GB (this also includes business e-mail at no additional charge) with $10/GB overage
$80 for 10GB (this also includes business e-mail at no additional charge) with $10/GB overage
So all changes effective July 7th, 2011.
Existing customer KEEP their $29.99 unlimited data plan
If an existing customer upgrades from a feature phone to a smart phone after 7/7/11, they will NOT be able to add on the unlimited data package. They must choose from the new data plans.
Anyone who sets up new service with unlimited data, upgrades from a feature phone to a smart phone with unlimited data, or customer currently on the $29.99 before July, 7, 2011 will be grandfathered in.
These changes also apply to employee plans as well (personal accounts w/work discounts applied)
SO, This is a huge time for us to set our customers up with the right package for them! We only have 14 DAYS remaining for unlimited data, and until the new data pricing takes effect. (14 days to setup new customers w/unlimited data, and customers upgrading from a feature phone to a smart phone)
PLEASE, PLEASE make sure we take advantage of this heads up and get our heavy data users set up on these unlimited plans before they change.
Please call, text or e-mail me any questions or concerns you might have.
What do you think of the new Verizon data plans?
[via Android Central]
