After AT&T; switched to limited data plans for their smartphone users, Verizon began to quickly climb as the number one mobile provider. Now, soon after getting rights to sell the iPhone, Verizon has decided to be greedy and punish new customers with limited data plans. Current users will be able to keep their current $30 unlimited plan, but new subscribers will be forced to choose from higher priced limited packages.
As of July 7th, users will have tiered data plan options starting at $30 for 2 GB up to $80 for 10 GB. While Verizon (as do all other companies trying to restrict Internet and smartphone usage) states 2 GB is ample for the average user, this isn’t always true. With smartphones constantly connected to the Internet, usage is a constant factor. Add to this the growing size of many apps, streaming and free apps requiring full access to the Internet to display ads and usage could easily go over this limit.
If you do go over your plan, you’ll be charged a whopping $10 per GB. The best idea is to take a good look at prior usage or check to see if you can switch usage plans at any time. While Verizon may think this is a good move, in fact, they are setting themselves up to fail.
This now leaves Sprint as the only major carrier still offering unlimited data plans. When Verizon took over Alltel, they not only cut large areas of coverage for mobile broadband, but went to a 5 GB monthly limit from Alltel’s previous unlimited plan. Users who lost coverage quickly looked elsewhere for a provider (as this voided their contracts) and new users didn’t even bother.
For smartphone users, the same thing is bound to happen. Instead of going with Verizon, anyone in the Sprint coverage area will likely buy from Sprint. The only positive Verizon has to offer is the iPhone, which many users have discovered isn’t worth the price or limited data plans. Rumors have it Sprint will be getting the iPhone themselves soon.
While it seems to be the trend for wireless providers to restrict Internet and smartphone data usage, the fact remains, the provider with true unlimited or even throttled usage. No overages mean you always know where you stand each month. Major carriers seem to believe they are untouchable as they control the majority of cell towers. For instance, companies such as Virgin Mobile, who use Sprint’s towers and network had to change their usage limits when Sprint changed their rules. However, Virgin Mobile has become a major player in the Mi-Fi arena with a 5 GB plan with only throttled speeds past the limit and no overage fees.
The Internet is a resource everyone deserves unlimited access to. The future may see these companies either facing lawsuits, new restrictions or even failing against new competitors. The main reason is because they promise something to lure customer in only to change the rules a few months later. The solution ‘” providers must ensure they have the equipment and network bandwidth available to provide true unlimited usage in order to give users the access they want and deserve.
