Verizon, data policy change

DAILY DOT COM - In the past, customers were rewarded for their loyalty, but that doesn't appear to be the case now.

Verizon will reveal a new shared data policy this summer and end its unlimited data option, according to CFO Fran Shammo.

That means customers with grandfathered unlimited data plans will have to start minding their gigabytes going forward.

However, the move only applies to customers who upgrade to LTE devices.

Verizon felt the move was necessary as it expands its LTE network, which has already been added to Mobile, Ala., Gulfport and Biloxi, Miss., and Fort Walton Beach, Ala.

It seems unlimited data offerings are becoming rarer among the major U.S. carriers.  AT&T long got rid of the option but is still honoring plans for customers who renew their contracts.

Frustrated Verizon customers may run to Sprint, which still offers new customers unlimited data.  The only way around it –is to pay full price for the phone.

In a statement, Verizon said customers that have an unlimited data plan can maintain the service by paying full retail price for future devices -essentially forfeiting the savings that usually come with an upgrade.

Official statement from Verizon:

As we have stated publicly, Verizon Wireless has been evaluating its pricing structure for some time.  Customers have told us that they want to share data, similar to how they share minutes today.  We are working on plans to provide customers with that option and will introduce new plans later this year. 

When the new options are introduced, Unlimited Data will no longer be available to our customers purchasing handsets and signing a new contract. Customers who choose to purchase phones at full retail price and are currently on an unlimited smartphone data plan will be able to keep that plan. The same pricing and policies will apply to all 3G and 4GLTE smartphones.

 We will share specific details of the plans well in advance of their introduction so customers will have time to evaluate the plans and make the best decisions for their wireless service.  It is our goal and commitment to continue to provide customers with the same high value service they have come to expect from Verizon Wireless.

Incidentally, the American Customer Satisfaction index puts Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile USA and Verizon within 2 points of each other --on a 100-point scale of customer satisfaction.  That's the smallest spread since the survey started looking at all four companies in 2005.