Verizon family data share plan pricing info

**paul-c** · 06-12-2012, 11:23 PM

I am the only one on my family plan with data at all, everyone else has feature phones. I talked with customer service and asked if I'd be able to keep my unlimited plan if one of my other lines wanted to upgrade to a new feature phone. To the best of her knowledge, she said as long as they aren't going to upgrade to smartphones I'll be left alone. So I guess I'm going to be buying off contract, and the lines that have feature phones will at least get to upgrade to the latest and greatest flip without triggering the share data and throwing me off unlimited. Thankfully the other people on my plan don't have any interest in data or I'd be in trouble. Hope what I was told was accurate, it is still early.

**Eclipse2K** · 06-13-2012, 12:17 AM

I need clarification on one thing because I may be misunderstanding something here. This only effects family plan lines, right? In other words, those of us on a single line plan won't have to switch to these plans when the upgrade date comes if we chose to use our upgrade? I figure we would be forced off unlimited, but would the $30 for 4 GB still be active for these lines?

Again, this doesn't effect me as I'll be paying full retail, but I'm just curious if the share plans are only for those on family lines. Single lines still use the same "current" pricing, correct?

**paul-c** · 06-13-2012, 12:42 AM

I believe you're correct, Eclipse. Although I think single line customers are going to be offered 2GB for $30.

Ry · 06-13-2012, 12:49 AM

Originally Posted by Eclipse2K

I need clarification on one thing because I may be misunderstanding something here. This only effects family plan lines, right? In other words, those of us on a single line plan won't have to switch to these plans when the upgrade date comes if we chose to use our upgrade? I figure we would be forced off unlimited, but would the $30 for 4 GB still be active for these lines?

Again, this doesn't effect me as I'll be paying full retail, but I'm just curious if the share plans are only for those on family lines. Single lines still use the same "current" pricing, correct?

I'm pretty sure this does not affect single line users at all.

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**bberrynewbie84** · 06-13-2012, 01:16 AM

So all single plans will stay the same?

**Eclipse2K** · 06-13-2012, 02:07 AM

Originally Posted by paul-c

I believe you're correct, Eclipse. Although I think single line customers are going to be offered 2GB for $30.

I figured, I only mentioned 4 GB due to the promotion that Verizon has been running.

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**JHBThree** · 06-13-2012, 03:39 AM

Wait. I'm confused. Are these plans in addition to the current capped plans, or are they replacing them? Verizon didn't make that clear.

If they're just a new set of plans to go along with the current ones, that's very different.

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**Alewood** · 06-13-2012, 03:43 AM

I am trying to figure out what to do. I pre ordered the s3 for myself, my wife is eligible for an upgrade now and my daughter would like a smartphone. I currently have 4 lines with 2 smartphones and pay $199.94 per month not counting taxes and discount. Under the new plan I would pay $210.00 per month with 4GB data plan not adding taxes and so forth. I guess it would be better to add my daughter now because it would be 220 per month versus 230 per month later. Someone please check my numbers and give advice. I figure that we use about 2GB per month each on average. Please help I am really confused.

**kulkaholic** · 06-13-2012, 04:34 AM

Originally Posted by roxy surf

Looks like I'll be paying full price for my next phone..I mean, most people who use these phones use them for data, that's why we buy them...I don't see how anyone would be able to share a 1 gig plan, I'm sure its possible for some but not many..and a that price? I can see, like someone said, a 5 or 10 gig plan at a reasonable price, I don't know, this is ridiculous.

Actually there are probably more smart phone users that use 1-2GB than more. I have three family members with smart phones and combined they used probably 1.5-2GB a month. My mother in law has a BB Curve and wants an Iphone because they are cool.

**Egz** · 06-13-2012, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by Ry

I'm pretty sure this does not affect single line users at all.

Its just annoying how they didn't make that clear in their annoucement, nor on their calculator. If you use the calculator, it doesn't mention anything about single user plans. I wouldn't be surprised if in the future, Verzion just puts everyone on it.

**OWybPPgO** · 06-13-2012, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by Alewood

I am trying to figure out what to do. I pre ordered the s3 for myself, my wife is eligible for an upgrade now and my daughter would like a smartphone. I currently have 4 lines with 2 smartphones and pay $199.94 per month not counting taxes and discount. Under the new plan I would pay $210.00 per month with 4GB data plan not adding taxes and so forth. I guess it would be better to add my daughter now because it would be 220 per month versus 230 per month later. Someone please check my numbers and give advice. I figure that we use about 2GB per month each on average. Please help I am really confused.

It's cheaper for me to stay on my current shared voice/text plan with 3 smartphones and 2 feature phones than switch to their shared data plan. I don't think they're forcing a switch. I know I only have until the 28th to upgrade and keep my unlim, but I think I can change my feature phones to smartphones at any time as long as I'm willing to add the $30 per phone (or whatever the rate is at the time).

**OWybPPgO** · 06-13-2012, 08:49 AM

Originally Posted by paul-c

I am the only one on my family plan with data at all, everyone else has feature phones. I talked with customer service and asked if I'd be able to keep my unlimited plan if one of my other lines wanted to upgrade to a new feature phone. To the best of her knowledge, she said as long as they aren't going to upgrade to smartphones I'll be left alone. So I guess I'm going to be buying off contract, and the lines that have feature phones will at least get to upgrade to the latest and greatest flip without triggering the share data and throwing me off unlimited. Thankfully the other people on my plan don't have any interest in data or I'd be in trouble. Hope what I was told was accurate, it is still early.

This confuses me. Why can't you add data to your current family plan for the other lines? This is my situation - 1 smartphone + 4 feature phones. I plan on upgrading two of them and staying on my current voice/text family plan. There's nothing anywhere that says I can't do that now, unless you think it's going to change on 6/28?

What do you think is the latest and greatest feature phone? My family is all still on LG Dares because the new feature phones have been so lousy.

**ToddL** · 06-13-2012, 09:07 AM

Somewhat related question - both me and my wife have smartphones, she is due for a new phone, but I still have 6 months on contract. What happens to our shared plan if she gets a new phone? Will they force us to switch both of us to the new plan? That would seem strange, unless they're going to offer me an early upgrade discount to get us on the same upgrade/contract schedule.

**kevster1321** · 06-13-2012, 10:19 AM

I just called VZ and they said that if your on a family shared plan now and upgrade a feature phone to a smartphone you will have to change your whole plan to the new plan unless you buy the smartphone out right. If you buy it out right then you will get the $30 2 gig on the phone.

**OWybPPgO** · 06-13-2012, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by kevster1321

I just called VZ and they said that if your on a family shared plan now and upgrade a feature phone to a smartphone you will have to change your whole plan to the new plan unless you buy the smartphone out right. If you buy it out right then you will get the $30 2 gig on the phone.

Starting immediately or as of 6/28?

**kevster1321** · 06-13-2012, 10:26 AM

6/28

**OWybPPgO** · 06-13-2012, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by kevster1321

6/28

Well, that makes sense, since the new plans aren't active yet.

I just started a live chat to ask the same question. I think these reps need to get their stories straight!

Angela: Hello. Thank you for visiting our chat service. May I help you with your order today?
Angela: hello.
Me: If I am currently on a voice and messaging plan, can I still upgrade a phone from a feature phone to a smartphone and add the $30 data plan or will I be forced into the new share everything plan if I upgrade a phone?
Angela: You can choose which plan you want.
Angela: Are you upgrading today?
Me: no, but I've been planning to upgrade and I wanted to know if that was going to change on 6/28. Some people are reporting that some vz customer reps are telling them that if you upgrade you'll have to switch plans or pay full retail on the phone.
Angela: If you have unlimited data and want to upgrade to a 4G phone and want to keep the unlimited data, you will need to upgrade before August 1st. After you will have to select another data plan.
Me: OK, but if I have a feature phone and want to upgrade to a smartphone with 2GB, has anything changed? Or will anything change after 6/28? Will I still be able to stay on the talk & text plan and add the data plan?
Angela: Yes you will. The share everything is for if you want unlimited talk and text also.
Me: ok, thanks
Angela: You're welcome.

**kulkaholic** · 06-13-2012, 10:41 AM

Originally Posted by Egz

Its just annoying how they didn't make that clear in their annoucement, nor on their calculator. If you use the calculator, it doesn't mention anything about single user plans. I wouldn't be surprised if in the future, Verzion just puts everyone on it.

I would nog be surprised if their long term plan is to go VoIP and do away with the cdma technology.

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**jm2907** · 06-13-2012, 11:57 AM

Originally Posted by JHBThree

Wait. I'm confused. Are these plans in addition to the current capped plans, or are they replacing them? Verizon didn't make that clear.

If they're just a new set of plans to go along with the current ones, that's very different.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

I have called three separate times, talked to three separate CSRs. Got the same response each time.

My situation is this: On a 700 minute family plan, two smart phones (one of which still has unlimited data, mine), two feature phones. If I upgrade my smart phone with a subsidized phone, I will lose my unlimited data and have to buy a 2GB block for $30, same as my wife's smartphone plan. That's all. We will not be forced into the new unlimited share plan when I upgrade. We will be allowed to keep our current plan, except I will lose the unlimited data. I'd rather not lose unlimited data, but I was pretty sure it would go away at some point.

The bottom line is the new unlimited plan does not replace the existing family plans. You will not be forced into taking their crappy deal. If you are happy with your existing plan you can keep that. The only change in essence would be that you would lose unlimited, if you still have that.

I hope this is what you were asking. I know to some this might seem like a "well,duh" moment, but I was all freaked out that my existing plan would be taken away and I'd be forced to take their crappy deal when and if I upgraded.

**OWybPPgO** · 06-13-2012, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by jm2907

I have called three separate times, talked to three separate CSRs. Got the same response each time.

My situation is this: On a 700 minute family plan, two smart phones (one of which still has unlimited data, mine), two feature phones. If I upgrade my smart phone with a subsidized phone, I will lose my unlimited data and have to buy a 2GB block for $30, same as my wife's smartphone plan. That's all. We will not be forced into the new unlimited share plan when I upgrade. We will be allowed to keep our current plan, except I will lose the unlimited data. I'd rather not lose unlimited data, but I was pretty sure it would go away at some point.

The bottom line is the new unlimited plan does not replace the existing family plans. You will not be forced into taking their crappy deal. If you are happy with your existing plan you can keep that. The only change in essence would be that you would lose unlimited, if you still have that.

I hope this is what you were asking. I know to some this might seem like a "well,duh" moment, but I was all freaked out that my existing plan would be taken away and I'd be forced to take their crappy deal when and if I upgraded.

That's only true if you upgrade after 6/28. Before that, you can still keep your unlimited.

**kevster1321** · 06-13-2012, 12:11 PM

ok but what if i go from a feature phone to a smartphone?

**OWybPPgO** · 06-13-2012, 12:15 PM

Originally Posted by kevster1321

ok but what if i go from a feature phone to a smartphone?

Heh, that's the big question

I keep hearing different answers to that one.

**DibDab** · 06-13-2012, 12:19 PM

We have 2 lines, both 3g. What happens if we buy a 4g phone outright to replace our phones without a 2 year contract? Will we then be forced to get the new plan?

**Devinator** · 06-13-2012, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by kulk35

I would nog be surprised if their long term plan is to go VoIP and do away with the cdma technology.

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And SMS while they are at it. Why pay for text messaging when you can get it for free with Google Voice. But wait, then my data cost would probably go up. Don't get rid of SMS.

**eshropshire** · 06-13-2012, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by jerryk

I think all of the people thinking that Sprint is an alternative should really reconsider. I am on Sprint and am seriously thinking about ditching them because of poor service, lack of 4G coverage (Wimax expansion has been stopped), and lack of 4G Speed (around 1mb/sec max) Also, the LTE buildout is moving along very slowly since Sprint does not have the capital to go faster.

I was actually thinking of moving to Verizon and wanted to get some opinions on the new plan.

This is the problem with Sprint - they have almost not capital and even worse very little spectrum for LTE, even after they shut down Nextel. Sprint has not made any money for over 4 years and they have committed over 20 billion dollars to Apple.

I had Sprint where I use to live and it was pretty good. When I moved we could not make phone calls from our house, but everyone on Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile had no problems. Sprint kept promising more services, but several years later it is just as bad. (My friends on Sprint can't make calls from where we live.)

I don't think Sprint will leave unlimited data, but I don't think they will care about the quality on speed of their their overburdened network.