Has Verizon ever required you to use the unlimited data plan in the past?

[dpham00]

Now, unlimited data is not available anymore but for some time Verizon required you to sign up for the unlimited data plan, if you wanted a smartphone. At that time they would not allow you to use a smartphone on their system without the unlimited data plan, even if you purchased the phone without contract. You could not get rid of the data plan all together or use a lower tier data plan.

In fact, it was one of the reasons why I waited until 2011 to get the Thunderbolt. There were phones that I was interested before this but I didn't want to pay for data.

Ironically, after Verizon essentially forced me onto unlimited data, now they are trying to get me off the plan when upgrading.

 

[Ry]

I never felt like I was forced to use the Unlimited Data Plan but when I switch to a smartphone, a smartphone - even if Wi-Fi-capable, was worthless to me without a data plan.

 

[JnEricsonx]

Now, unlimited data is not available anymore but for some time Verizon required you to sign up for the unlimited data plan, if you wanted a smartphone. At that time they would not allow you to use a smartphone on their system without the unlimited data plan, even if you purchased the phone without contract. You could not get rid of the data plan all together or use a lower tier data plan.

In fact, it was one of the reasons why I waited until 2011 to get the Thunderbolt. There were phones that I was interested before this but I didn't want to pay for data.

Ironically, after Verizon essentially forced me onto unlimited data, now they are trying to get me off the plan when upgrading.

Heh, same thing, I got the Tbolt in 2011-in fact, its still sitting in front of me right now, even though I have a Note 2, because I heard they were dropping UDP, so I figured jump into the smartphone pool while the getting was good.

 

[xiwong]

My first was a Droid Incredible I got in 2010 when they still had the buy one get one promo and the 150MB/$15 plan. We got two of those on the family plan and only got the 150MB plans. The next year, when I found they were going to end unlimited, I called on the night of July 6th, waited on hold for 6 hours, and switched both of them over to unlimited which I have had since then. Best impulse choice I have ever made in my plan.

 

[diesteldorf]

I never felt like I was forced to use the Unlimited Data Plan but when I switch to a smartphone, a smartphone - even if Wi-Fi-capable, was worthless to me without a data plan.

This. I waited to get a smartphone until the screens got large enough where I felt I could easily surf the web and stream videos. My first smartphone was a Droid X and, if all smartphones still had 3.5 inch screens or less, I doubt I would've made the switch.

Not to nitpick, because I know that everyone agrees, but the $29.99 Unlimited used to be the only plan available.

I am sure there was a time when the extra $30 charge per month made Verizon a handsome profit when the hardware was probably cheaper to sell on contract and most smartphones were still Blackberries, incapable of heavy usage. Many of the first smartphone users were probably happy to pay the data fee for the ability to send and receive email on the go. Verizon made everybody pay for the same plan, regardless of usage because it wasn't worth it to calculate.

In fact, I believe Verizon's first data plans were $44.99 and the $29.99 email and web plan came later.

Now, of course times have changed. I'm still surprised Verizon allowed us to keep unlimited plans when their 4G Network was being built out. The Iphone was still 3g only, but the Thunderbolt was 4g and was decent smartphone for its time.

Now, Verizon is all about data usage and could care less how many minutes you spend talking every month.

Using 1 Terabyte of Mobile Data is impressive, but I'll be more impressed when VOLTE rolls out and someone uses 1 GB data on voice only!

 

[dpham00]

I never felt like I was forced to use the Unlimited Data Plan but when I switch to a smartphone, a smartphone - even if Wi-Fi-capable, was worthless to me without a data plan.

I understand but I have 4 lines that don't need data, only my line needs data. So 5 lines of service with just one UDP line would be $120 for me (no mhs included). Adding data at the current minimum $30 rate would double my bill to $240.

While I understand that many people need data, at half the cost, I am willing to make the sacrifice. My wife's iPhone line last month used 0.01gb. I don't want to have to pay money for this if I don't have to.

dpham00, Android Central Moderator
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

 

[diesteldorf]

I understand but I have 4 lines that don't need data, only my line needs data. So 5 lines of service with just one UDP line would be $120 for me (no mhs included). Adding data at the current minimum $30 rate would double my bill to $240.

While I understand that many people need data, at half the cost, I am willing to make the sacrifice. My wife's iPhone line last month used 0.01gb. I don't want to have to pay money for this if I don't have to.

dpham00, Android Central Moderator
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

I guess I understand. So your family wants smatphones to use of wifi only? Are you seriously thinking about giving up your unlimited data plan?

 

[dpham00]

I guess I understand. So your family wants smatphones to use of wifi only? Are you seriously thinking about giving up your unlimited data plan?

I am not willingly giving up unlimited ever...

And pretty much... Everywhere they go they have wifi. I have the unlimited hotspot as well for when we are out.

Sure it would be nice to have Internet on the go, but not at $30/mo per line. My parents have trouble using even a tablet , forget about a smartphone. I gave them a tablet and it is just collecting dust. When they need something, even at home, they will call me anyway.

I mean realistically, if Verizon offered the $10/75mb plan for smartphones then I would be willing to pay it. But $30 is too much. In the end, a basic phone is probably better for my parents anyway. They are always complaining about how the battery always runs out in their basic phone anyway m


dpham00, Android Central Moderator
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

 

[Ry]

I understand but I have 4 lines that don't need data, only my line needs data. So 5 lines of service with just one UDP line would be $120 for me (no mhs included). Adding data at the current minimum $30 rate would double my bill to $240.

While I understand that many people need data, at half the cost, I am willing to make the sacrifice. My wife's iPhone line last month used 0.01gb. I don't want to have to pay money for this if I don't have to.

dpham00, Android Central Moderator
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

dumbphone + iPod touch if you're around Wi-Fi 99% of the time.

 

[dpham00]

dumbphone + iPod touch if you're around Wi-Fi 99% of the time.

They don't want two devices. Have enough trouble just keeping the cell phone.

dpham00, Android Central Moderator
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

 

[Ry]

They don't want two devices. Have enough trouble just keeping the cell phone.

dpham00, Android Central Moderator
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Hmm. Kin Onem can be on dumbphone plans but has Wi-Fi as well.

 

[dpham00]

Hmm. Kin Onem can be on dumbphone plans but has Wi-Fi as well.

I thought about it. But problem from what I remember was that you can't import or export contacts from the kin to anything else.

dpham00, Android Central Moderator
Sent from my Verizon Samsung Galaxy Note 3