Tiered Data and MHS/MBBC

[Mortiel]

Tiered Data plans will be starting as of July 7th. The packages apply to ALL phones, basic, smart, 3G or 4G.

$10 - 75 MB
$30 - 2 GB
$50 - 5 GB
$80 - 10 GB

$20 per 1 GB overage

Additionally, MHS/MBBC will no longer be an add-on feature. There will be three additional data packages that have an included MHS/MBBC, with different overage pricing.

$50 - 4 GB
$70 - 7 GB
$100 - 12 GB

$10 per 1GB overage

Note that all the MHS/MBBC data plans essentially $20 for 2 GB like before, except there is no longer a special allowance for MHS/MBBC. It all comes from the same allowance. The extra $20 and 2 GB is bundled into the data package, so you will only see one charge on your bill, and one bucket of data for phone data and MHS/MBBC.


NOTE: UNLIMITED DATA PACKAGES *WILL* BE GRANDFATHERED. ANY DATA PLAN CHANGES ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME POLICIES AS OTHER GRANDFATHERED PLANS AND FEATURES. IF YOU CHANGE TO A TIERED DATA PLAN, YOU CAN GET CHANGED BACK TO THE UNLIMITED DATA PACKAGE UP TO 30 DAYS AFTER GOING TO TIERED BY CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HAVING THEM PLACE AN INACTIVE PRICING REQUEST.

 

[YourMobileGuru]

Thank you... mods please stickie this...

 

[YourMobileGuru]

I personally hope that over time these plans will be tweaked because as was said elsewhere this is actually a little worse than AT&T -- though arguably worth it because of the better network.

EDIT: one thing I see here that really DOES suck is that we wont be able to add and remove tethering at will anymore

NOTE: UNLIMITED DATA PACKAGES *WILL* BE GRANDFATHERED. ANY DATA PLAN CHANGES ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME POLICIES AS OTHER GRANDFATHERED PLANS AND FEATURES. IF YOU CHANGE TO A TIERED DATA PLAN, YOU CAN GET CHANGED BACK TO THE UNLIMITED DATA PACKAGE UP TO 30 DAYS AFTER GOING TO TIERED BY CALLING CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HAVING THEM PLACE AN INACTIVE PRICING REQUEST.

I highlighted this last part here because I think it bears emphasis, The way I read this if we accidentally remove the unlimited data or a glitch in My Verizon -- or an agent foul up -- we WILL be able to call and get it fixed so everybody here is good unless we DELIBERATELY remove the feature and wait more than a month to add it back.

 

[Eclipse2K]

Thank you.

I see it says you're a Verizon Tech Specialist in your signature. So, you work for Verizon and this information is straight from Verizon?

 

[groupdelay]

Believe it when I see it is actually implemented.

Saw an interesting news report on the national news.... FCC is now trying to crack down on cell phone providers for illegal gouging practices and false charges...and yes Verizon is guilty as charged....they were listed as one of the number one offenders.

 

[rabernet]

Additionally, MHS/MBBC will no longer be an add-on feature. There will be three additional data packages that have an included MHS/MBBC, with different overage pricing.

$50 - 4 GB
$70 - 7 GB
$100 - 12 GB

$10 per 1GB overage

Note that all the MHS/MBBC data plans essentially $20 for 2 GB like before, except there is no longer a special allowance for MHS/MBBC. It all comes from the same allowance. The extra $20 and 2 GB is bundled into the data package, so you will only see one charge on your bill, and one bucket of data for phone data and MHS/MBBC.

Maybe it's too early in the morning, and I'm not thinking clearly. BUT - if I'm reading this correctly, you HAVE to choose a tiered plan in order to get MHS/MBBC since it's no longer an add on?

 

[Ricom1]

Additionally, MHS/MBBC will no longer be an add-on feature. There will be three additional data packages that have an included MHS/MBBC, with different overage pricing.

Note that all the MHS/MBBC data plans essentially $20 for 2 GB like before, except there is no longer a special allowance for MHS/MBBC. It all comes from the same allowance. The extra $20 and 2 GB is bundled into the data package, so you will only see one charge on your bill, and one bucket of data for phone data and MHS/MBBC.

Ok, MHS I'm assuming is Mobile Hot Spot..what does MBBC stand for?

Thanks for the info!

 

[FrankXS]

Maybe it's too early in the morning, and I'm not thinking clearly. BUT - if I'm reading this correctly, you HAVE to choose a tiered plan in order to get MHS/MBBC since it's no longer an add on?

I would agree.

However, I would say that these plans are much less scary than a lot of us had feared. It's basically $20 more for tethering with an additional 2 GB coming with tethering.

The best part is...
-$20 per 1 GB overage
...and
-$10 per 1 GB overage
depending on plan.

That is SO MUCH BETTER than $5.17 per MB overage! (The old overage rate.)

-Frank

Sent from my HTC ThunderBolt 4G/LTE using Tapatalk

 

[Checker]

Ok, MHS I'm assuming is Mobile Hot Spot..what does MBBC stand for?

Thanks for the info!

Mobile BroadBand Connection

 

[FrankXS]

...so everybody here is good unless we DELIBERATELY remove the feature and wait more than a month to add it back.

Or, add Mobile Hotspot.

-Frank

 

[FrankXS]

Mobile BroadBand Connection

Yes. This would be the USB tethering method via the phone's "Connect to PC" menu.

-Frank

 

[robrecht]

Same Value??? Same Verizon BS.

Additionally, MHS/MBBC will no longer be an add-on feature. There will be three additional data packages that have an included MHS/MBBC, with different overage pricing.

This is unfortunate. I used to use MBBC on a pro-rated basis, on the infrequent occasions when I needed to tether my laptop and did not have access to WiFi.

With respect to the overall approach, it is ridiculous the way this Verizon exec tries to spin this:
http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-employees-get-tipped-changes-data-pricing

"... exciting evolution around how we package data solutions to our customers ... period of transformational innovation within Verizon Wireless ... new opportunities for us to meet and exceed the needs of our customers ... a structure designed to allow customers to choose the right data solution that best aligns with their needs. ... More speed. More functionality. Same value. ... The successful launch of our new data pricing solutions represents a key milestone in our continued march to excellence. ... To paraphrase a quote from a favorite cinematic masterpiece of mine from the
80’s, Top Gun ..."

How is 5GB for $50 the same value as 5GB for $30? No more pro-rated tethering on an as needed basis. Hate it when corporations lie like this.

 

[markwny153]

Can someone recap this for me? For those of us with the current $30 unlimited plan, what's going to happen as of 7/7? Are MHS & MBBC lumped together? What happens when my current contract ends?

- Mark

 

[FrankXS]

Can someone recap this for me? 1) For those of us with the current $30 unlimited plan, what's going to happen as of 7/7? 2) Are MHS & MBBC lumped together? 3) What happens when my current contract ends?

- Mark

1) Nothing
2) Yes
3) Nothing

-Frank

 

[FrankXS]

We can all argue the rates until we die of old age, but I have to say that I do like the method.

Basically there is a plan for different amounts of data to fit virtually everyone's needs, and there is no data rate increase for tethering other than an overall $20/mo for the capability. I personally, at the expense of being thought of as a VZW fanboy, think the methodology is ingenious. Something for everybody with no "gouging" overage charges. My kind of plans.

If you didn't notice, the overage charges are very tolerable. If you go over a month it only costs you maybe an extra $10 over the price of the "next-up" plan to "learn your lesson" and to make adjustments in your plan if you see fit. This will totally prevent all those "Billion Dollar Bills" due to ignorance - or mistakes. Good move VZW!

It also strikes me that these new data plans are very much like the basic Nationwide Talk and Nationwide Talk/Text plans in methodology. They almost equate the DataPlan/TetheringPlan compared to Talk/TalkText Plan. Interesting. Similar concept on both voice plans and data plans. Much easier to understand, buy and monitor.

-Frank

 

[IAmSixNine]

You are granfathered in as long as you have the data plan prior to 7/7. So for you nothing changs. If you make no changes to your account. Even when the contract runs out you still only pay what you have been paying. IF you sign a new contract or make any changes then they can hit you with the new fee structure.
Thats how i am reading it.
Wonder how many are going to go to sprint?
I am testing out a Droid Pro for work but with the data changes not sure if we will go the Verizon Route.

 

[pennywise]

This is unfortunate. I used to use MBBC on a pro-rated basis, on the infrequent occasions when I needed to tether my laptop and did not have access to WiFi.

With respect to the overall approach, it is ridiculous the way this Verizon exec tries to spin this:
http://www.androidcentral.com/verizon-employees-get-tipped-changes-data-pricing

"... exciting evolution around how we package data solutions to our customers ... period of transformational innovation within Verizon Wireless ... new opportunities for us to meet and exceed the needs of our customers ... a structure designed to allow customers to choose the right data solution that best aligns with their needs. ... More speed. More functionality. Same value. ... The successful launch of our new data pricing solutions represents a key milestone in our continued march to excellence. ... To paraphrase a quote from a favorite cinematic masterpiece of mine from the
80?s, Top Gun ..."

How is 5GB for $50 the same value as 5GB for $30? No more pro-rated tethering on an as needed basis. Hate it when corporations lie like this.

Can't you just use PDANet?

 

[WhoMe]

While I wont go as far as to call this price gouging or some sort of evil attack on consumers, I will say I don't like this at all. I only speak for myself but I know that even at 30 dollars I think the unlimited data plan is expensive. Obviously I see enough value in it to continue paying, but when I consider things to cut out of my life when I'm trying to find ways to save money....that data plan is always at the top of my list.

I regularly use over 3gigs a month. I don't tether, but I have a one hour commute to and from work. That usage is mostly Pandora and some Podcasts. I know I wouldn't be able to afford 50 dollar or even 40 to cover my usage. Further I wouldn't want to spend the money, its just not worth that much to me. So come renew time Ill have a hard choice to make. Ill either have to abandon the data plan, Verizon, or just curtail my usage.

None of those are attractive options. Its a bitter thing. Its stifling on so many levels...consumers and developers will feel this sting on these sorts of moves. And with this economy, this is a luxery tax I don't think I can stomach.

 

[Mortiel]

What ready rubs me the wrong way is that Verizon would do this DESPITE other carrier's tiered data being very unpopular. Verizon has even showed they noticed this by making a point to advertise unlimited data in phone commercials like it was a competitive advantage.

Furthermore, they also designed it where you have to hop on tiered if you want MHS/MBBC. Not my happiest day.

 

[Ricky Babalu]

We can all argue the rates until we die of old age, but I have to say that I do like the method.

Basically there is a plan for different amounts of data to fit virtually everyone's needs, and there is no data rate increase for tethering other than an overall $20/mo for the capability. I personally, at the expense of being thought of as a VZW fanboy, think the methodology is ingenious. Something for everybody with no "gouging" overage charges. My kind of plans.

If you didn't notice, the overage charges are very tolerable. If you go over a month it only costs you maybe an extra $10 over the price of the "next-up" plan to "learn your lesson" and to make adjustments in your plan if you see fit. This will totally prevent all those "Billion Dollar Bills" due to ignorance - or mistakes. Good move VZW!

It also strikes me that these new data plans are very much like the basic Nationwide Talk and Nationwide Talk/Text plans in methodology. They almost equate the DataPlan/TetheringPlan compared to Talk/TalkText Plan. Interesting. Similar concept on both voice plans and data plans. Much easier to understand, buy and monitor.

-Frank

I could be wrong, but I think you might be in the minority on this one. I have 4 lines (2 smart phone data plans and 2 feature phone plans). My 2 daughters are wanting to upgrade to smart phones which means I would have 4 lines with data plans. While I am fortunate in that I can afford the increase, it leaves a very bad taste. The phone is a necessity (IMO) for my wife and girls, but the data plan is not. They can wait to check their facebook, email, or browse the internet when they get home. This idea that has cultivated in society that you need to be connected 24/7 (facebook, twitter) or somehow you are going to miss something is driving me nuts! I think Verizon is testing the waters and believes society has become accustomed to being connected 24/7 and is willing to take it. This restructured pricing could be the breaking point (we will see).