There are Share Everything plans for those with just basic phones. One is $40 for 700min and pay as you go data. The other is $70 for unlimited minutes/texts and 300MB of data. Each additional phone is then $30 each. http://o.vzwshop.com/shareeverything/pdf/pverizon_share_everything_plan_details.pdf
Even the dumbphone access plans are worse now for new accounts. 700 minute plan would cost 40+30+30 for 3 lines where it currently costs 69.99 +9.99 for third line. It is them effectivly raising the price by $20. Then tack on discount changes. I get 26% discount on the 50 part of the 69.99 for the plan an 9.98 for the first line so a discount of 59.99 x 26% = $15.60. So net cost for just talk is currently $59.99-15.60+9.99+9.99(third line)= $64.37. I am unsure how discounts will apply with new plans but I am assuming the 26% discount will apply to the first line 40 access fee thing. So $40x26% = $10.40 discount. Net cost for 3 lines $40 -10.40 +30+30= $89.60. So in this case, it is Verizon effectively raising prices by $25.23 for no difference in what you are receiving. That's a 39% price increase.
The thing that has me worried is I can see Verizon down the road force people onto these new plans when they upgrade their phones. The other thing is news agencies are reporting on these new plans saying it will make cell phone purchasing so much easier. Not one is reporting the real truth on how these new plans are just a huge price increase for the exact same service.
Verizon was already justifying the old cost due to subsidized phones and superior network, how about after these price gauge changes? It makes no sense.
If we see another company change to match it closely match these prices, then there needs to be an investigation and fines and do whatever to stop this anti competive practice, but the problem is nothing will be done. The govt agencies are not there to protect the citizens/consumers, they look out for big business. Also the average consumer will just sit there and take it in the rear from Verizon because they don't want to change carriers.
I am glad I have my current plan, but the second they force me to switch to these new plans, you will lose my business. Sprint don't be evil and follow in Verizon's footsteps because you know at&t will (Verizon and att always copy each other).
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