So, it seems Verizon Wireless will join AT&T next month in killing off unlimited data plans for smartphones. According to tech sites AllThingsD and Droid Life, starting in early July (possibly as soon as July 7) Verizon will shift to tiered data plans for devices starting at $30 for 2GB of wireless data.
2GB of 3G/4G smartphone data is more than enough for most Android, iPhone and Windows Phone users, but this shift is yet another nail in the coffin of all-you-can-eat wireless carrier data. If true, this move would leave T-Mobile and Sprint as the only two service providers in the U.S. offering unlimited smartphone data; and if T-Mobile is absorbed by AT&T it’s not difficult to imagine Sprint being the last man standing – and they may go wobbly fast.
Existing Verizon customers appear to be safe; as long as they continue service without changing plans, it looks like they can keep their $30/month unlimited smartphone data plan. So if you want to move to Verizon – or upgrade to a smartphone as an existing Verizon customer – and want to lock-in unlimited data, you’d better move fast.