Verizon Wireless to offer a tiered $15 data plan

By Jeffrey Van Camp Published October 19, 2010

Verizon Wireless will offer a restricted, less expensive data plan for its smartphone users on Oct. 28, reports Engadget. The move is an obvious nod to AT&T, which began tiering its data plans some months back. Verizon customers can now pay $15 for 150MB of data access. If a user exceeds this arbitrary limit, a 10 cent charge is added for each additional megabyte. In essence, Verizon is charging 10 cents a megabyte, with a $15 minimum fee. The carrier will, however, continue to offer “unlimited” data access for $29.99.

Unfortunately, it is very easy to eat through 150MB of data on a smartphone. Watching a few YouTube videos, browsing a few websites, and downloading a podcast or two will easily surpass the 150MB minimum. Many users may end up paying more than $30 in overages if they use their phone too much.

Recommended Videos

AT&T made a similar move in June when it eliminated its “unlimited” $29.99 data plan in favor of a $15 plan that includes 200MB and a $25 plan with 2GB of data. The company charges an additional $15 if the 200MB plan users go over the limit, which buys 50MB more, and an additional $10 if the 2GB users go over, which buys another 1GB of data. (We’ve got a breakdown of AT&T’s prices here.)

Verizon is also eliminating its $9.99 for 25MB plan for regular phones. Those users can now purchase the $15 and $30 plans, or pay $1.99 per MB. Netbook and laptop modem users can choose between 5GB for $50 and 10GB for $80. iPad users will get 1GB for $20, while other tablets are priced at 1GB for $10.

Confused by all the numbers? We are too. With an expanding array of devices and services, AT&T and Verizon’s plans keep getting more complex and inconsistent. With the introduction of 4G just around the corner, pricing will likely get worse before it improves.

Topics

Jeffrey Van Camp

Former Digital Trends Contributor

As DT's Deputy Editor, Jeff helps oversee editorial operations at Digital Trends. Previously, he ran the site's…

Mobile

Android is prepping notification summaries. Let’s hope it’s better than iOS

Android notification summaries concept.

So far, Google has done an admirable job of putting generative AI tools on Android smartphones. Earlier today, it announced further refinements to how users interact with Gemini AI assistant and extended a few freebies, too. Now, Google seems to be chasing an AI tool that has worked poorly on iPhones.
The folks over at AndroidAuthority took a peek at the code of Android 13’s latest beta update and found the mention of“notification summaries.” To enable this feature, users will have to flick a dedicated toggle under the Notifications dashboard of the Settings app.

A thoughtful approach for Android
Thankfully, users will be able to disable notifications for apps that they don’t want to see summarized notifications. An analysis of the strings suggests that the feature will only summarize notifications that host conversational content, such as messages, and no other app alerts.
This is a thoughtful strategy, and will likely avoid the mess that came from summarized notifications within the Apple Intelligence bundle. Notification summaries are a useful way to catch up on the chatter in a buzzy group, like friends or workplace chats.

Mobile

OnePlus speculation heats up over ‘Pagani’ device

OnePlus Open Apex Edition Crimson Shadow red held in hand in front of the black variant.

This morning, known tipster Max Jambor shared a cryptic message about OnePlus on X, and that has since sent speculation into a frenzy. OnePlus has already made it clear it has no plans to release the OnePlus Open 2 in 2025, despite all the leaks surrounding the device. That leaves a few likely options: it's either the foldable for next year, or it could be another device like the rumored OnePlus 13 Mini.

The OnePlus 13 Mini (also suspected to be the OnePlus 13T) is expected to launch sometime in May, offering flagship performance in a compact size. "Pagani" could refer to that, as it's also the name of an Italian sports car brand known for sleek designs and high performance. If this is the case, it's no surprise Max Jambor would have information before the rest of the world. He has an inside link to phone companies.

Mobile

The OnePlus Pad 2 is on sale, and you’ll get a free stylus or case

The split on-screen keyboard on the OnePlus Pad 2

If you're interested in the OnePlus Pad 2, you've got from now until March 16 to make it yours in the best way possible. It's been said that the upcoming OnePlus Pad 2 Pro could have the hardware chops to take on the iPad Pro. The current deal on the base Pad 2 takes it a step further by making the tablet more affordable and getting you even closer to having a fully-kitted tablet at no extra cost.

When you tap the button below and enter the code LUCKY25 upon checkout by March 16, you'll get $70 off of your purchase. And that's in addition to getting a free accessory (stylus or cover) as well. That makes the tablet $480 instead of $550 and technically $40 or even $100 cheaper if you were planning on buying the accessory anyhow.