Verizon Beats AT&T to the Punch, Introduces “Share Everything” Plans

Verizon Beats AT&T to the Punch, Introduces “Share Everything” Plans

Both AT&T and Verizon Wireless have been teasing shared data plans for months, but it looks like Big Red has beaten Ma Bell to the punch, today announcing its new “Share Everything” plans which allow data sharing between up to 10 devices.

Verizon Wireless announced new Share Everything plans, which promise to “forever change the way customers purchase wireless services.” Instead of having to purchase data plans for multiple mobile devices, the new plans allow users to share a bucket of data among up to 10 devices -- as well as unlimited voice minutes, text, video and picture messaging.

“Customers asked, and today Verizon Wireless delivered an industry first,” said Tami Erwin, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless.  “Share Everything Plans are the new standard for wireless service. They are simple; customers no longer have to think about their voice and message plans, because both are unlimited. Share Everything Plans are convenient; customers purchase one data plan and they share it with up to 10 mobile devices. And, they are worry-free; customers can connect their 3G or 4G devices wherever and whenever they want on America’s most reliable network.”

Of course, the devil’s in the details, as the saying goes. First you’ll pay a monthly line access fee per device: $40 for smartphones, $30 for basic phones, $20 for hotspots or other data devices and $10 for tablets. From the sound of things, tablets can be added or removed from the account at will “with no long-term contract requirement”; the iPad isn’t specifically mentioned, so we’re assuming it’s included for now.

Then, customers choose how much data they want, starting at $50 for 1GB and topping out at $100 per month for 10GB. (The company also has separate plans available for basic phones as well as data-only devices.)

The good news is that Verizon’s Mobile Hotspot feature is included with each plan -- no more extra fee for that privilege. On the flip side, unlimited data customers will lose that feature if they switch -- although the carrier doesn’t plan to force such users to do so at this time.

Verizon’s Share Everything plans launch on June 28, and the carrier has an online calculator available to see if the new shared plans are right for you. Your move, Ma Bell…

Follow this article’s author, J.R. Bookwalter on Twitter

Read More

Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest