Verizon confident enough to keep unlimited data plans for iPhone 4?
Now that we all just pretty take it for granted that the Verizon iPhone will be announced tomorrow and ship around the end of the month we can start sweating the details like -- will Verizon's network be able to handle the AT&T-crushing load and will they still offer unlimited data plans. According to "a person familiar with the matter" (probably not Steve Jobs, right?), the Wall Street Journal says the answer to both questions is "yes":
Verizon Wireless, the country's largest wireless carrier, is confident enough in its network that it will offer unlimited data-use plans when it starts selling the iPhone around the end of this month [...] Such plans would provide a key means of distinguishing its service from rival AT&T Inc., which limits how much Internet data such as videos and photos its customers may use each month.
AT&T switched to 256MB and 2GB plans back in June 2010 and while Verizon is rumored to be doing likewise, staying with unlimited just long enough to launch the iPhone is probably the smart play.
"Whether they are iPhones or Droids, they are smartphones," Verizon Chief Executive Ivan G. Seidenberg said in a mid-November interview. "Regardless of the mix, we are prepared to carry more data."
Droids/Androids are already hitting Verizon's CDMA network in large numbers and iPhone will hit it again like a freight train, so it will be interesting to see if Verizon can really back up their claims.
Of course, Verizon's current EVDO Rev-A network can't handle voice and data at the same time, so unlike AT&T, Verizon iPhone users won't be able to talk and surf the web at the same time. Will that lighten the load, or simply put the pressure on Verizon to roll out an updated EVDO Rev-A network (since they're skipping the voice/data friendly Rev-B and going straight to LTE, which it doesn't look like Apple will be supporting for a while still...)
If unlimited data and better network reliability are really in the cards, does that encourage you to consider Verizon for your next iPhone?
[WSJ]
There are 56 comments. Add yours.
My company was tight with Verizon before and will be switching us back now that they have the iPhone. I really don't care about being on the internet while I am calling, I am just excited to have better reception than craptastic reception of AT&T in NorCal. Hallelujah!
I live in NorCal 5 megs down 5 bars all day long. Solano county
Verizon being opened up to the iphone doesn't mean that EVERYONE will go to verizon... they will just SHARE the business or customers. Competition is good and I hope that ATT brings back Unlimited data.
Ridiculous. How in the world has speculation become the only news? Especially when it's not an iPhone being announced. This is positively ridiculous.
TIPB, see ya later. You've lost a reader.
really? lost a reader for a story you dont find interesting? well good then, move on
Goodbye. The rest of us will not miss you or your childish opinions.
Ok. Alittle denial I see. Don't let the door hit ya where the good lord split ya. My friend of 20 yrs husband is a project manager for big red in alpharetta Ga and gas confirmed that's what it is. Grow up dude
Seriously? You expect "news" from a blog? It's a blog. You'll get news now and then and a lot of commentary the rest of the time.
Dear Lord! 1) Grab foot 2) Shove into mouth! Geez dude! Get a flipping grip! Looks like Verizon HAS confirmed the iPhone. Looks like YOU just made an idiot out of yourself. And who cares if TiPb just lost an idiot as a so-called reader. Like someone before me said. Its a BLOG. Not a newspaper. They are allowed to speculate as much as they fancy.
DOH!
A study already showed that Android users on Verizon use more data than any other smartphone on any other network. Therefore the iPhone will not affect Verizon at all. That being said, I am pretty excited for the Verizon iPhone. However, I think I am going to be waiting for June when we hear about the iPhone 5. I don't want to upgrade now and be screwed in a few months because I am stuck with an old iPhone 4.
I've mentioned the Verizon Android data thing here a few times. I think Sprint users also cosum
Submitted by accident.
I've mentioned that Verizon Android data users beat AT&T thing here a few times. I think Sprint users also consume more, but I have to go back and find those reports. I've noticed Apple types tend to believe only what they want regardless of the actual facts. Makes since considering they are willing to submit themselves to the whims and wishes of one man who tells them he knows what's best for them.
http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/guides/2010/12/android-users-biggest-data...
http://www.informationweek.com/news/infrastructure/traffic_management/sh...
If I did'nt already have unlimited I would switch to get it. My 3G service for AT&T & Verizon is equal where I live. Maybe a little faster for AT&T
Either way they will go to tiered plans shortly into the year
This does make it a bit interesting with Verizon having an unlimited data plan. Nice competition. I don't believe that AT&T will bring back the unlimited data plan like they should. I always cut it close to 2GB. I'm glad I kept my unlimited data plan. AT&T hasn't always had the best signal at home, but everywhere else the service is great. I would never give up the ability to talk and surf the web at the same time. NO WAY!
I was with att for 4 yrs and switched to vzw and it took me over a year to realize I couldn't surf and talk at the same time. Not important feature to me in the slightest. And really a weak selling point for att.
Well tino72, that is probably because you didn't have a phone worth multitasking on. I browse the internet all the time while on the phone. Most common is when I am trying to find a place to eat or look up an address. I also remote control peoples computers while talking on the phone with them. Tethering would also get interrupted when talking on the phone which is what really drove me nuts when I used to be with Sprint.
Two things, one is that Verizon's network simply ha higher capacity per tower than AT&T's network. Second, if voice while using data is that important can't people just use Skype? Or does Skype multitask a call service in iOS?
Verizons network doesn't have a higher capacity. They mainly run 3-5mhz wide band. AT&T runs 15 in most places. But their spectrum is split between voice and data.
Fact is, most people saved money by switching to the limited data plans. The people who read this site are the most data hungry and thus the vocal minority.
I agree. The idea of tier plans does benefit a lot of people who don't use data a lot. personally, I'd like to see the companies finally offer an option to have a smartphone and NO data plan (like Verizon used to in the past). There are people (not me) that just want a phone that can run a few games/music/video.
if they are all going to do Tiers, then none SHOULD be an option.
agreed. dumbphones are complete rubbish these days and it would be perfect if they had a no data option on smartphones. but that is not how the world works as all companies go where the money grows.
I am going to laugh sooooo hard if the iphone doesn't come out on verizon. most of the stories on this site since the 'rumor' have been talking as if it is now fact even though you say you won't believe it until steven announces it.
steven?! steve.
If AT&T doesn't bring back unlimited iPhone data plans this could be what makes me switch.
The talking while surfing the web feature is huge for me. I would say I do it at least once a day. I would not switch just based on that.
Exactly. No point in owning a smart phone if I can't look up stuff while talking to my boss or something.
all those people who take this feature for granted and use it without really minding it, will feel the wrath once they switch to verizon and go back to the store to complain that they cannot access the internet while on a call. "well the verizon guy didn't tell me i wouldn't be able to do that!" sorry, ignorance is not always bliss.
Once Verizon goes LTE that changes. A good enough reason for a wait and see approach.
Verizon say's unlimited but they will send you a letter if you consume to much. I couldn't switch to Verizon because of that. I consume anywhere between 4-5gb a month.
Wait, you're saying that Verizon will send you a letter but you admit you don't have Verizon service? How bout if we hear from someone with Verizon service...
I have Verizon's unlimited and have gone up to 6 gigs a couple of months and have never had a letter, and even if someone were to get a letter, it's UNLIMITED, meaning there is no limit. Perhaps you shouldn't speak about what you don't know.
When I was with Verizon they limited the unlimited to 5gb. Has that changed?
They still have that 5GB "soft" limit but it's rarely if ever brought up to users if they go over anymore.
I didn't realise that this blog was run by TMZ
Anyone else think that ATT service might improve when some heavy data users jump to Verizon?
AT&T's issue has never really been about heavy data use so much as it has been about per tower device capacity.
The bad thing is VZW can keep the unlimited plan for me the speeds are so slow that it makes data almost unusable while on the go. I plan on switching to Att screw VZW and the horse they rode in on
I'm hoping the network improves once people switch over. I'm also thankful for the competition that this will create between AT&T and Verizon!!
Oh people. Remember, CDMA can handle more traffic - but at a cost: voice quality. The more people on a given tower, that crappier quality of calls for all. Verizon is absolutely abysmal in terms of customer service. And their large numbers of subscribers are largely business customers. The rude awakening for Verizon iPhone customers is going to be funny. We'll have front row seats here, folks. Get your popcorn!
Please... everyone run to Verizon to solve their iPhone problems! That will leave me, my iPhone, and the entire AT&T network all to myself! :)
In all seriousness though, this will be good for Verizon, AT&T, and Apple. sure there will be less customers for AT&T, but I wouldn't be surprised if customer satisfaction went up and Verizon will probably have some of the same pains that AT&T does. Pick whichever network is best in your area (for me thats actually AT&T) and enjoy!
AT&T is fantastic in southern New England, almost everyone has verizon though and yet the don't switch even though they constantly complain about voice quality and the slooooooow data download speeds. I will be so happy when they all get iPhones and it works like crap.
With all this talk about switching, can AT&T users even switch? I mean, AT&T uses sim cards and verizon doesn't. So, I'm just confused whether or not it will really work.
No, those wanting to switch will have to buy a new iphone. In my opinion the amount of people making the switch will not be as great as most think in the short term. Many of the current iphone users are locked to their contracts and i am sure people will think twice about paying a $300+ ETF. On top of that, having to buy the new device as i said before, could make the switch cost north of $500 dollars.
Verizon should be able to handle the iPhone. In general, Androids are more data hungry than the iPhone due to their constantly connected widgets and apps running in the background. I personally staying with AT&T: abroad network compatibility is important for me.
If Verizon is seriously considering an unlimited data plan when they release the iPhone, I would seriously like to see AT&T bring back an unlimited data plan. I do like the idea of having tiered data plans available, but I would like to see unlimited brought back as a third option (250MB/2GB/Unlimited). With all the people that are supposedly going to be jumping ship for Verizon, maybe AT&T will consider this as the network won't be so congested.
I fortunately still have my unlimited plan as my account is grandfathered, but I don't like not having the option at all. It's like AT&T messaging plans, they have tiered plans and unlimited plans.
Hopefully this will create some good iPhone competition and rates, plans, etc. will benefit the consumers. Oh wait...we're talking about AT&T and Verizon...somehow we will all end up losing in the end...
I think if you have unlimited data text and tethering should be included.
There is a simpler and I would think could be a better marketing scheme for AT&T and that is roll-over data! I would be all for it!!
I work for Verizon, and while it is proven that roll over doesnt really do much (its more of a gimmick selling point) I think a looot of people would fall for that, and AT&T could, potentially, make a lot of users happy by having roll over data. I, still, wouldnt switch. (Hello? Unlimited data, and, in my area the best network) But, I think if AT&T did do that...smart move for them.
Is this more confidence or marketing?
Talk and Data are paramount to me. I can't even fathom having a Smart Phone that I can't talk on and look things up on, email from, etc... at the same time. With that said, if the LTE network ever comes to my market (which, living in Boise, is likely a long way off) I may look at it. Until then, I will stick with my AT&T which is just fine up here.
I think people seem to be under the misconception that phone carriers are in it to benefit the customers. When has that ever happened in the past??? I have full confidence that Verizon will DROP their plans to be consistent with AT&T. Why have better plans when people will still beat a path to your door to buy the phones?
Just out of curiousity, will the Verizon iPhone allow background streaming of radio apps such as, ESPN radio and/or Radio.com, simultaneously with web browsing?
No one will know for sure until it is released. However, that's all data, so most likely it will. The Verizon issue is simultaneous voice calls + data, not data+data.
Android users use more data than Iphone users ... so the BS that AT&T is spewing with their "Iphone is killing our network" claim is just that .. BS.
AT&T is the worst carrier according to Consumer Reports and their readsers. There is a reason for that: They SUCK!!!
You're making assumptions based on unrelated info. AT&T COULD be right in saying iPhones are killing their network. Because their network sucks...
I wish the iPhone was going to Sprint instead..... force AT&T to start rolling out similar everything plans like Sprint.
There's a reason why Sprint has those plans and AT&T doesn't feel it needs them. Sprint is the small guy, trying to get marketshare. It can't compete on network, so it needs to compete on price/features. AT&T's got us by the shorthairs, so it doesn't feel it needs do anything for us.