Slashdot Mirror
Verizon Wireless Goes Ahead With 'Bucket' Data Plans
CanHasDIY writes "Previously, it was reported that Verizon was considering eliminating their current data plan scheme, as well as the grandfathered unlimited plans, in favor of a new 'bucket' plan in which up to 10 devices would share a data allotment. Verizon has now officially acknowledged the new scheme, called the 'Share Everything' plan, which will go into effect as of June 28, 2012. According to USA Today, 'Under the new pricing plan, a smartphone customer opting for the cheapest data bucket, 1 gigabyte, will pay $90 before taxes and fees ($40 for phone access and $50 for 1 GB). Customers can add a basic phone, laptop and tablet to share data for $30, $20 and $10, respectively.' Those of us still grandfathered into the unlimited plan will be forced (when upgrading) to either sign up for Share Everything or one of the tiered pricing plans currently in effect."
According to USA Today, 'Under the new pricing plan, a smartphone customer opting for the cheapest data bucket, 1 gigabyte, will pay $90 before taxes and fees ($40 for phone access and $50 for 1 GB). Customers can add a basic phone, laptop and tablet to share data for $30, $20 and $10, respectively.' Those of us still grandfathered into the unlimited plan will be forced (when upgrading) to either sign up for Share Everything or one of the tiered pricing plans currently in effect."
The "bucket plans" are for people with MULTIPLE LINES. Any price comparison for someone who has JUST ONE LINE (as they attempted here) is completely POINTLESS. Compare the new "bucket" rates to FAMILY PLANS for MULTIPLE smartphones and you will see that the pricing is either pretty much equal, or cheaper depending on how much data you use. Regardless, I expect approximately 9,234,987 slashdotters will be chiming in about how if they ran a wireless company, they would do things completely differently. I can't wait to read each and every reply.