Verizon has added more data to its prepaid plans, and I say big whoop. They're simply unimpressive and noncompetitive, but's lets have a look at the changes before we continue to shake our heads at them.
Verizon's Updated Prepaid Plans
All plans include unlimited talk and text. The plan changes which go into effect on June 6th have been highlighted in blue, and the old plans have been crossed out.
- $40
2GB3GB of 4G LTE data - $50
5GB7GB of 4G LTE data $70$60 10 GB of 4G LTE data
In addition to the changes above, Verizon has decided to limit video streaming to just 480p. Right or wrong, limiting video streaming resolution has become an industry standard practice, one that I generally don't have a big issue with. However, if you are one of the persons who for various reasons has a need for high resolution video, you'll find this change craptastic. Verizon's prepaid plans also include mobile hotspot/tethering and unlimited texting to over 200 countries, as well as HD voice calling. Unlike Verizon's MVNO's where LTE speeds are limited to 5 Mbps download and 2 Mbp upload, LTE speeds with Verizon prepaid are at full speed.
The Plans Got More Data, Why Is That A Problem?
Getting more data included with your phone plan at no extra cost is always something to get excited about. However, that's not in itself the real issue that I see, it's that there is just much better value out there elsewhere. The data included with each plan really isn't all that competitive compared to the rest of the market.
For starters, AT&T brands Cricket Wireless and GoPhone offer much more to the consumer with very similar nationwide network coverage. For $35/month on Cricket Wireless you can get 4GB of 4G LTE data for $35/month and have higher LTE speeds. For $45 you're getting 8 GB of data, and at $55 you get unlimited LTE data. The latter two Cricket Wireless plans also include roaming access while traveling in Mexico and Canada.
For $40/month on an AT&T GoPhone plan you get twice as much data than what Verizon offers at that price point! You get 6GB of high speed data, and you can also use your phone while traveling throughout Mexico and Canada. So Verizon's $40 plan just doesn't compare favorably at all here.
When we take a look at some of Verizon's MVNO's such as Boom! Mobile or Total Wireless we see that we can get unlimited talk, and text with 5 GB of 4G LTE data for $39.99/month or $35/month respectively. That's a significantly better deal than what you get with Verizon at that price point as long as you don't need tethering and are ok with LTE speeds being reduced. Soon to be Verizon MVNO US Mobile even recently announced a great deal. For $32/month with US Mobile you'll soon be able to purchase 10 GB of data on the Verizon network!
Verizon is at least offering a limited time in store only promotion to help it compete with other prepaid providers. When you bring your number to Verizon prepaid, the company will give you a $100 account credit after your second month of service.
So what do you think of Verizon's updated prepaid wireless plans? How many of you are on one of those plans, and what made you decide that they are the perfect plan for you?