New Verizon plan offers 30 percent more data
Looks like the rumors were (mostly) true. Verizon is adding 30 percent more data to its existing tiers, as well as new features that let you roll over your unused data to the next month and activate a Safety Mode. The carrier has also redesigned its mobile app to make it easier for customers to shop, manage data and pay bills.
The “S” plan now offers 2GB (originally 1GB), “M” now gives 4GB instead of 3GB, “L” offers 8GB instead of 6GB, “XL” has 16GB instead of 12GB and “XXL” gets 24GB instead of 18GB. The plan’s prices have gone up by $5 for the S and M tiers and $10 for the L, XL and XXL ranges. Existing customers will have to opt-in to get these new rates and features, which will be available from July 7.
Big Red’s new Carryover Data program rolls over unused gigs to the next month, not for a year like T-Mobile allows with its Data Stash program. Verizon’s exec explained that the company believes that keeping it to a month makes managing your bandwidth easier.
The new Safety Mode tool, which you’ll have to activate, ensures you don’t incur overages. It drops your data speeds to 3G when you hit your limit instead of charging you for using more high-speed bytes. The XL and XXL plans get Safety Mode for free, while S, M and L users have to pay $5 to get the new feature. Other carriers, such as T-Mobile and Sprint, do this automatically on select plans.
Customers will get the redesigned My Verizon app via an automatic update (with compatible phones), which the company said was made to simplify bills, data management and plan or device shopping.
Don’t like all these changes? Existing customers can keep their old plans (and rates), but they won’t get all the new goodies.
*Verizon has acquired AOL, Engadget’s parent company. However, Engadget maintains full editorial control, and Verizon will have to pry it from our cold, dead hands.
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