Comments on: You’ll likely save money with Verizon’s “Share Everything” plans

By: WC

WC — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 17:08:35 +0000

I use ATT, but I saved about $70 after taxes by switching to a Mobile Share plan. My cost was about $400. Now it’s about $330 after taxes and surcharges.

It’s great for family plans, but probably not as great for single users.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 20:04:23 +0000

Scott, there’s plenty of research data available on the average data use for a smartphone user, but I’m not sure I’d make a consumer decision based on it. If I recall, folks are typically using around 400 MB per month. However, everyone is different. I easily use 3x that, for example, while my wife uses half of that average. Your best bet: look at the data usage from your prior bills and see what you’ve needed in the past. Then project out by adding an upward trend; unless you plan to heavily use Wi-Fi more often.

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 13 Aug 2012 19:57:44 +0000

Kevin, I appreciate the info. I am currently on a plan that I have unlimited data (I am hoping not to change this ever) I pay 29.99 for this plan, plus I get 23% corporate discount. My wife as a corporate data plan whuch I think I can change as I don’t believe she needs this (44.95). I already have unlimited texting on all phones for my kids. More to the point, I am not convinced this will be of benefit. Do you have research data on how much data is used per person in a month billing cycle?

By: Mac

Mac — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:41:39 +0000

This all comes down to one thing – overage charges. Thats all it is. Verizon knows the shift at this point is going from talk and text to data. I can bet their revenue from talk has decreased – What do they need? make extra money on data.

I just did the math for my situation, I have 4 smartphone lines, all with unlimited data and 2000 minutes with Verizon. With this Share everything crap, I would have to get down to 2 GB data just to break even with my current bill. Any more data, and I would be paying more than I currently do.

2GB? On average, one phone usage is 1 GB a month – No Thanks Verizon. But keep finding ways the nickel and dime us.

Im already pissed they made a new regulation that anyone who switches to their 4G network now, will have to lose their unlimited data plans and have to go on a tiered plan… This company at one time was a great company… what the hell happened?

By: hov

hov — Fri, 06 Jul 2012 17:16:33 +0000

i have unlimited data and they are trying to take that away, and trying to convince me that its a better deal. WTF. I am going to start using my unlimited data like no other just to punish them for doing this to their loyal customers

By: Alex

Alex — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 04:35:09 +0000

peace out verizon…hello sprint

By: netflixcomactivate

netflixcomactivate — Mon, 18 Jun 2012 11:51:31 +0000

It’s a great idea. Unlimited talk and text and a shared pool of data is really convincing.

They just ruined it at the price point. For a 4 GB plan with 4 smartphones, that’s upwards of $210 dollars. This is where you can tell greed is getting in their way. This really shouldn’t cost any more than around $150 a month. Imagine how much more money they would take in that way.

By: Joe T.

Joe T. — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:13:46 +0000

But doesn’t it seem like a major gamble for VZW, even if you’re right about “likely” savings? All of us who have a nice, tailored plan (Verizon’s new anti-Burger King motto: “Have it our way”), feel exploited. My employer discount currently gives me unlimited data and 450 minutes and no free texts (using Google Voice to respond) for $62/mo. I’ll likely see ~$30 increase (employer discount also becomes less) for less data (2GB), and then throw a hissy fit and leave for PagePlus. How many others like me are out there? My guess is 10% – 30%, depending on what other alternative plans are available.

A risky time to buy VZ stock.

By: Kevin C. Tofel

Kevin C. Tofel — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 18:21:46 +0000

Fair point and sorry I didn’t quite understand where you were coming from. Thanks!

By: Telecom Dude

Telecom Dude — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 17:59:03 +0000

Kevin, I’m not accusing you of hiding anything. I guess I should have created a separate comment instead of joining this thread.

Going back to my point, the title of your article is misleading then. Sorry to be nitpicking like this, but as you know, it’ll be articles and titles like this that’ll be paraded by Verizon and other interested parties in justifying these rates hikes.