Comments on: Is Verizon turning 3G into a prepaid-only service?

By: richardmgarrett

richardmgarrett — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 23:57:10 +0000

Perhaps for a run-of-the-mill MVNO that might be true but in the case of ST it is actually not that simple…when I call StraightTalk I get customer response that is equivalent to VZW (I was a VZW subscriber for 15 years so I am very familiar with their service and support). So I am still puzzled. :)

By: Pepe7

Pepe7 — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:05:32 +0000

Simple. They offer less amenities & support/services than the MVNO crowd can at that lower price point.

By: richardmgarrett

richardmgarrett — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:52:35 +0000

I am a StraightTalk user on the $45 p/month plan (unlimited everything). StraightTalk (like TracFone and NetZero) in our area is essentially reselling 3G/CDMA bandwidth that they buy from Verizon — how is it that a reseller can make $$ at lower price points and VZW can’t (or won’t)?

By: William Smith

William Smith — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 21:01:49 +0000

Verizon may just be using the prepaid route to keep its 3G network generating revenue. But Verizon has NEVER been known to offer “inexpensive” service. I don’t look for them to come anywhere near to the price point of other prepaid carriers. Its just not in their nature, they prefer to hype their service and charge premium rates. It would be cool if I am wrong, but I believe they would be worried it would cut too much into their profit base. After all, not everyone that has a smartphone is a data hog. Most times I find 3G is more then enough for what I do. If I need more bandwidth there is wifi for that! It is like the scenario years ago when Pontiac brought out the Fiero, Chevy put a stop to making it anything close to a competitor to the Vette so limited it to a small 4 cylinder. Eventually they allowed the 6 but they didn’t want to cut into the Vette’s sales. Just my 2 cents….