Verizon To Start Checking The Meter: Unlimited Data Plans On The Outs

Verizon Wireless

Verizon has been sending signals about the end of unlimited data plans over the last few months, but it sounds like it’s finally ready to put the new plans into action. Three new levels will be available starting in early July as Verizon prepares for a new era of data usage.

We learned last week that just about all of you use way less data than Verizon’s smallest reported plan, at 2GB a month, will allow you to consume for $30 a month, according to Droid Life. According to research from Nielsen the average U.S. smartphone owner only consumes 435MBs a month. But those at the top of the usage pyramid might be interested in the other plans, with 5GBs available for $50 a month and 10GBs available for $80 a month, even though the top one percent of U.S. smartphone owners consume 4.6GB a month.

Going forward, however, that might change, especially if more and more people start becoming heavy mobile video devotees amid the shift to faster 4G networks. Verizon’s plans will only apply to new customers and those renewing their contracts with the purchase of a new phone, according to the report. (A Verizon representative confirmed to several outlets that new tiered data plans are coming but declined to get into specifics.) Those who wish to use their phones as tethering devices to get their laptops online will pay an extra $20 a month for 2GBs more of data.

AT&T (NYSE: T) did away with unlimited plans last year, and Verizon’s CFO told a conference earlier this year that Verizon didn’t believe unlimited plans were “a long-term solution.” Heavy wireless users aren’t going to be happy about the need to watch the meter, and those in the upper tier will have to cough up more money: Verizon currently offers unlimited data for $30 a month.

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