Every once in awhile a “wireless” news story makes the jump to the front page in a move that always provides me with a bit of extra entertainment. In most cases these “jumps” are connected to something Apple related as it seems that the Cupertino-based company has a wireless connection directly to the minds of mainstream media types. (“Apple set to change world with new iWhatever!”)
But this week the jump was in relation to Verizon Wireless phasing out its unlimited data offering for smartphone users. Stories began appearing just about everywhere touting the news with comments that such a change will either plunge the economy into another recession or cause consumers to ditch their precious smartphones in favor of tin cans and string.
Sure, the move to capped data plans for smartphones has already been carried out by other nationwide operators, but it seems that the move by Verizon Wireless spells the true end of such luxury. (Sorry Sprint Nextel, Leap, MetroPCS and all those other carriers that continue to offer unlimited data for smartphones. You just don’t count.)
To recap for those that might have missed it, Verizon Wireless is now offering tiers of data to smartphone users beginning at the mandatory $30 per month for 2 gigabytes of data transmission, jumping up to $80 per month for 10 GB.
Verizon Wireless did announce plans to enlighten its customers as to how much data they are actually using, a move that would also seem to lessen the chances of those fascinating news stories of people being charged thousands of dollars for overage. Verizon Wireless’ plan includes sending free text alerts to smartphone users when they surpass the 50%, 75%, 90%, 100% and 110% thresholds of their data allowances.
I guess once you pass 110% you are on your own. (Quick, get CNN!)
My own personal experience in managing several wireless lines for family members would seem to indicate that a 2 GB cap is sufficient for 99.9% of consumer usage, though I do have a niece whose love for Pandora has her often hitting that level.
Regardless of reality, once a story like this makes the jump, all bets are off. I am investing everything I have into tin and string.
